Grand Designs all round and change for the rental sector

THIS weekend we feature a fabulous, awardwinning home for sale that also starred on an episode of Grand Designs bringing lyrical praise from Kevin McCloud himself.

It is indeed a triumph thanks to conquering what is often impossible to get exactly right – the perfect pairing of an old house with a contemporary addition. It helped that the owner is an architect.

The only reason for the sale is that he has found another project and he can’t resist having another go. It’s one thing being beholden to a client’s wants and needs and quite another doing exactly what you know is best.

Talking of Grand Designs, if you get a chance to catch-up on this week’s episode of Grand Designs: The Streets on Channel 4 then do as it features Kevin McCloud visiting a new self and custom-built site in York.

It captures the ambition and determination of two sets of pioneering self-builders as they embrace the opportunity to create something completely bespoke..

Naturally, there are hiccups along the way. Nicola and Gareth have only a small budget and we see determined former schoolteacher Nicola take on the challenge of designing and project-managing their traditional redbrick build.

Just down the road, Matt, who runs a steel business, and Maryellen start work on a Brazilian inspired home with a butterfly roof, though there are disagreements along the way

He wants to use more steel while Maryellen says it will look too industrial. He also wants a black bathroom, but Maryellen wants white.

Luckily, there are two bathrooms so they decorate one each to protect marital harmony.

We also outline Michael Gove’s muchneeded changes for the rental sector. Whatever your political persuasion, there is no doubt he has proved himself fit for the job of Housing Secretary, unlike his recent predecessors.