Celebrated Channel 4 programme Grand Designs , hosted by the inimitable Kevin McCloud, has witnessed some spectacular construction triumphs over its two decades of broadcasting, empowering many to realise their architectural aspirations. Yet, amid the celebrations, there have been a host of disasters too, with numerous endeavours transforming into horror stories. It's all too common on the show for participants to face financial dilemmas, clash with planning authorities or experience unforeseen expansions in family size.
Occasionally, the challenges are simply too great, resulting in some would-be developers facing divorce, bankruptcy, and ruin. What becomes of these ambitious projects after the production wraps and the residences are left neglected? Express Online dives into the fates of once-promising Grand Designs, ranging from vandalism-scarred luxury abodes to dreams that caused familial rifts. Kevin McCloud celebrated The Dome House as "awe-inspiring," but it fell on tough times in 2016 when locals suspected it had been abandoned.
Architect and owner Robert Gaukroger had invested two years and £1 million in 2011 to construct this unique eco-mansion nestled in the hills above Bowness-in-Windermere but then left it totally unkempt. Following an arduous eight-year quarrel with a neighbour, he opted to relocate to the south for university studies. Efforts were made to sell the impressive dwelling for £2.
3m in 2015, yet within months, the price plummeted to £1.45m. Thankf.
