Grand Design: Derbyshire Longhouse (Channel 4 Monday 11 December 2023)

In this repeat episode of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud follows Mike and Sarah as they embark on building their dream home on a remote smallholding in the Derbyshire Dales. Tune in to Channel 4 on Monday 11th December 2023 at 9.00pm.

Multi-Generational Housing Challenge

Mike and Sarah are featured in a repeat episode of Grand Designs, where they made the decision to purchase a remote smallholding in the Derbyshire Dales after their daughters left home. Their goal was to rear animals, grow vegetables, and eventually live on the farm full-time with their elderly parents as well as provide space for their daughters to visit. However, the main challenge was the fact that the farm had no actual house, just a few dilapidated old barns. Despite the plot’s history of failed planning applications, Mike and Sarah were granted permission in 2020 to build a 21st-century version of a historic Derbyshire longhouse with a build budget of £945k.

The ambitious 12-month schedule for the construction soon began to face challenges, such as difficult access down a narrow bumpy lane and the discovery that the roof required much more steel than anticipated, resulting in an extra cost of £55,000. Delays in the build were also caused by a shortage of building materials. Additionally, Mike’s elderly parents decided they did not want to move in due to the remoteness of the location. However, the situation became more urgent after an unexpected bereavement, placing pressure on them to finish the house before time ran out.

The episode featuring Mike and Sarah will air on Monday, 11 December 2023, at 9:00pm on Channel 4.