TV property programmes come and go but very few stick in the memory – or are watched so avidly – as Grand Designs, which has been on our screens since 1999. Each series (21 and counting) is underpinned by gripping personal stories and bonkers-yet-brave ambition. Inevitably budgets get blown, projects overrun and viewers are left wondering whether the owners will ever have enough money to complete their dream home. Of course, the other star of the show is the architecture itself, whether it’s a converted cave, a repurposed Victorian water tower or a built-from-scratch Scandinavian-inspired space. The great news is that some of them are available to rent. Here’s our pick of the best.
