Ep 2. Living in the Country

Living in the Country is the second episode of the 12th season of the popular British TV show, Grand Designs. The episode follows the journey of a couple, Ian and Jayne, who are in pursuit of their dream of building a home in the middle of the countryside, away from the fast-paced life of the city.

Having grown up in the countryside, Ian has always had a love for nature and the peace and tranquility that comes with living in the middle of nowhere. However, Jayne is a city girl who has spent her entire life in urban areas, and the idea of living in a secluded location is both exciting and daunting at the same time.

Despite their different backgrounds and opinions, the couple is determined to build their dream home in the countryside, and they embark on what will be a challenging and arduous journey.

The episode begins with Ian and Jayne scouting for potential building sites in the countryside. After months of searching, they finally discover a beautiful piece of land that meets all their requirements. The land is surrounded by lush greenery, a lake, and miles of open fields, making it the perfect location for their dream home.

However, building on such a remote piece of land comes with several unique challenges. The couple has to come up with a design that takes into account the harsh climate and unpredictable weather patterns of the countryside. They also have to factor in ways to be self-sufficient and not reliant on utilities such as electricity and water.

Ian, who is an experienced builder, takes the lead in the construction process, and he employs several innovative techniques that allow him to build the house without significantly impacting the natural surroundings. One of these techniques is the use of insulated concrete formwork, which is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient way of constructing a building.

The episode is filled with several other challenges that Ian and Jayne face during the building process. These include delays caused by harsh weather conditions, difficulties in obtaining planning permission, and conflicts with local authorities.

Throughout the episode, we get to see how Ian and Jayne cope with these challenges and how their relationship evolves as they work towards building their dream home. We also get a glimpse into the lives of the couple's two children, who have to adapt to rural life and face challenges like catching the school bus or taking care of the animals on the farm.

Living in the Country is a fascinating episode that showcases the challenges that come with living in a remote location. It's also a testament to the power of determination, love, and hard work, as Ian and Jayne prove that with the right attitude and approach, anything is possible.