Grand Designs fans were left in awe as Channel 4 celebrated the show’s 25th anniversary by re-airing the very first episode, bringing viewers back to 1998. The nostalgic episode revisited Tim and Jules as they set out to build their dream home on a unique plot overlooking the East Sussex cliffs. Fans couldn’t help but marvel at the difference in costs between then and now, sparking a wave of reactions on social media.
In the episode, Tim and Jules secured their cliffside land for just £86,000—an amount that shocked modern viewers. One fan on X remarked: “Mad to think land was so cheap 25 years ago.” Another shared their disbelief over the price, posting: “The land costs 86k.
I’m fine.” As the episode unfolded, more viewers chimed in, noting how modest the total budget seemed compared to today’s sky-high figures. One fan said: “£150k wow, several times that now,” while another humorously added: “How quaint, 'only' £6,000 over budget compared to the insane numbers in 2024!” Nostalgia was running high with one commenting: “Such a quaint episode of #GrandDesigns, back when they used to worry about mere four-figure overspends.
” Another joined in adding: “#granddesigns from 25 years ago . 75p bricks, hods, jack planes and knocking clout nails in with a hammer. It’s proper olden days stuff.
” Many couldn’t believe how young host Kevin McCloud looked in the very first episode. Now 65, McCloud has become synonymous with the show, guiding viewers.
