Grand Designs Season 8 Episode 12 Somerset Cowshed Revisit 2017

In the season 8 episode 12 of Grand Designs, we revisit the Somerset Cowshed project that was first featured in the show back in 2012. The original episode followed married couple Ed and Rowena Waghorn as they embarked on a mission to turn an old cowshed into a family home.

Fast forward five years later, and we get to see how the project has evolved since its completion. Kevin McCloud returns to the site to catch up with Ed and Rowena and see how they have been living in their unique new home.

The Somerset Cowshed project was a challenging one from the get-go. The cowshed sat in a floodplain, which meant that the foundations had to be specially designed to accommodate for potential floodwaters. Ed and Rowena also wanted to maintain the rustic feel of the cowshed while still creating a comfortable living space.

Despite the challenges, the couple was able to create a stunning, eco-friendly home that stylishly blends the old with the new. In the original episode, we saw how they incorporated original features of the cowshed into the design, such as keeping the feeding troughs on the ground floor. The first floor – where the cows used to sleep – was turned into a spacious living area, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

During the revisit, we see how the family has settled into the space. Kevin McCloud is delighted to see that the family has been able to preserve the original character of the cowshed while still making it their own. He marvels at the skylights that let in light, the sleek and modern kitchen, and the outdoor pond that is home to various species of fish.

However, not everything has gone smoothly for the Waghorns since moving in. In the five years since the project was completed, they have had to deal with several maintenance issues, such as leaks in the roof and problems with their wood-burning stove.

Despite the challenges, the family remains delighted with their home. They talk about how, even on gloomy days, they still enjoy looking out the windows and admiring the stunning views. The space is perfect for a growing family, with plenty of room for their children to play and explore.

Overall, the revisit of the Somerset Cowshed is a heartwarming reminder of how a unique and challenging project can result in an extraordinary living space. The Waghorns have managed to create a home that is both practical and beautiful, and one that they are happy to call their own.