The Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud had his doubts about the show’s potential impact, initially joking that it would be a hit if “one surveyor and his dog” tuned in.
Little did he know, the Channel 4 staple would not only reach its 25th-year milestone but also become an integral part of Kevin’s life, one he now admits he can’t do without.
Yet, despite delving into numerous homes on television to the delight of countless fans, Kevin is tightly lipped about his own home nor revealing it to the public.
Previously, he hinted at elements of his home life and family during interviews, whilst still reserving the majority of his domestic details.
This is what we know about Kevin McCloud and what we understand the man behind the famed architect persona.
His private residence and the reasons for its continuous concealment
At 64 years old, Kevin is discreet about his home life, but he has previously mentioned settling in Herefordshire alongside the Welsh borders with his espoused partner, Jenny Jones, for the past three years.
As for broadcasting his personal dwelling on TV, Kevin remains adamantly opposed a sentiment he expressed unequivocally in a chat with the Mirror.
He said: “Why would you do that? It’s like walking around with your trousers down. Why would I, knowing full well 30% of anybody out there is going to say they don’t like it, and they’re going to be quite vitriolic? “.
Kevin has consistently shunned advances from producers who are keen to feature his home, emphasising the importance of his privacy. “Of course, they have asked, again and again. I think professionally it’s an exit strategy. If I did it, I could never get it back.”
Inside the stars personal space
While Kevin remains secretive about most of his private space, he has shared that his newly installed kitchen comes from none other than Ikea, inspired by a memorable Grand Designs build in Warwickshire.
“I was absolutely blown away by the staircase in Astley Castle, which was a wreck,” he said. “I thought if I could have one thing, it would be that. So I’m sort of borrowing some ideas,” he revealed candidly in his chat with the Mirror.
Home life and family
Kevin is a proud father to four adult children, with two carving out careers within the same realm as their father – Hugo as an architect and Grace as a design journalist.
With a wealth of knowledge in property dealings and a role model like Kevin, it’s hardly surprising Hugo and Grace made the leap into the housing market, investing in a fixer-upper to refurbish and sell.
Additionally, Kevin shares two more children with his former wife Suzanna, whom he parted ways with in December 2019. While Elise delves into fashion academia, Milo focuses on physical well-being as a Personal Trainer.
Kevin and his ex-wife Suzanna, who were married for 23 years, raised their youngest two kids, Elsie and Milo, in Somerset before their split in 2019.
His four children, unlike the famous Kevin, keep their lives private, far from the spotlight’s glare.
Life while living on the road
During the pandemic and following his separation from Suzanna, Kevin had to adapt due to his asthma, avoiding both hotels and public transport by living in a caravan.
He recalled: “I rented a camper van for three years and drove around the country living in it, just to be able to film. The cold months were particularly tough. It was in February, in the mud.”
“I rented a camper van for three years and drove around the country living in it, just to be able to film. The cold months were particularly tough. It was in February, in the mud,” he said, recalling the difficulties of his unique living situation.
Reflecting on the harsh winter conditions while residing in the camper van, Kevin recounted: “It was bloody, bloody cold. Camper vans, they’re designed for summer touring holidays. Never again.”