Grand Designs Episode Information Sussex: The Woodman's Cottage

Comments

1. Like C Adley I am too in NZ and saw Bens place in GD Revisited last night. Bens achievement is as remarkable as it is inspirational and having kept up with him since the first show I can honestly say that when the closing credits rolled I felt lifted for the hour of stunning TV through one mans vision. An absolutely brilliant watch and Kevin is a joy to watch too

   Posted by Andy & Jil Bunyan on 22/10/2009 11:24:51

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2. Just seen this episode "Revisited" on NZ television (yeah, we're somewhat behind the times here, but an episode like this stays current whenever it it shown.) The part of the show that made the greatest impression on me was this: "All of this suggests that architecture is, of course, about more than providing shelter. It's more than about making your mark in the landscape - it's about allowing human beings an opportunity to grow, and develop, and flourish." Spot on. Keep up the good work.

   Posted by C.Adley on 21/10/2009 21:50:40

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3. Amazing and fascinative in the same time ! Great job Dave !

   Posted by Steven on 28/09/2009 15:27:12

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4. I would like information on Ben's tours and Bens webpage Thanks.... Fantastic episode

   Posted by brigid on 18/09/2009 10:01:41

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5. I NEED to know how he treated the wood!! I've cut down a lot of trees in my garden and would love to use the wood to construct things... but the Internet and my neighbour say that only pressure treating or creosote will do the job, and neither is practical!

   Posted by Matt Justice on 25/07/2009 21:31:25

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6. really enjoyed this episode the first time around and dont tire of watching!! where is the cottage please? would also like to tour. Thanks

   Posted by Elaine on 21/07/2009 15:01:42

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7. Ben has achieved the truly eco dream for many would be green bulders.I was particularly impressed with the free assistance Ben recieved from freinds and supporters and the way his life has enriched since the completion of his project. I must disagree with Ben statement that one day everyone will have to live this way, this will never be the truth because of economics and avalability of land ie if you live in a block of flats in the city then you are very limited on being self sufficent. Ben has achieved his dream and for that I wish him and his family every happiness. For myself I could never live Bens life because it is just to green and isolated and not everyone has bens character and vision. At some time you have to put your foot in the modern world for something as an example the solar panels on his roof. I like the modern home and all it has to offer and for myself and my family that is our own personal vision backed up by cost effective eco solutions that do not deny us every day needs.

   Posted by Stephen Thompson on 21/07/2009 10:49:18

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8. This really is a most beautiful example of how natural and environmentally friendly resources, can be transformed into something both personal and worthwhile. I was particularly inspired by this cottage of wood, and it has also driven me to design a environmentally friendly house for my Graphics A level. It truly is a perfect example of what nature has to offer, and also what people can achieve with what surrounds them.

   Posted by Samantha on 02/07/2009 12:06:35

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9. I have just seen this programme this evening on More 4 and was really impressed by both the builder and the building. This is really what people mean by natural and environmentally friendly. I am usually put off Grand Designs by the rich couples indulging themselves by building big modern structures with great views but much wasted space and claiming they are being sensitive to the environment. This man built the house himself, with the help of his friends. He didn't employ some trendy architect to use the latest eco-materials, he used wood. Let's have more of this type of character and less of the rich posers.

   Posted by kerry4ever on 27/06/2009 21:32:28

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10. If this is Kevin's favourite, then I think we are kindred spirits, because this is my absolute favourite too. If I was to build me a houle this is what it should be like. Very sympathetic. Beautiful and elevated design, yet close to earth. i think it's a model for the future way of housebuilding.

    Posted by shabbadang on 17/06/2009 07:45:50

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11. I am a Grand Design addict and it turns out that though I have lived in England for 4 years my dad has just given me a big farm house estate(in Burgundy, France). The only thing is that it is falling apart and I would like to have some information about voluntary workers who can help me through this amazing journey to re-build this farmhouse and the different barns around it. I remember one of the Grand Design with that guy called Ben , the woodman in Sussex, and that has become my best inspiration to start my project. I remember that Ben had resorted to voluntary workers to start his project and I simply would like to know who I could contact to do the same thing as this farmhouse requires a huge amount of labor force. WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO HAVE BEN S INFORMATION IN ORDER TO CONTACT HIM AS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW HE HAS MANAGED TO DO ALL THIS? Thank you so much in advance for your help.

    Posted by Fabien Brunat on 10/06/2009 09:20:32

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12. One of my favorites! Answer to eamonn: There was an option in the planning premission that only Ben could own the house. It cant be sold to anybody else and have no value.

    Posted by Peter on 04/06/2009 20:57:21

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13. Mandy, Visit Ben's website at www.ben-law.co.uk if you would like to find out more about his Open Days and Courses. I attended an Open Day in Oct 2006 and had a wonderful day there. It really is the most inspirational and magical place.

    Posted by Karen on 18/05/2009 17:18:50

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14. Please could you let me know how to contact Ben to find out about his Open days and lessons. Thank you.

    Posted by Mandy on 12/05/2009 12:27:07

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15. My husband and I have watched the series for a long time, but we thoroughly enjoyed this particular episode about this wonderful house. I would be greatful if you could please give me some information on Ben's Open Days as we are very interested in visiting. Thank you.

    Posted by Linda Brooks on 07/05/2009 18:56:16

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16. I also would love information on when Ben`s Open Days are. A lovely man with a lovely view on life.

    Posted by Helen Barratt on 07/05/2009 17:50:49

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17. When i seen this on the revisited i couldn't believe it. It's absolutely inspiring. The one thing i couldn't understand was why the house had no value. Surely if there was an architect involved in the design process then the house is built strong enough to stay sound. I would love to build a house like this. If not a house a workshop in the same manner. Well mate it's brilliant.

    Posted by eamonn on 06/05/2009 22:05:18

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18. Fantastic programme about the woodsman and his home! Please can you supply details of the open days - I see lots of other people are requesting ths too ( or his website!) Thanks

    Posted by Jane MacInnes on 06/05/2009 16:04:18

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19. My husband watches your programme every week and really enjoyed The Woodman's Cottage in Sussex. Please can you give me the address to find out more about the tours he conducts? Thanks

    Posted by Karen Rymill on 05/05/2009 10:54:24

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20. Really enjoyed last weeks programme about the Woodmans Cottage in Sussex. Please could you let me know when the next open day is. looks like lot people would like to know the opening day could you plaese put up on website. thanks

    Posted by Charles Gander on 04/05/2009 16:40:55

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21. Really enjoyed last weeks programme about the Woodmans Cottage in Sussex. Please could you let me know when the next open day is.

    Posted by Janice Leigh on 04/05/2009 13:25:10

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22. Loved Ben,s house and environment please send me details of location and how I could book a visit to see around this fantastic home. William McL

    Posted by William on 04/05/2009 10:11:06

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23. Please can you tell me how to book a tour to the woodsmands cottage. Thanks Tony

    Posted by Tony on 04/05/2009 00:00:47

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24. Absolutely loved Bens house in sussex, the woodmans cottage. please send me information about how i can visit his beautiful home thanks Abi Clark

    Posted by abi clark on 03/05/2009 16:57:49

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25. This is by far the best Grand Designs ever, Ben is living the dream I would love to live. How can I get more details on how to visit, please please please let me know. Many thanks

    Posted by Ray Lisney on 02/05/2009 20:16:01

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26. I love the cottage and surroundings and like many other people would like to be able to visit, please could you let me know how to get there, thanks.

    Posted by Jacqui Cox on 02/05/2009 15:17:45

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27. Ben's house truly is a work of absolute natural beauty, any details on how to visit?

    Posted by Edward Morgan on 02/05/2009 10:58:32

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28. The best house I have seen on Grand Designs. Can you send me details on how to vist etc. Thenaks David

    Posted by david gover Luton on 02/05/2009 08:01:42

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29. I would love to visit the woodmans cottage, where is it?

    Posted by Diane on 02/05/2009 07:52:42

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30. I missed this one first time round. What amazing principles to embrace; so simply yet rounded in thought and construction. Its poetic justice that when Ben no longer lives there the house can also no longer cease to exist.

    Posted by Huw Townsley on 01/05/2009 23:10:10

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31. I have revisited this build so often. What an amazing journey. Its a wonderful achievement and good to see Ben so happy with his family in his beautiful home. He deserves the goodlife for all the hardwork he has put in to this. I would love to visit - details please Helene

    Posted by Helene on 01/05/2009 22:20:43

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32. I watched the original programme about this cottage and the revisited one and still feel the same about the cottage and lifestyle. It must be amazing to be in there and smell the different woods and other natural materials that have been used. I would love to live there, open the door and sit on the porch in the early morning listening to the woods waking up...I am so envious and very impressed at the work the family has put in to create such a home.

    Posted by margo on 01/05/2009 21:47:33

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33. Is it possible please to have some information on visiting days to Bens cottage in east sussex.Loved the progamme , It was nice to see that he know has a family to share it with. Happy days. Ken&Maureen

    Posted by KEN &MAUREEN on 01/05/2009 21:35:58

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34. I love the Grand Desings program because we get to see the 'art of the possible', and that is so inspring in todays world of mediocracy. I particularly love those desgns which focus on natural products and materials and, of course, hats off to the sometimes heroic efforts put in by thier creators! Kevin does a great job of capturing the essence of the 'journey' of the poeple and familes involved.

    Posted by Dave on 01/05/2009 08:41:12

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35. Please can you tell me the address of the woodmans cottage in west sussex which was on tv wed 29/04/2009 because if possible we would like to visit it because it looked very interesting Thanks for your help Regards nigel

    Posted by Nigel Tully on 30/04/2009 20:11:07

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36. like many others who have commented since last nights viewing could you please let me know the address of the woodsman cottage and any info i need to book a tour of both the cottage and wood

    Posted by lynne oconnor on 30/04/2009 19:15:02

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37. what an idyllic lifestyle. I would also like to visit. where in Sussex is woodlands cottage?

    Posted by cornelius boland on 30/04/2009 16:46:53

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38. I loved it! My favorite episode so far.

    Posted by Vivian on 30/04/2009 14:23:33

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39. I NEED a house like this! - This is the most beautiful house I have ever seen! I would love for my son and future children to be able to grow up in such beauty! I wonder if I could pay Ben to build us one! Oh I dream of a commune of such houses! - How wonderful!

    Posted by Annie on 30/04/2009 14:03:10

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40. As lots of others- how do I find out about the courses Ben runs now and/or if he is still allowing visits?

    Posted by gillg on 30/04/2009 12:50:00

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41. could you tell me where in sussex woodsman cottage is thank you

    Posted by sally smith on 30/04/2009 12:18:52

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42. Remarkable skills, well done. Like everyone wants to know how do we visit?

    Posted by Col on 30/04/2009 11:36:54

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43. fantastic, one of my favourites -how do I get in touch with Ben re open days?

    Posted by Lynne Aitchison on 30/04/2009 10:33:53

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44. David, Nigel and no doubt countless others, see www.ben-law.co.uk.

    Posted by Simon on 30/04/2009 10:22:56

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45. I saw the first programme and was inspired by the build for the woodmans cottage, after seeing the 2008 revisit the place now looks fantastic, i so envy anyone who has this lifestyle, i understand the house and woods are available to visit, where can i contact Ben to get a guided tour?

    Posted by Nigel on 30/04/2009 08:51:53

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46. Having just watched the Grand designs revisited program that featured Ben's fantastic Woodsman's house, I was interested to hear Kevin mention that Ben is conducting tours of the area and also of his house. Is this correct?. If so is it possible to get any more information about this? Thanks for a wonderful series Channel 4 David

    Posted by David Daniels on 30/04/2009 08:32:22

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47. Wonderful house design. We would like to do something similar, but in Fiji. Would like to get in touch with Ben to visit site and pick his brains and find out which courses he offers now. Can you help?

    Posted by Lilibasia on 30/04/2009 04:11:21

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48. Ben's woodman's cottage in west sussex is inspirational and beautiful. My wife, our 2 -year-old daughter and I intend to return to Fiji (where we met and lived for 2 years) and set up home... farming the land we have been given by her father..10 acres of valley and cliff top overlooking the Taveuni reef and fringing the national park. We have no services whatsoever, so would like to copy Ben's exapmle and conserve the natural beauty of our chosen home site, and use the wind and sun to provide elctricity. We will use all native timber and traditional building methods to construct a large round bure with thatched roof, although the house cannot be elevated on piles due to its location and exposure to the prevailing winds and annual cyclone paths. I was very interested to see the most recent episode of Grand Designs which featured Ben's cottage, as it mentioned he now conducts tours of the woodland, his home and gives courses. How do we get in touch with him please. This would be a wonderful source of information for usd, as I plan to build our home myself!! A tall order for a school teacher eh? Your advice and info. would be greatly appreciated.

    Posted by Lilibasia on 30/04/2009 04:05:35

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49. Please can you tell me how to book a tour to the woodsmands cottage, it would be the best present for my long time gile frend. Any info would be great. I have to say of all the ones i have seen this is the best one so far.

    Posted by adrian osborn on 29/04/2009 23:43:40

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50. Just seen the update tonight. Just also read the posts. This is by far the best place (the guy in the Fens a narrow second for his skill, bloody minded determination and end result and the couple in Harris coming in third). The point that connects them all is their simplicity and humbleness. Over riding all of that though is the vision as without that there is no first base. Well done to all and Kevin, what if it does look a "bit hippy"? Do you have a problem with that?

    Posted by jefroc on 29/04/2009 23:00:00

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51. I just watched the 'end' of the woodmans cottage, and i think it was the most impressive house i've seen on you show. I was just wondering is there anyway that the episode is availabe or if it will be aired again??

    Posted by Robert O'Flaherty on 29/04/2009 22:35:27

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52. Where is this place? I loved it the first time the programme was aired, and now, tonight, I find he runs open days - WHERE? Any help would be gratefully received - I'll come back and see if anyone posts after me, or if it's been asked before. Thanks! 'Bvt

    Posted by Aebvtivs on 29/04/2009 22:11:52

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53. I was wondering if any1 knows where this house is as my husband & i would love to go & see it????

    Posted by sally on 29/04/2009 22:10:25

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54. Tonight's programme was very engaging. It brought tears to my eyes. There was an optimism in the smaall scale that frightens me about what is happening generally

    Posted by Lynne Cliff on 29/04/2009 22:05:58

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55. Just watched this episode on more 4 and was totally blown away by this house. Like many others this would have to be my favourite a wonderful example of natural design and building. Makes you want to got out and build your own.

    Posted by Booga on 11/04/2009 17:54:32

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56. Just a type of house I would love to have. It's a pity that the planning restrictions on this type of dwelling are so tight.

    Posted by Ray on 07/04/2009 21:10:08

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57. This is by far my favourite house ever. True to self and surrounds.

    Posted by Misria on 23/03/2009 08:10:46

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58. Was just wondering how i could get to see this episode again?

    Posted by ben o'brien on 15/03/2009 20:45:17

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59. One of the best designed homes i have seen on Grand Designs. Ben, that is my kind of place to relax and unwined in. Well done. Wish you and your family the best.

    Posted by John K Cooksley on 12/03/2009 21:17:07

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60. I have watched your program for years and the woodmans cottage is buy the far the best bit of TV for years .I once worked with wood and Ben is truley a craftsman we need more programs like this

    Posted by Bryan Clark on 08/03/2009 21:49:30

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61. Ben isn't single Jayne, he shares this beautiful house with his wife and children. I visited it and was blown away by the sheer beauty of it.

    Posted by Sez on 28/02/2009 08:57:10

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62. Only one word........ WOW I never realised that someone could complete my childhood dream house. Is Ben single??????????????

    Posted by Jayne on 02/02/2009 16:28:38

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63. The most perfect home.

    Posted by Jane on 30/01/2009 20:48:35

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64. I liked the Woodmans Cottage as one of the best biulds. It was very much crafted from the basic and easily available materials. It showed great inginuity in terms of the how the materails were used in construction and it was inexpensive to make. I thought the interior style delightfull and the exterior apperance very acceptable. I hope the owner/builder has many happy years their.

    Posted by B Clark on 21/01/2009 20:48:19

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65. http://www.ben-law.co.uk/ For more information visit here.

    Posted by N. T. Demir on 23/10/2008 01:35:41

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66. Hi Grand Designs - I'm a big fan of the programme and I'm thinking of buying my Dad a boxed set of the DVD's for Christmas. In particular, I know he would be interested in the Woodsmans Cottage. Please could you let me know which series this is contained in. Many thanks Andrea

    Posted by Andrea on 22/10/2008 14:14:56

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67. hey, im an apprentice carpenter, nearly quaified, this house is inspiring to the true nature of carpentry, or what I believe to be real carpentry. unfortunatly it is so hard to come by this kind of work. Ben is an inspiration and an exceptionally dedicated woodman, it would be an privilage to learn from him, I can imagine im not the only one, good luck ben hope all goes well in your new home. regards matt

    Posted by matt.m on 21/10/2008 20:29:13

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68. hello ben, we were absoloutely intrigued and delighted with your house build and your way of life. we live in kent and wondered whether it would be possible to visit you sometime.......

    Posted by sue sherar on 08/10/2008 13:35:46

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69. This house is utterly, breathtakingly beautiful. Something about it squeezed my heart and brough tears to my eyes. What an odd reaction, perhaps a response that remembers ways of living from times gone by. How I would love a house like this. Nicola

    Posted by Nicola on 07/10/2008 18:11:46

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70. Answer to C P Yardley: you can watch this episode on DVD, it's Grand Designs series 3. It's well worth it, it's fantastic. Especially this episode, but some of the others too.

    Posted by Eolake on 04/10/2008 17:07:49

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71. Out of all the Grand Design episodes so far, I found this the most inspiring. The quiet dignity and humility displayed by Ben, made me take a look at myself and my own use-it-up and throw-it-away lifestyle.

    Posted by Arthur in Oz on 02/10/2008 03:26:35

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72. Is there any way to 'copy' this design (or similar)..... but get contractors to do it for me!:) Legally, what do I need to do, does anyone know, so I can do the same. It will be in Queensland rather than the UK if thats relevant.

    Posted by paul thompson on 30/09/2008 20:53:17

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73. This was defintley the best grand design ever!!!!

    Posted by Orla on 27/09/2008 14:00:30

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74. Of all the grand designs and in terms of sustainability and earthy design I think this has been the best of Grand Design. Ben and his family deserve the best considering their sacrifice. His design has been well thought out and executed with a good use of local materials.

    Posted by Rex from de land of Oz on 25/08/2008 09:19:26

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75. Hi CP Yardley You might be able to watch it on 4oD: http://www.channel4.com/4od/whatson/index.html

    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 21/08/2008 21:31:12

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76. Is it possible to buy a video of the programme on the Woodmans cottage?

    Posted by C P Yardley on 20/08/2008 17:27:59

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77. I would like to see more programmes about Ben Law's house and other kinds of sustainable and low-impact build - eg earthships, earth-sheltered building, cob, rammed earth, strawbale, cordwood, timber frame, etc. I think these types of build could become very popular with people who care about the environment and their impact on the planet and wish to live lightly on it.

    Posted by Mari Shackell on 15/08/2008 17:26:40

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78. Thought this was the best ever Grand Design. We are sick with envy.... We would like to do something similar by building a mud & stud house in our field in Lincolnshire - there are still a few traditional ones around here but not many. Feel this would be a worthwhile project but, oh the problems of planning... Still, nothing that is worth it is easy eh! Hope Ben and his family have many happy years in their lovely home.

    Posted by Sue on 12/08/2008 20:26:33

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