10 Wackiest Grand Designs Houses | 4Homes

8. Birmingham: The Church

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Birmingham Church Grand Design. From Channel 4 Homes Wackiest Grand Designs

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8. Birmingham: The Church (Image 8 of 11)

Local man Dean decided that the only way he could properly house his family, including disabled son Jonathan, would be to buy and convert a church. As a bit of a handyman, Dean did virtually everything himself, an astonishing undertaking given the size of the property and scale of the transformation. The results are mixed at best, with an odd layout surrounding the indoor swimming pool and a finish that in places feels… well… inexpensive. But then this project was cheap – the total including buying the church and all conversion costs was £120,000. And while the house may not be to everyone’s (or Kevin McCloud’s) taste, it’s afforded Dean, his wife Hilary and their four children a better, more comfortable existence. Mission accomplished.

Learn more about Dean's unique Grand Designs church conversion >>

Watch the build progress in the Birmingham Church photo gallery >>

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Comments

Just finished watching this episode, and teared up. Hats off to the Shaws and the stonemasons and other tradesmen (artisans, really) who restored this castle for a stunning job and for not giving up. I hope they're all surviving the financial crunch, and doing as well professionally as they clearly deserve to.

Posted by lisa on 02/01/2009 18:53:06

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We have just been watching the grand designs episode where the couple, from Lanbourne in Berkshire, were living in a run down bungalow and build a wooden octaganal house beside it. We are in a similar situation, in that we are living in an 1850's cob cottage, comprising of just 4 rooms, which is very small and damp. We would like to build a new house beside it and demolish the cottage. Unfortunately we are unable to obtain planning permission and all our plans and appeals have been refused. This has been going on for nearly 2 years. My question is how do other people manage to get planning permission and we are unable to get it. I wonder if you have any tips or advice you can give us. We live in the Purbeck Council area in Dorset.

Posted by steve parker on 27/12/2008 22:21:59

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I can't find the TWO episodes about Tom & Judy Perry in the GullWing roofed house in this list?

Posted by Bill Fitch on 25/12/2008 06:07:21

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I live not far from Southend, and today my husband and I had a drive out to have a stoll on the Pier, we noticed that strange Eco Barge is still moored in Leigh and appears to have been deserted, could you tell us if there is any updates on this strange design, its such a shame to see it just left to slowly get eroded away - the couple seem to hav had nothing but bad luck with this project maybe an update programme would be an idea, as you have revisited some past projects regards Michelle Warman East Tilbury

Posted by Michelle on 23/12/2008 20:02:41

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dear,chanel 4 i have a request to make i watch all your grand desgins on chanel 138 but i missed your german designs can you repeat the german episode please thank's a lot. bina

Posted by bina paul on 08/12/2008 15:14:55

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Grand Designs Extras 10 Wackiest Grand Designs Houses

8. Birmingham: The Church

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