Grand Designs viewers ‘crying eyes out’ over first ever home build that hasn’t changed in 25 years

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.

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 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.

‘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.

‘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’.

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.’