THE transformation of an ancient valley mill in south Cumbrian into a stunning home and workshop was broadcast to a national audience on hit show Grand Designs.
Rob and Ruth's journey to change the 200-year-old mill in Ulverston into their dream home over three and a half years impressed presenter Kevin McCloud.
The couple, who work as architects in Ulverston, had to find 'grit and resilience' according to Mr McCloud
The building work started in 2018 on their first detached house design on an 'extremely tight budget' of around £250,000.
"That is good," McCloud said upon visiting the building on completion.
"The expertly fitted stonework gives the building gravitas - more than a hint of the old ruin that it once was.
"That is beautiful.
"It is monumental, I mean, goodness me, even the timber work is monumental.
"It is a big thrusting building in the valley, it is great."
BEFORE: Site before building
The old mill had to be torn down due to structural issues and then rebuilt around the housing structure, which was a sad point for the couple as the building was the reason they fell in love with the place.
"This is exciting this building, it is beautiful," McCloud said upon entry.
"It is almost like standing in a gallery.
"That vast window is panoramic, like a super wide-screen cinema screen. I almost expect a wild bison to come into view.
"It could not be further from the old ruin that it once was."
FINISHED: South Lakeland house on Grand Designs
Their "toil" is likely to continue as there is plenty still to do with the kitchen, three bedrooms, the workshop, and rooftop entertainment space to be completed, which will not be a problem for the pair as they say the pleasure comes from just doing the work.
There was £300,000 spent on 300,000 square metres which McCloud said was extremely cheap and that people cannot build affordable housing for that.
HAPPY: Rob and Ruth on Grand Designs
"We have had our moments, but it is a stressful thing," Rob said.
They are now looking forward to hosting family and friends in their new space.
“This is not a conservation project, this is a new building, but it makes an important contribution to the history of this valley," McCloud added.
PRESENTER: Kevin McCloud from Grand Designs
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