I do love Kevin McCloud. No, not in that way, as I know so many of my female readers do, and not just because he comes from the same part of south west England as me, or because I’ve been lucky enough to meet him in real life, but because of that twinkle in his eye. When he knows a plan is downright ridiculous, he doesn’t hold back and he’s always, quite annoyingly, right. Equally, when he really loves a project, I can’t get enough of his passion. And that voice. Well, it’s just comforting isn’t it? Is it just me?
I know it’s wrong of me but I am a Pom and I just can’t get into the Australian version (sorry!).
I devoured all 8 episodes of season 10 of Grand Designs (out to buy on DVD this week) in two evenings and it did not disappoint. It kicks off with an actor who buys the ruins of castle he used to play in as a boy and virtually builds a house within its frame. His plans for a theatrical, mock 16th century home were the kind that got Kevin raising an eyebrow or two.
In the 100th episode, quite possibly my favourite, Leigh and Graham attempt to convert and extend a landmark 150 year old, 100 foot high, water tower right in the heart of central London. Utterly derelict, with six foot thick walls and crowned with a huge steel tank, you have never seen anything like it. This is classic Grand Designs: a completely bonkers project driven by its owners’ unwavering belief in it.
The last episode in the series is a lovely, modest and very green project on the Isle of Skye, which Kevin declares to be one of his favourite houses EVER.
Grand Designs Series 10, released on DVD yesterday, RRP $39.95. Available from all good retailers.
Comments
I am on a Grand Designs binge at the moment! I know what you mean about Kevin – that voice, the way he’s almost always right! The crazy projects. I’m almost getting sick of barn conversions but season 10 sounds great!!
Not a single barn in this series!
Thanks for your posting. I have all the grand design UK series and am off to buy the series 10 to complete my collection for sure. I am glad to hear that in the series 10 there is no barns conversion, thank goodness, Kevin is amazing, he has that charisma even when he ask very sharp questions, I am not a Pom but so in love with the UK series.
You definitely can’t beat Kevin! 🙂