Channel 4 Grand Designs viewers baffled by ‘most ridiculous build’ in ‘history’ of show: ‘What a waste’
Grand Designs’ latest episode saw a homeowner hoping to build a 21st-century, mirror-image version of her current home, next door to the original Edwardian build.
Viewers of the Channel 4 building project show were bewildered by the decision, with a heated debate sparked on social media
Kathryn, 82, explained she wanted to create a mirror-image of her home, and had a budget of £607,000.
She detailed how she’d decided to move out of the home following the death of her late husband.
She also told host Kevin McCloud that she wanted a “better quality of life,” as she could no longer cope with the stairs in her current home.
Kathryn’s son Gordon was on-hand to help with the ambitious project, and while some viewers found the idea lovely, others couldn’t understand it.
Taking to X, many got involved in the subsequent debate, with one admitting: “Don’t get why she didn’t just adjust her existing house or have a lift fitted.”
“Only 10m into tonights #GrandDesigns and wondering why [Kathryn] doesn’t just renovate the existing house?” a second wondered.
Another wrote: “This one is a mindboggler the lady must have a great community about her to make her want to stay because I would just move out of area or get a lift fitted and a cleaner #granddesigns.”
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Kathryn is building a mirror image of her current Edwardian home – but with many 21st century improvements.
Sustainability is the watch word here!#GrandDesigns pic.twitter.com/vjcSE5Ixle
— granddesigns (@granddesigns) April 9, 2025
“Has she not heard of a stair lift. what a waste of money #GrandDesigns,” someone else fumed.
“#Channel4 #GrandDesigns that was one ridiculous, overpriced, unnecessary, rip off builds ive seen in the history of this show,” another impassioned fan shared.
Someone else added: “So, you can’t cope anymore with your house due to the stairs so you build an exact copy, along with the stairs? #granddesigns.”
Despite the criticisms, others applauded the decision, with one person writing: “What a lovely property, wishing Kathryn many years of happiness in her new home.”
“#granddesigns @granddesigns Brilliant build without moving,” another commented. (sic)
When McCloud caught up with Kathryn later in the episode, he explained her “dire” financial situation as she was £100,000 over budget.
However, fortunately, Kathryn had managed to move out and into her new home by the end of the episode, and expressed her excitement to host Christmas for her family.
Additionally, she shared how her old home was sold within “three or four hours,” prompting McCloud to beam “what a lovely outcome!”
The show often evokes a strong response from viewers, with a recent episode seeing fans appalled by a “floating home”.
Howard and Sarah explained to McCloud how they’d dreamed of building a “floating” home in a tidal estuary in West Sussex.
The presenter was in awe when he saw the final result, but fans took a completely different take.
The foundations of the build were made from prefabricated polystyrene slabs, and McCloud described it as looking like something from “space”.