Grand Designs star Kevin McCloud's life and why he'll never show own home on camera


Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud was uncertain about the reception his now icon programme would receive believing at the time it would be a triumph if "one surveyor and his dog" tuned in.

The Channel 4 show however, proved to be a massive success and has marked it's 25th anniversary and Kevin couldn't imagine a life without his beloved programme now.

Despite sniffing round homes for his living and for the entertainment of thousands of viewers, Kevin actually likes to keep his own home under-wraps and has revealed in the past that he has no plans to ever unveil it.

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The presenter believes that unmaking his home would possibly lead to career suicide but has over time provided hints about his living quarters and family life in past interviews.

We explore what life is really like for famed architect Kevin McCloud.

His own home and why he'll never show it

Kevin McCloud
Kevin will never expose his own home on telly -Credit:PA

The 64-year-old is decidedly secretive about his domestic life, though he has shared that he does resides in Herefordshire on the Welsh borders with his wife Jenny Jones, whom he married three years ago.

When it comes to personal space, Kevin has absolutely no intention of showcasing his marital house on television and he made that clear when speaking to the Mirror.

He told the publication: "Why would you do that? It's like walking around with your trousers down. Why would I, knowing full well 30% of anybody out there is going to say they don't like it, and they're going to be quite vitriolic?"

Having been repeatedly approached by producers eager for a peek, Kevin insists on maintaining his privacy. "Of course, they have asked, again and again. I think professionally it's an exit strategy. If I did it, I could never get it back."

A touch of Ikea in the pro's home

Grand Designs Kevin McCloud poses in stylish kitchen
Kevin has admitted that he has installed an Ikea kitchen -Credit:Channel 4

As for any glimpse into his residence, Kevin did let slip about one detail. A newly fitted kitchen, sourced from Swedish brand Ikea, with the Channel 4 host drawing inspiration from a classic Grand Designs renovation in Warwickshire.

"I was absolutely blown away by the staircase in Astley Castle, which was a wreck," he admits. "I thought if I could have one thing, it would be that. So I'm sort of borrowing some ideas," he confessed in the same interview with the Mirror.

Family Life and Children

Kevin's son Milo who is a personal trainer
Kevin's children like to remain out of the limelight -Credit:Milo McCloud Instagram

Cambridge-educated Kevin is a father to four grown-up children, with the eldest two both working in the industry - son Hugo is an architect and Grace is a design journalist.

With extensive property experience and a knowledgeable father, it's not surprising that Hugo and Grace followed in Kevin's famous footsteps and bought a house together to renovate and sell on.

Kevin has two other children with his ex-wife Suzanna, from whom he separated in December 2019. They have seemingly taken different paths in life, with Milo focusing on health and fitness as a Personal Trainer and Elise heavily invested in her studies in fashion.

His younger two, Elsie and Milo, were raised in Somerset, where Kevin and his former wife of 23 years, Suzanna, resided until their marriage ended in 2019.

Unlike his famed dad, Kevin's four kids prefer a life away from the glares of the public eye.

Living in a caravan

Kevin outside a beautful cottage
Kevin once lived in a caravan during lockdown -Credit:Cornish Guardian

During lockdown and after his marriage to Suzanna broke down, Kevin faced unique challenges due to his asthma. He shunned hotels and public transport, opting for a camper van lifestyle instead.

He confessed previously: "I rented a camper van for three years and drove around the country living in it, just to be able to film. The cold months were particularly tough. It was in February, in the mud."

Kevin declared: "It was bloody, bloody cold. Camper vans, they're designed for summer touring holidays. Never again."