Grand Designs Episode Information Brighton: The Story

Comments

1. Apart from the design of the house, which is quite spectacular, we would like to commend the fortitude of the couple involved. We are in the final processes of completing a contemporary newbuild (only half the size), with all the inherent problems that you witness on these TV shows, such as spiralling costs, delays in the build, less than 100% commitment etc, you name it, we have experienced it. At times, we have felt that it was almost too difficult to go on but we have kept watching this particular episode and it has inspired us to keep going. The pragmatic approach of the couple regarding the ultimate decision as to whether the house would be sold or not (can anyone confirm its fate?) has helped us get our priorities back into focus. Thank you Barry & Julie Surtees and we are hoping that you will be at Grand Designs live in October?

   Posted by Rosie Beal on 13/09/2009 08:47:46

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
2. Drooled over the sofa on the website -- which is far too posh to have prices, dammit. Oh well - thanks for posting the link -- I'll ring the showroom tomorrow, lever my jaw off the floor and then get back to reality.

   Posted by theandrewssister on 12/09/2009 21:07:31

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
3. Just watched this episode on TV in Melbourne I was horrified, thought it was the worst profile of the whole show so far The builder was arrogant and thoughtless especially to his neighbours. He was not the slightest bit interested in being even a small bit environmentally friendly. He was totally unsympathetic to local businesses and neighbours - ie what was his response to the tree blocking his view? He made me mad!! I look forward to new episodes soon

   Posted by Christine on 14/08/2009 03:25:51

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
4. Appears the house has just been sold for 1.5 million pounds.

   Posted by Peter on 07/08/2009 07:21:57

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
5. Does anyone have a Google Earth reference for this house?

   Posted by Ian on 06/08/2009 03:53:27

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
6. I was really disappointed by the attitude of this guy in purchasing building supplies for this project from overseas instead of supporting local business and his local community. I wonder if he needed the support of his local community in other ways when he found himself in difficult times?

   Posted by Tania on 05/08/2009 08:05:34

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
7. Hi I watched the show last night in Australia and I am wondering how it all ended for the lovely couple Barry and Judy Please provide feed back I hope they finished the house and Barry returned to full health and his finances improved. Janita

   Posted by janita on 05/08/2009 00:57:38

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
8. Hello. Does anyone know if i can watch this, it doesnt seem to be on OD.... Cheers Rebecca

   Posted by GKY on 17/04/2009 20:06:27

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
9. The large multi-coloured sofa can be found at the Roche Bobois website: http://www.rochebobois.com It's the Mah Jong modular sofa in their 'Contemporary' collection: http://www.rochebobois.com/newcoll.php?r=prod&i=1032&l=en&p=gb

   Posted by deborah on 13/04/2009 22:45:06

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
10. wow! the house is amazing! loved the show, best one in the series so far. Just been to have a look at the place as we live nearbay, it looks stunning, and fits into its surroundings well. If I won the lottery, I'd deinatly build my own version!

    Posted by Hayley on 12/04/2009 17:28:17

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
11. this episode made me sad. i really hope the house can be completed as they both deserve some happiness. what an awful year for them.

    Posted by angelleighreid on 12/04/2009 13:14:04

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
12. This was the most enjoyable episode ever. However coming down to the end I was saddened when Barry said that in hindsight he would not have built the house. The joy and light that exasperated from your face was inspirational. It made me reflect as a young wife. I began thinking that even though I may not understand my husband’s dreams, I still must support him and not analyze everything he does, as this may crush him and prohibit him from having that joy and glow I saw radiating from you. It was truly an honour to see someone that was brought up in an orphanage overcome and become so victorious to build his own dream home. I know you and your family have gone through a lot, however you have gone THROUGH it and have overcome YET again. I pray that you enjoy and live your dream and please believe and keep believing that the principle of faith you applied to persevere all your life will NEVER let you down, no matter how bad it looks. My husband and I got married on 3 April, while on our honeymoon we saw your story and it inspired us. We are very young and yet your story inspired us because it was very powerful and moving despite the age gap. It’s not about the age but it is about the courage you displayed. We pray all the best for you and Julie. God Bless you all.

    Posted by Milly on 11/04/2009 18:24:24

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
13. What a very likeable couple. I hope Kevin does a revisit show when it's all completed. All the best to Barry, Julie and family.

    Posted by Jan on 10/04/2009 09:32:55

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
14. Quite like the house , but I LOVE the Ducati on the wall. Green with envy.

    Posted by Mervyn Scott on 09/04/2009 20:53:07

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
15. Does anyone know what happened to Barry and Julie? Did they move into the new house or sell it on? I would imagine selling it on would hav made financial and emotional sense, can anyone help? Very curious!

    Posted by F Prendergast on 09/04/2009 17:57:07

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
16. We live nearby and have seen the house being built, we love contemporary design and we watched the program last night. We were especially impressed with the fantastic sofa! Please would you let us know the supplier. Good luck with the future my god you both deserve it and well done what a beautiful house.

    Posted by Dawn Packham on 09/04/2009 16:44:08

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
17. Well done Barry & Julie, the house looks great, a very brave thing to do, we hope you are fully well now. The Sofas were fabulous, fantastic colours. What does it look like at night? Fantastic views, loved the programme. I think Kevin liked it too!!

    Posted by Paul Biggs on 09/04/2009 13:11:34

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
18. I would like to say that I understand Barry and Julie's situation only to well, I have just completed an executive type home on Sheppey that has taken 3 years to build with so many problems to long to mention and cannot believe how this roller coaster ride is going and still dont know when its going to end. I have now got the bank tightening the thumb screws and having to take a large drop in the house value to try and sell, I have a plot next door that I was hoping to also build on which I am under pressure to sell at a loss. We have had our three adult children and two grand children all move back in seven of us under the same roof, me and the wife dont know whether we are coming or going, we are now in a situation that I have run out of ideas and people to speak to for help and just taking each day as it comes an absolute nightmare I remember saying the same thing you said this would leave me mortgage free and money in the bank instead we will be 200k down its going to be hard starting all over again - thinking of you. Regards Peter & Maz

    Posted by Peter Rowswell on 09/04/2009 12:24:51

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
19. What a sobering story - i hope owners truly get to enjoy there creation. P.s The sofa is called the 'Mah Jong' sofa from a company called Roche Bobois. Cheers

    Posted by Hobbit on 09/04/2009 10:56:41

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
20. We too are building our own contemporary home and can readily identify with many of the situations that the Surtees family seem to have encountered. The way that they have managed to keep going despite their enormous setbacks (particularly from a health aspect) and their pragmatic viewpoint regarding the future of their newly built property in this uncertain financial environment was a great inspiration. It would be of great interest to see the finished house and to know what the final decision was regarding its future. Great television - thank you.

    Posted by Rosie Beal on 09/04/2009 10:48:04

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
21. I am in the middle of building my own house,everything seems to be going ok,albeit a bit slow.However in the dining room the window is 5m x 2m i want one pane of glass but no local window co can do it.On last nights show the bedroom window looked about the right size ,any one know where it came from?

    Posted by vince driscoll on 09/04/2009 09:35:56

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
22. Very interesting show. How did he manage to cope with illness and all the other problems and still manage to retain such a terrific smile. I have worked in and around Brighton for years but just couldn't place where it was. Can you give me the location so when out and about sometime I can take a look at this amazing building.

    Posted by Roger Mayles on 09/04/2009 08:58:06

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
23. Hello Grand Designs! Love your show! Please help...I watched the Brighton House today and saw the most unbelievably cool massive multicoloured sofa in their finished lounge but didn't get where they purchased it from... is it custom? Thanks you and keep up the great work and brilliant production!

    Posted by Heather Hayhurst on 08/04/2009 22:14:34

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
24. Wow I understand their dilema and heartache over building especially when personal circumstances change whilst still in progress. I take my hat off and send my heart felt support for such a project. Well done

    Posted by sandra bryant on 08/04/2009 21:50:01

    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment