Grand Designs sees one of the shows most extraodinary transformations featuring Sarah and Pip who take on a daunting barn conversion in Bedfordshire.
Attempting to transform a 150-year-old barn into a sleek, modern home while staying within their tight budget, the couple faces a rollercoaster of setbacks, structural dilemmas and creative breakthroughs.
The final results of the barn conversion was described by Kevin McCloud as both “beautiful” and “gorgeous” with Sarah saying “every second of its been worth this moment.”
Couple bought barn that was ‘40% rotten’
Kevin McCloud upon first inspection was surprised, asking the couple “What on earth made you buy it?”
Sarah and Pip said they first discovered the barn online. Pip was initially unconvinced, dismissing the idea outright, but a visit to the site changed everything.
“Once we stepped inside, we decided we wanted it,” Sarah recalls. However, they soon learned that the structure was far from stable. The barn was described as “structurally useless,” with 40% of the wood deemed rotten and in need of replacement.
Kevin McCloud, ever the realist, remarked: “Flattening it would be easier.”
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The couple, however, remained determined to salvage as much of the original structure as possible, aiming to retain 80% of the timber.
A light-filled open plan marvel
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One of the biggest transformations came in the form of the vast open-plan living area.
A deck also features passed the living area overlooking a pond, enhancing the seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
Kevin was visibly impressed upon entering the finished conversion, exclaiming: “It’s a light-filled cathedral of space. Every reflection from the pond dances across the interior.”
The kitchen, remarkably built for under £15,000, sits at the heart of the home. The couple also designed separate his-and-hers studies, allowing them to work from home.
A bedroom mezzanine retreat
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A new overhead floor introduced a mezzanine bedroom above the living area to create a completely separate space.
The head height of the bedroom was extended by replacing two trusses with steel portal frames, reinforcing the barn’s structure while maintaining its original aesthetic.
The mezzanine also houses an ensuite bathroom, which Kevin described as “an inner cocoon.”
A framed picture of a lion and lioness above the bath, both wearing crowns reflected both of the couple’s personalities.
Despite a few design disagreements, the finished space is both striking and intimate. Sarah initially hoped for a more uniform colour on the roof tiles but admitted she was “warming to” the multi-coloured effect.
Built to last – and for animals, too
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Beyond creating a stunning home, Sarah and Pip were keen to maintain a connection to the barn’s agricultural past.
They expressed their desire to expand their smallholding, mentioning aspirations of keeping “more animals like goats, donkeys and maybe some sheep.” However, given the barn’s challenges, they humorously referred to it as “a three-legged cat” when they initially bought the house.
The final cost of the build came to £540,000 – over their original £420,000 budget but still well below Kevin’s £700,000 estimate. “We’ve nailed it,” Sarah declared proudly.
The original timber trusses were preserved and the new roof was a combination of reclaimed and new slate to keep costs down. They also removed outbuildings to construct new structures made from corrugated iron, blending old and new in their design approach.
Kevin was left in awe, concluding: “The frame is mesmerising. It all looks exquisitely done. It’s beautiful.”
Sarah said: “This really has been worth it. Every second of its been worth this moment.”
Pip added: “I think we’ve got a stunning house”.
If you want to watch this episode then tune in tonight at 9pm or watch other Grand Designs episodes, like last weeks episode where a couple built an ambitious floating home on water, on Channel 4.
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