Kevin McCloud in Front Of The Newport Folly Grand Designs House

Grand Designs Episode Information Newport Folly: The Story

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Contents:

Date Published:
11/02/2009

Seven months in and the restoration is inching forward, but the job of building the shiny new wing hasn’t even started.

Sarah talks to Kevin

One contractor is no longer working for them as Sarah feels that she can run the project herself, meaning she'll be on site four days a week. The couple approached seven different contractors but only two came back with costs. It takes until December for Sarah to find a local firm of contractors willing to take on the job. On top of this, Dean and Sarah have decided that Sarah, not their architect, is going to be in charge of the project full time.

Given Sarah’s extraordinary capacity for learning, her energy and drive and her control of this project, and perhaps given their relationship with their architect (which hasn’t failed, it’s just that the architect’s there in the background) there’s a chance that they’ll produce a place of real joy and delight.

The Finished House

Two years from the time that Kevin first met Dean and Sarah, the couple move in. Reviving an old building whilst retaining its fragile sense of history isn’t easy but Sarah has manged this with great sensitivity. She has even furnished the rooms in the old tower in an old traditional way.

The Newport Folly

This is a beautifully crafted building; quite poetic in places. The small rooms off the elegant sweeping corridor in the new extension are oddly the most successful of all. They each curve subtly, each giving a bird's eye view of the landscape beyond - the clear storey windows making them appear high and bringing in light.

'I certainly feel like I have fulfilled a dream,' Sarah tells Kevin. Dean is very happy too. 'I feel very, very proud - and overwhelmed by what Sarah has achieved.'

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  1. I have just watched the Folly story on a very hot 40C day in Australia on a relaxing 'keep inside' afternoon. Most impressed with the building, but I would really like to know where I could purchase a truck/lorry light that was in Ruben's bedroom in one of the scenes near the end of the show. It was very impressive!
    Posted by Tammy Kearns on 14/11/2009 06:38:26
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  2. Watched the folly yesterday and thought it was great one of the best Grand Design's I have watched. Does anyone know what Audio Video Security system they installed? Thanks Kelly
    Posted by Kelly Buchanan on 13/09/2009 10:26:19
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  3. having been a long term fan for GD and also germany house bukding design and techniques, i was interested to see sarah employing a germany exterior finish to the extension of the newport folley build. i think sarah found a builder resident in the uk to apply this finish to the walls, please can you tell either the name of builder or where i can go to aquire this same finish to my exteriors walls. thanks. brian ford
    Posted by Brian Ford on 31/08/2009 09:11:43
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  4. Living in NZ we only have recently got to view this story and I'm sorry but I just think it's a real shame what they have done to a beautiful old building, they would of been better to add to the girth in the same fashion not have what I would call a prefab lookalike sticky out bit which I can only describe it as, and I can assure anyone that I am not jealous just expressing my opinion, a tragic shame.... sorry!!
    Posted by amas on 02/08/2009 22:52:58
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  5. I'm a bit late on the viewing by the looks (normal tv) but i really found your story inspiring because of your return home on your terms so to speak. Your home speaks for itself but i admire the commitment & thought process you both must have gone through to make your vision a reality. Both of you displayed the enjoyable characteristics of two confident yet humble people that returned to their roots because of the unexplainable draw or calling that can only be given by a home town. Thank you for the inspiration & that veiw from your home looks awesome, well done. Cheers Sean Mac.
    Posted by Seanbillymac on 01/07/2009 07:12:24
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  6. We live in Australia and just watched the episode of Dean and Sarah. This has been my favourite episode and I'm a huge fan of what they did. We are just wondering how Dean, a banker, hasn't tallied up the final budget??? Surely he's done the figures!! Anyway, fantastic episode. Fantastic folly. Well done.
    Posted by Sara on 01/07/2009 03:18:22
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  7. I watched the Kemys Folly programme last night and luckily just picked up the name beside the door. About twenty years ago, my late first wife and I, from Australia, visited South Wales looking for connections to her family history, of which, after much diligence and some good luck, we found many. These included Kemys Manor, an ancient manor house, at that time luxury accommodation, on land awarded to her ancestor by none other than William the Conqueror. It was because of that I noticed, astonished, the Kemys Folly sign. Her name was, and the modern form is, Kemmis. I cannot be certain though that we visited the Folly.
    Posted by John Campion on 01/07/2009 01:39:48
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  8. The prog with Sarah and Dean was awesome. I would love to congratulate her as she worked for me at HT PR years ago. The castle is amazing and the whole story was a heart warming experience. Well done Sarah!
    Posted by Patzi Haslimann on 19/06/2009 22:34:20
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  9. Very good Folly, Newport and keyed into the stone rather than block, brick edged to the glass, lovely design excellent structures, blackened roofing will eventually flow to the steel windows ... a gem that ... Very clever girl and excellent craftsmen. Most impressed and those views, you can see the aerials in the background Brecon Black Mountains, the flood tide vale and us horrors in the distance as well as the bridges, with Kevin, Julia, Johnny, Carol and Eddie enhancing the Somerset scenery improving things somewhat ... been here too long to take this place seriously ! Best to such experts, thank you Kevin. Mike Stagg
    Posted by Mike Stagg hydrology on 17/06/2009 21:39:05
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  10. Dear Dean & Sarah, Still now I havn't forgotten the amazing project you undertook and so sucessfully executed, I work for a local monthly publication based in Pontypool, we do a lot in the way of culture. We are launchi9ng the magazine as Living Wales in July, we will be running a feature on homes and gardens and would love nothing more than to get an interview with yourselves, some photos of your amazing surroundings and the know how as to who supplied you with what. We totally understand that we are asking to come into your family home but are so blown away by your project, sucess which you have clearly worked hard for and Sarah's project managementv we have to ask to run a feature on your home. I think our readers will be so interested in your sucess story. Many Thanks Sophie
    Posted by Sophie Sheehy on 11/06/2009 16:50:47
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  11. Hi, Would it be possible to find out the name of the architect you used. Thank you Gary Munz
    Posted by Gary Munz on 28/05/2009 15:33:17
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  12. Hi - I too have just seen this episode in Australia (April 09)and have since spent my life searching for the colour and material you built your kitchen with. I understand MFI is now no more - can you please tell me if the units are made of 2 pak, vinyl wrap or laminate product - and what the colour is called? I am extremely keen to source it for our new home. By the way Kudos on a stunning home.
    Posted by Donna from Australia on 22/04/2009 03:40:05
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  13. I have just seen this episode in Australia (April) so I'm not sure if you are still checking these comments. We are starting our own project on a much smaller scale and I'm in awe of how 'together' you were thoughout the project - well done. I was hoping you could give me the details of the render you used on the extention. I think 'lime' render was mentioned. Any help would be appreciated.
    Posted by louise on 20/04/2009 05:53:15
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  14. Great to see that boys from Bettws CAN do well!!
    Posted by Sarah on 16/03/2009 17:30:45
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  15. Hi, what a beautiful home you have created. Absolutely adored little Reuben's room hoped you could tell my wife and I where you got the duvet set and bed from and style or place you got the fantastic carpet. Our wee man Isaac would love it. Thank you for a really enjoyable Grand Designs
    Posted by Benjamin Bee on 10/03/2009 21:35:42
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  16. I watched your renovation the other week and was wondering where the render came from. Last time someone rendered our house it took days but this seemed to come already mixed and was sprayed on. Can you let me know what this is and where you sourced yours from? Thanks
    Posted by Lyndsay on 10/03/2009 11:08:47
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  17. your house is stunning, you have created something wonderful, but i have one question could it possible to find out the information about the plastering that you used on the outside of your bbuilding as i wish to do this on my own house. many thanks
    Posted by vic on 04/03/2009 21:45:31
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  18. I was very impressed with the reconstitute polished glass floor. I wonder if you could pass on details of manufacturers and fitters etc. Cheers, Martin Evans.
    Posted by Martin Evans on 27/02/2009 11:37:06
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  19. Hi Babs! Imagine my surprise when I turned on the TV and saw you and Dean sitting there. I knew it wasn't going to be tears and tantrums TV with you in charge! What a fabulous job you did, although I am not at all surprised. Shirl x
    Posted by Shirl on 24/02/2009 15:25:25
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  20. HI Uphill - windows were supplied by Acorn who use a range of different companies for the frames and then glaze them in-house. Our frames came from a company in Cardiff, but I think they may vary supplier according to the job. Best bet would be to speak to Acorn perhaps. Thanks & good luck!
    Posted by morgy on 23/02/2009 22:39:41
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  21. Hi Carole - not sure about the Howdens kitchen as haven't seen it, but if it helps ours was the Phoenix range from Schreiber sold through MFI - maybe if you tell Howdens this they will be able to advise if it is the same one. Thanks
    Posted by morgy on 23/02/2009 22:37:17
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  22. Hi Peter - blue paint was from the Crown trade colour charts - but I'm afraid I seem to have torn the page out of the colour chart so can't find the exact reference for you. I will check with the decorator next time I speak to him and if I find it I'll post a message on here. Sorry not to be of more help. Thanks for your comments.
    Posted by morgy on 23/02/2009 22:29:01
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  23. heather, He is a banker! I would imagine that he had worked hard to get that kind of cash- hence why they were talking about his background being poor.
    Posted by gemma on 23/02/2009 16:25:22
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  24. Greatly inspiring, good to see a banker doing something sensible for a change! I am planning a granny-flat built into the hillside behind my house - if the council and assorted Professionals can agree before the granny expires. Strangely, the Council Tax dept already thinks I've built it: they are the only ones with any sense of urgency. Who is the manufacturer of the solid-looking windows in the new-build? I see from the website that Acorn in Newport supplied these, but the make is not credited.
    Posted by Uphill on 22/02/2009 21:16:32
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  25. Hi Sarah Hope you dont mind me asking I am trying to find your kitchen units which someone has said they were from MFI, who used to be owned by Howdens, who do a range called high gloss ebony are they the same or are they too light. Yours looked much darker and expensive! Thanks Carole
    Posted by Carole on 22/02/2009 15:59:03
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  26. Congratulaions on your build, hoipe you are enjoying the fruits of your labour. We have been looking everywhere for a blue paint like the one in your son's room. Can I ask where you got it from, was it a special mix? Cheers
    Posted by Peter McCullough on 22/02/2009 09:34:41
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  27. Having recored the programme and watched it last night, I was under complete "wow" at what both Sarah and Dean have done with this lovely building. Although it overwelled me at how these two people came into what seens to be well more than 1.5 million pounds!!! With the state of the country at the moment and normal working class not even being granted with a 100% morgage and with the goverment saying that repossession will be up by 50% come 2010, i'm just struggling to understand how this money is even available. It comes with saying that this may be non of my buisness, but as a single person having rented property for the best part of 7 years and not beig able to get on the property ladder yet it comes as a shock that over spend would not be a problem. Did they win the lottery!!???
    Posted by heather on 20/02/2009 15:32:47
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  28. Hi Claire - the hard hat was from America - nowhere in the UK supplied the genuine article when we were looking. If you google pink hard hat then you should find a supplier in the US. The pink hi-vis did come from the UK - from a site on E-Bay. Good luck!
    Posted by morgy on 19/02/2009 19:50:34
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  29. What a lovely project, by two people with their feet on the ground. They realise how luckey they are to own such an unusual home. It was a pleasure to watch. I am about to start my much smaller project in Cornwall and would love to have a pink hard hat and jacket like Sara has. Can anyone tell me where to buy them from.
    Posted by Claire on 18/02/2009 15:51:19
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  30. Hi Ark - without going back through the documents then I know off the top of my head we were using a minimum of 75mm Celotex (or equiv) in the walls, floors and then at least 150mm in the roof. The glass was also appropriately calculated. A company called Bullock Consulting did the SAP calcs. We also took the approach that if there was an unnecessary/unrequired gap on any of the build we added insulation.
    Posted by morgy on 17/02/2009 14:19:28
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  31. Great to see the old Folly back in use. We rented two of the stables for a few years in the 1990's and the programme brought back many memories. We hope that the Berry family enjoy the building for many years to come.
    Posted by steve on 17/02/2009 13:47:42
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  32. Hi Morgy, just to keep you at your keyboard a bit longer- do you know details of the extra insulation to pass the SAPS? By that I mean do you know roughly what thickness of floor, wall and and ceiling/roof insulation was used and who did the SAPS? Thanks
    Posted by Ark on 16/02/2009 23:38:31
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  33. It's a shame they didn't show what the building looked like originally before the substantial 70s(ish) extensions were demolished, as that would probably answer most of the comments about the first floor extension. Otherwise I would agree. All in all a great job in my opinion. Welcome back to Newport Mr and Mrs Berry!
    Posted by Mark on 16/02/2009 16:58:17
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  34. Was the architect really responsible for the first floor extension? it looks as though two people designed each side of the folly. One being nice and one being not so nice.
    Posted by Andy on 16/02/2009 10:49:05
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  35. My husbands uncle lived in the folly in the 1960s I thought for rather longer than briefly but I suppose that is relevant to the age of the place I thought he lived there for 7 to 10 years. I have been up that tower many times and the view is magnificent although myself I would rather have seen something more in keeping with the original folly the extension is really lovely as I live in the south have not seen the building for many years I dont know what it has done to the landscape but I thought it was quite hidden in the days that I saw it any way hope Sara and Dean anf their son have many happy years ther and look after the old folly.
    Posted by Ann Thomas on 16/02/2009 08:38:40
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  36. I loved the interior of the building, particularly the folly - not so keen on the new extensions though, think they could have been more sympathetically done and agree that the white render too stark/different alongside the folly walls - that and that bizarre (and unecessary?) second floor extension make it look like a badly fitted set of dentures.
    Posted by Kay T on 16/02/2009 05:09:49
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  37. Sorry,spoilt the landscape bigtime,looks like a visitor center from Llanhennock and we hate seeing the lights every night, spoilt the beautiful peaceful horizon and wentwood, blot on the landscape .
    Posted by Alan on 15/02/2009 21:06:40
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  38. As MFI are no longer does anyone know if this kitchen is available anywhere else? Its the first one I have seen that I really like? Carole
    Posted by Carole Davies on 15/02/2009 17:24:02
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  39. Full SAP calculations were prepared prior to the build starting to ensure the work complied with all Building Regs regarding heat loss/insulation. The building has been insulated at every possible opportunity to counteract the effects of the amount of glazing and ensure it peforms efficiently.
    Posted by morgy on 15/02/2009 14:02:33
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  40. I agree with you Adrian, although scrolling down I saw the comments by somebody stating the lack of difficulty in getting planning consent in that local authority. I also agree with the lightweight glazed link you mention which is what I was thinking. I sort of saw some kind of glazed enclosed courtyard (with the folly forming one side which could have created an internal garden/court space - maybe with a reflecting pool to show off the historic building - and enabling views of it from within the new extension without needing to go outside. A better plan form of the new building element would have been good perhaps following the site contours more. Finally I would have added a very discreet glazed extension to the roof of the folly. That would have been my bedroom - to lie there and watch the stars at night from bed! Heaven. Or to just gaze out from on high across those stunning views. An Englishman's or Welshman's home is his castle after all! What a pity they didn't contact us first! Perhaps they will next time?
    Posted by Howard Johnston on 14/02/2009 22:58:59
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  41. Yet again acres of glass and not a word about heat loss re building regs! This is more surprising particularly because of the fast growing importance of energy efficient buildings re government policy. Were any insulation/heat loss calculations required for building regs certification? Amazed at the price of Biomass boilers at around ?20-22K, the website is excellent though as there is so information on so many subject areas. I can't see the point of buying a grand old folly and tacking on such a competing structure, but I do agree that it was a fascinating watch for various reasons. I guess it helps enormously mind you when you have pots of cash to throw at a project unlike most of us.
    Posted by Ark on 14/02/2009 22:38:12
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  42. For me this worked fairly well, apart from the first floor extension that competes with the folly and badly affects its setting. I'd also have changed the colour of the render as Kevin suggested. The use of a limited pallette of materials in the extension also helped keep it distinct from the old folly. If I'd been drawing this up I'd have separated the folly from the new extension by an entirely glazed link to keep the two elements more distinct, but that's a minor point in this case. As someone whose job it is to approve (or refuse) works to listed buildings I'd have to give it the thumbs down for the first floor extension.
    Posted by Adrian on 14/02/2009 21:17:00
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  43. I liked the idea of this and have no problem with marrying up the old and new. As an architect I would have tackled it in a similar manner - but with some key differences: (1) The white render was a big mistake - darker colouring would have been better - or no render at all better still. (2) The first floor 'blip' ruins the whole composition and with all that space within both new and old structures - what were they thinking of? More significantly - what were the local planning and conservation officers thinking of letting them do it? I'm baffled. The sheer monolithic grandeur is lessened with this silly little irrelevant accretion. (3) This particular situation in my opinion was crying out for a 'green roof'. I don't like the industrial type solution they adopted at all. In fact they could have 'bermed' the ground up from the rear and had a very light weight glazed wing enclosed with landscape. Still, a very nice new home! Tasteful interiors and attention to detail. Also good to see bankers aren't starving in this recessionary period!
    Posted by Howard Johnston on 14/02/2009 21:10:22
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  44. so that's where my taxpayers money has gone
    Posted by RavingMad on 14/02/2009 20:54:23
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  45. Well I thought the build was amazing and really well done. The new really went well with the old. It is an asset to the newport landscape and will be for years to come. lOVED IT, LOVED IT! Great Job Guys..AMAZING ;]
    Posted by Ca And Joe on 14/02/2009 14:15:35
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  46. The hard work put into turning an unused, unloved building into a family home that also benefits the surrounding area is a fantastic achievement. I have self-built twice - and it is not easy. However the achievement of Sara and Dean has inspired my wife and I to also seek out a renovation and extension possibility in our surrounding areas. Well done!! you get out of life what you put in. As for those who are clearly 'miffed' - I personally would ignore their narrow minded views - maybe they would like Britain to stand still and not progress. Dean and Sara - I was also a council estate lad from your neck of the woods - near Risca - you've done well :-) I take my hat off to you both. Onwards and upwards....
    Posted by Ger on 14/02/2009 13:46:14
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  47. All the people that havent got a good word to say bout this folly is obviously very jealous, i thought the build and the attention to detail was amazing, if you wld have read the south wales argus, sarah and dean did sing all involved praises and also, heared her interview on the radio which she also thanked everybody involved!!! I think the folly complements with new extention, the views are amazing i only wish i could wake up in the morning and have those views. all the very best, for all those people that say the sarah berry show, she obviously didnt edit all those hours of filming GRAND DESIGNS did!!!
    Posted by katie on 13/02/2009 22:30:15
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  48. the heating system comprises a traditional radiator/hot water system in the folly and then underfloor heating & hot water system in the new build, both of which are powered by a biomass boiler. see the where to buy section of this episode for details of the plumber and Treco the company that supplied the biomass.
    Posted by morgy on 13/02/2009 21:40:32
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  49. This project was one of my most favorite episodes of GD. I thought they linked the old and new superbly and made a wonderful job of the decor throughout. Just wish I had the money to live in such a beautiful place. The only design feature I'd have changed was the one that Kevin and Sarah discussed about the colour of the side where the old meets the new; I'd have brought in a specialized 'plasterer' to mimic the old for this small section and create a softer junction between the two parts.
    Posted by Mark on 13/02/2009 18:26:37
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  50. the second storey extension was included in the design as it took the footprint of the previous "mock castle" second storey extension that was on the building prior to the new works starting. the previous extensions were not shown on the programme which is a shame as it would have given a better comparison against which people could make their comments.
    Posted by morgy on 13/02/2009 13:34:49
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  51. can you give me any details of the heating system
    Posted by sheeplea furniture on 13/02/2009 12:34:08
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  52. all the people mentioned in the message posted by deb were thanked on several occasions during the 148 hours of filming that is taken in order to make the 48 minute show. unfortunately these didn't make the final edit but thanks were always extended to the professionals for making it happen - both on and off screen.
    Posted by morgy on 13/02/2009 11:56:30
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  53. Work on the old folly was good. The new-build itself was interesting, and if it had been totally single-story (and a rather more muted colour), the whole thing might have looked good ... but why on earth did they HAVE to stick that ludicrous miniature second story to the left??? It's rather like looking at your thumb and deciding it could be improved by hitting it with a hammer!
    Posted by Astaroth on 13/02/2009 01:46:09
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  54. Sorry, but I thought that this was one of the worst examples of tackiness over taste I have ever seen. To take (what is supposed to be) a listed building and do that to it just beggars belief. Wayne and Waynetta couldn't have done a better job. They might as well have just knocked the folly down and built a completely new structure in my opinion. It takes a very special eye to be able to sympathetically match the old with the new and this project didn't achieve that on any level I'm afraid. I'm not criticising the quality of the work in any way but who can say that the end result did not end up looking like a dog's breakfast? If there was an architect behind this then he should go back to designing council estates.
    Posted by Bruce on 12/02/2009 22:04:13
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  55. Intrigued as to how this project would end up. Very well I must say. I began thinking Oh not another couple of rich city kids throwing their wads about, but by the end I'd warmed to them both for their committments not only to the property and what it meant to them but also for their love and respect for each other. Why can't all wives be so involved with the business of doing the house up? Keep up the good work Kevin, I only watch a few programmes a week and this is one.
    Posted by jolyon robinson on 12/02/2009 21:10:57
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  56. Sorry, but I hated this. This project so obviously took the work of so many people and yet there was Sarah hogging all the credit. For what? An eye for detail? What about thanking the banker husband for bankrolling it all? How about a nod to the builders who did all the hard graft and the architect for the extension design? Very little, if any, acknowledgement seemed to be given to those who deserved the most credit (or blame, depending on your taste).
    Posted by Deb on 12/02/2009 17:49:35
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  57. I used to live in Parc Seymour, just down the hill from the Folly. Always looked up at it and dreamed of buying it one day. Congrats to Sarah & Dean - what an amazing job they've done (helped, of course, by the fact that Newport Council pass planning for anything - any other council would have probably been much more difficult). A dream house which is a once in a lifetime opportunity - where else would you get those views! This is such a special property, & Sarah & Dean have made such a stunning job of it, that it's a shame C4 didn't make it a 2 hour programme to show more detail of the works carried out.
    Posted by Jan on 12/02/2009 14:40:55
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  58. It seems a shame to me that there was obviously so much work undertaken that was not shown in the programme. The first we saw of the folly was after obvious demolition work had been completed, and very little was shown of any actual work going on. Were there no planning issues, how did they arrive at the design? Was this Grand designs or The Sarah Berry Show?
    Posted by gdfan on 12/02/2009 12:37:35
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  59. I believe the architects for Kemeys folly were 'Davies Sutton Architects', who specialise in conservation work and are based in Cardiff.
    Posted by addinvite on 12/02/2009 11:49:11
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  60. I submitted comments after the unfortunate episode last week but have to say that this week GD was right back on form. This is why people with an interest in the built environment watch the show. This was a great project from start to finish. Good design, reasonable developers, good construction and Kevin waxing lyrical about it at the end. Well done all involved!
    Posted by Murray on 12/02/2009 11:16:35
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  61. I missed the start of the episode, does anyone know who the architect for the project was? cheers
    Posted by Mark Gregory on 12/02/2009 10:44:35
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  62. D warrell - The folly is in newport south wales. Gibby - The kitchen was actually bought from MFI, except the worktops and some aplliances, i know this as i was the person who helped design the kitchen with them! Lovely lovely people, and there house has turned out amazing, well done mr and mrs Berry. hope u enjoy your kitchen
    Posted by sam on 12/02/2009 09:27:36
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  63. fabulous creativity to realise your dream; kudos to sarah for the vision & immaculate interiors taste!
    Posted by petra on 12/02/2009 08:01:42
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  64. can you please tell me if the folly in Newport is a listed building if so , what grade? was the modern extentions an issue with the planners / and Cadw ( Welsh Historic Buildings). Which Newport is the folly in? is it Pembrokeshire? how much land has the folly and did this have a bearing on the modern planning application? ie is it overlooked etc Thank you
    Posted by D Warrell on 12/02/2009 06:22:15
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  65. What an inspirational programme! Dean's support for Sarah was so positive. She was absolutely amazing in the way she managed the project; her attention to detail, planning and interior design. I felt it was one of the best GRAND DESIGNS programmes, particularly, because of the lack of confrontation. What a wonderful family home! Congratulations!
    Posted by Elizabeth Lord on 11/02/2009 22:33:01
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  66. I have just finished watching the renovation of Kemys Folly. My Uncle and Aunt (Ernie and Cissy Brewer)owned it in the sixties and this programme brought back many happy memories of when I was a child visiting with my family.I can remenber playing among the rhodendendron bushes in the terraced gardens to the front of the property with my sister and their black ladrador dog!No doubt my older sisters will remenber more.Many thanks for a wonderful programme.
    Posted by Ros on 11/02/2009 22:23:52
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  67. just watched the show and would love to know where they bought the kitchen from thanks very much
    Posted by gibby on 11/02/2009 22:16:52
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