Grand Designs 'saddest house' update as Kevin McCloud admits 'concern'

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has shared an update on the 'saddest' house ever to be featured on the Channel 4 programme. The home in South Devon left it's owner, Edward Short, £7 million in debt.

Edward's marriage fell apart during the course of the construction and Kevin was 'concerned' for his health. Speaking from Grand Designs Live at London ExCel, he admitted he was worried about Ed's wellbeing.

"I had more concerns about Ed's wellbeing and his families wellbeing," he said. "But yes, I did have concerns about the house halfway through.

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‌"It was unfinished, and because he couldn’t proceed with works. The water was getting in and it cost him tens of thousands of pounds to remediate the steel work and glazing because it was damaged. The building wasn’t fully watertight and that’s a great shame."

Speaking about building houses, he added: "You go forwards to go backwards to go forwards again, but goodness me he (Ed) got there in the end didn’t he, so that’s great".

The cliffside property was listed for sale this week through debt collectors, The Mirror reports. Chesil Cliff House near Braunton, North Devon, was designed to resemble a lighthouse and took 12 years to build.

In January, it was reported that Michael Jackson's former bodyguard wanted to buy the property. Matt Fiddes , who previously made a £7.5m bid for the property in 2022, said: "I built my property portfolio in the South West and I know the market, I know how it works."

He continued: "I told Edward face to face and said it wouldn't sell but you can lead a horse to water and all that. I do feel sorry for the guy as no one wants to see anyone lose everything."

The 44-year-old millionaire is considering turning the property into 12 apartments. His interest piqued after the property was re-listed on Rightmove for £5.25 million.

"I am going to enquire into it today, it just had to be available at the right price," Matt said. "It is an incredible property but it should have been split into two separate properties.

"I would turn it into 12 apartments as myself and my wife and spoke with Knight Frank and it is perfect for that. We would rent the other house and make thousands."