Grand Designs viewers ‘crying eyes out’ over first ever home build that hasn’t changed in 25 years-Pierra Willix-Entertainment – Metro

Grand Designs viewers have been left ‘in tears’ during the season finale (Picture: Channel 4/ Malgosia Czarniecka Lonsdale)

Grand Designs viewers have been left emotional watching Kevin McCloud return to meet the family who featured on the first ever episode 25 years ago.

First airing on Channel 4 in April 1999, the series has followed people embarking on ambitious projects to build their own homes over 22 seasons.

Tracking their progress over the weeks, months and years that it takes for the homes to be completed, the show quickly picked up a loyal audience, who have never shied away from sharing their opinions on the final results.

Over the years many who have appeared have faced budget blow outs, construction delays and even relationship breakdowns as the stress of the build became too much.

However, the couple who appeared on the premiere episode have been praised by viewers after being given an update on what’s happened since they first appeared on screen.

In the final episode of this season, Kevin embarked on a nostalgic journey and visited the first-ever project located in the East Sussex coastal town of Newhaven.

The first ever episode of the series, which aired in 1999, saw host Kevin McCloud meet couple Tim and Jules (Picture: Channel 4)

Tim and Jules, paragliding school owners and parents of four daughters between them, had plans to build their new family home on the cliffs in just three months.

Their tight deadline was a result of Julie’s pregnancy, with the couple intending to have their first baby together in their new home.

However, things didn’t quite go to plan, and they faced several problems.

When Kevin last visited, their son Tiger had arrived, but the house was barely finished.

The pair faced many obstacles when building their dream home in East Sussex (Picture: Channel 4)

Their son Tiger arrived before they were able to move in (Picture: Channel 4)

The first part of the episode gave viewers a run down of what happened in the original episode before showing Kevin going back to see the family and their beloved home.

When the house was first built, it was located in the middle of a field, however the property is now surrounded by trees which have flourished since the couple planted them.

However, inside the home little has changed, with Tim and Jules explaining how they’d barely changed a thing in the past 25 years.

A decade ago, they even repainted the bright green walls in their corridors.

The couple are still living there 25 years later (Picture: Channel 4/ Malgosia Czarniecka Lonsdale)

Their son is now grown too (Picture: Channel 4/ Malgosia Czarniecka Lonsdale)

‘We made a decision that after the house was built, I didn’t want to do that all again,’ she explained.

As Kevin said, he loved their ongoing passion for the home they designed all those years ago.

‘We seem addicted to remodelling our homes and here is a couple content with what they have,’ he added.

It was a sentiment echoed by many viewers too.

Much of the house is still identical to when it was built (Picture: Channel 4/ Malgosia Czarniecka Lonsdale)

Kevin celebrated the fact they’d decided to keep the original features (Picture: Channel 4/ Malgosia Czarniecka Lonsdale)

The couple plan on staying there for awhile yet (Picture: Channel 4/ Malgosia Czarniecka Lonsdale)

‘I love that it hasn’t changed. And looks so full of life and love. What a success!’ Laura posted on X.

‘Shows you don’t need to redecorate every year,’ Mario shared.

‘Yes, it was all about making a family home. Not showing off, not making a statement or a point, just a home for people to live in and grow over the years. Yes, the “disaster” episodes are entertaining, but to see people making a home is truly inspiring,’ Duncan added.

Meanwhile Jessica wrote: ‘Are you normal or did you just cry your eyes out watching #GrandDesigns about some luscious green trees that have grown in 25 years.’

Others called it their ‘favourite episode ever’.

Many viewers loved tuning in (Picture: X)

This viewer praised the family’s home’ (Picture: X)

Another said more episode should show those who were satisfied with the homes they built and stayed in them for years(Picture: X)

It also saw Kevin reunited with Tiger, who is now a paragliding instructor and published children’s author, who wrote a book inspired by his upbringing so connected with nature.

Speaking to Kevin about still being at the home after nearly three decades, the couple said there was ‘never any reason to go anywhere else’.

‘It will have another chapter, but this is still our chapter,’ they explained.

Wrapping up the episode, Kevin said: ‘Although we make a series about the dramas of construction, actually the really exciting narratives and great stories happen when the buildings are finished.’

Grand Designs is streaming on Channel 4.

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