Grand Designs

10 Best Episodes of Grand Designs - Season 18

Kevin McCloud follows people as they build their dream house, often focusing on modern design, energy efficiency, maximizing space and views.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 10, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Grand Designs - S18E2

#9 - Harringey, London: Victorian Gatehouse (Season 18 - Episode 2)

Kevin McCloud meets neurologists Penny Talelli and Mark Edwards, who plan to combine their love of old and contemporary architecture as they transform a derelict Victorian gatehouse in North London. However, the pair soon find themselves struggling to balance their busy working lives alongside project managing the build.

The episode was rated 7.31 from 167 votes.

Grand Designs - S18E5

#8 - South East London: Victorian Dairy House (Season 18 - Episode 5)

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Beth and Andrew rescue a crumbling Victorian dairy, hoping to make it into a 'shabby chic' family home fit for modern life. But is the building simply too derelict?

The episode was rated 7.39 from 152 votes.

Grand Designs - S18E4

#7 - South Hertfordshire: Roman House (Season 18 - Episode 4)

Kevin McCloud meets Chris and Kayo, who plan to build a unique, Roman-inspired home on the protected land surrounding one of Britain's most historic abbeys in Hertfordshire. The pair find themselves constrained by stringent planning conditions, and the intricate and complicated build puts both their schedule and budget under a great deal of pressure.

The episode was rated 7.45 from 148 votes.

Grand Designs - S18E1

#6 - Malvern: Hill House (Season 18 - Episode 1)

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After a four year stint living in New Zealand, ex-RAF pilot Jon and GP Gill Flewers want to build a Kiwi-style hill house on the slopes of the Malvern hills in Worcestershire. They plan to build an ambitious three-storey home clad in wood and stone, but the pair encounter problems as the site is so steep builders do not want to take on the job.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 169 votes.

Grand Designs - S18E7

#5 - Peak District: Post-Industrial House (Season 18 - Episode 7)

After 15 years of saving and planning, ecologist Fred and communications manager Saffron Baker start building work on their new family home in a village in the Peak District. However, the couple face difficulties as the start of construction proves more a feat of civil engineering than a house build, and work comes to a halt when their self-build mortgage falls through.

The episode was rated 7.50 from 135 votes.

Grand Designs - S18E8

#4 - London: Miniscule House (Season 18 - Episode 8)

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Design engineer Joe Stuart and service designer Lina Nilsson take on the London property market, as they build their own home on a miniscule 38 square metre plot. Joe designs a split level, six half-floor house that will cleverly maximise the space, but the project is soon runs months behind schedule, and thousands of pounds over their budget.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 142 votes.

Grand Designs - S18E3

#3 - County Down: Agricultural House (Season 18 - Episode 3)

Kevin McCloud meets young architect and shed fanatic Micah Jones, who plans to transform an old agricultural building in County Down, Northern Ireland. Micah plans an upside down, four bedroom shed using new techniques and materials, but the £200,000 budget runs short, and Micah is forced to take on some of the building work himself.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 145 votes.

Grand Designs - S18E9

#2 - The Recycled Timber-framed House: Revisited (Season 18 - Episode 9)

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Following the work of Ed and Rowena Waghorn as they continue to build a handcrafted, five-bedroom house on an eight acre smallholding in Herefordshire, 10 years in the making. Progress on the build was slow as Ed decided to do most of the work himself, and after four years the house was still a shell. Now, years later, is it possible this house may finally become a medieval masterpiece?

The episode was rated 7.71 from 126 votes.

Grand Designs - S18E6

#1 - Blackdown Hills, Devon: Snake House (Season 18 - Episode 6)

Kevin McCloud visits a house belonging to an engineer that resembles a giant snake. The building was inspired by an ammonite shell and has a scaly, curving structure that spirals over two levels and combines natural materials with the latest modern technology. However, completing the project within the 12-month schedule may not be possible.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 139 votes.

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