Tags: Grand Designs Channel 4 TV Kevin McCloud Peel Castle castle scheduled monument English Heritage derelict ruin restore restoration rebuild Francis Shaw architect Hellifield Yorkshire Dales countryside
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Tags: Grand Designs Channel 4 TV Kevin McCloud Peel Castle castle scheduled monument English Heritage derelict ruin restore restoration rebuild Francis Shaw architect Hellifield Yorkshire Dales countryside
© All Rights Reserved
Tags: Grand Designs Channel 4 TV Kevin McCloud Peel Castle castle scheduled monument English Heritage derelict ruin restore restoration rebuild Francis Shaw architect Hellifield Yorkshire Dales countryside
© All Rights Reserved
One of my favourite TV programmes is Channel 4’s Grand Designs... I have watched it since the first series way, way back. If I ever win the lottery this is what I would spend the money on... but employ an architect and contractor!!!
There have been many fantastic designs over the series but one stands out for me... just for the sheer bloody determination to keep going through adversity, disaster and bureaucracy!
Hellifield Peel Castle in the Yorkshire Dales is a stunning example of restoration of a scheduled monument with all the red tape that it entails. Lovingly rebuilt and restored by architect Francis Shaw and his wife Karen. They both have incredible drive and patience, considering the barriers (and costs) that English Heritage placed in their way.
We were watching an updated rerun of the episode only to discover they had opened it up as a B&B. We booked... 10 months later we visited in February 2010 and these are some of the pictures I took.
On the Saturday night, the couple who had booked the attic apartment invited everyone who was staying the weekend up for drinks, including Francis and Karen. Much was drunk and discussions about Grand Designs and the castle... a most pleasant and entertaining couple of hours!
If you're ever in the area, it is most definitely worth paying a visit or, better still, book to stay... there’s still a waiting list - I know, I’ve just checked to stay again!!!
I know these pictures are old but there was a Grand Designs Revisited on at the weekend and it brought it all back!!!
Tags: Grand Designs Channel 4 TV Kevin McCloud Peel Castle castle scheduled monument English Heritage derelict ruin restore restoration rebuild Francis Shaw architect Hellifield Yorkshire Dales countryside
© All Rights Reserved
Tags: Grand Designs Channel 4 TV Kevin McCloud Peel Castle castle scheduled monument English Heritage derelict ruin restore restoration rebuild Francis Shaw architect Hellifield Yorkshire Dales countryside
© All Rights Reserved