Couple Tony and Ara’s dream of creating a home focused on wellness saw them face unexpected difficulties
The fourth episode of Grand Designs airs tonight at 9.00pm on Channel 4(Image credit: Channel 4)
Physical therapist Ara and researcher Tony embarked on an ambitious journey to build a home focused on health and wellbeing in a serene woodland clearing near Henley-on-Thames.
However, tragedy struck when Ara discovered she had cancer during the project, meaning creating a stress-free environment was essential. Although, just as was seen with the Grand Designs lighthouse home, things didn't end up going exactly to plan.
As financial pressures mount and unforeseen challenges arise, their dream of "a space that allows me to heal", as Ara stated, ran the risk of turning into a source of strain for both of them.
Despite host Kevin McCloud stating "I wouldn’t blame them for giving up" the couple managed to complete their project and we take a look at the house that features on the latest episode of Grand Designs.
Home built around natural swimming pool in garden
Image 1 of 4
Tony stated the couple wanted to build "a very environmentally friendly house"(Image credit: Channel 4)
The couple wanted to incorporate the forestry environment into the design(Image credit: Channel 4)
Kevin McCloud said: "The green of the lawn and the depth of the forest beyond is wonderful"(Image credit: Channel 4)
The home, which was Tony's parent's home, was knocked down and rebuilt in four years(Image credit: Channel 4)
Tony rebuilt his family home around "the well" a natural swimming pool that sits in the heart of their home, in a four-year-long battle.
The area serves as a relaxing space for the pair that allows them to look onto their garden surroundings and into the silver birch forest in the near distance.
Kevin said "The green of the lawn and the depth of the forest beyond is wonderful" as Tony added "The aim was always to have circles within circles”, which the well gave them.
Get the Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
Tony said he decided to knock down the home his parents had left him as he had to “let go of the past to make way for the future”.
Kevin describes hallway as "delightful"
Image 1 of 3
"I'm way, way over budget. And you know you just have to do it", Ara declared(Image credit: Channel 4)
The couple went £200,000 over budget(Image credit: Channel 4)
Kevin McCloud was in awe over the lighting in the blue kitchen(Image credit: Channel 4)
The entrance to the home past the natural swimming pool showcases an overhead balcony area with distinctive purple doors aimed at creating a calming hallway.
Kevin exclaimed: "It’s delightful, it’s airy" as he first entered the completed hallway."
That wasn't all as when Kevin continued his tour through the home he was in awe of the lights in the kitchen which have the ability to mimic daylight even at night or in poor weather as he uttered, "what trickery is this?".
The work was not without its problems. While completing the downstairs rooms, Ara said "I'm way, way over budget" as the couple stated they went £200,000 over what they planned for, but they persevered as she claimed "you know you just have to do it" as the couple dipped further into their pension to complete the project.
Mirrored ceiling bedroom
Image 1 of 4
Kevin said the couple achieved their objective in creating a calming home(Image credit: Channel 4)
The colourful art pieces lined the walls in the landing(Image credit: Channel 4)
The home comes equipped with a gym(Image credit: Channel 4)
The thick, wooden cladding made the home look like a diner, according to Kevin McCloud(Image credit: Channel 4)
The finished home featured a master bedroom with a mirrored ceiling and quirky lighting.
Art pieces also fill the upstairs walls with brightly coloured forest-inspired pieces lining the walls such as in the gym and landing area.
Kevin said the couple achieved what they set out to do as he said: "You’ve provided the most supportive environment for Ara to battle cancer in."
Grand Designs Season 24 features is on Channel 4 at 9.00pm every Wednesday.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
