A massive castle construction project featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs has sparked intense local controversy after being put on the market for £7.95 million (approximately $9.8 million). The project in Wixford, near Stratford-Upon-Avon in Warwickshire, is believed to be the largest build ever showcased on the popular home renovation show, measuring an impressive 11,000 square feet.
The ambitious project was undertaken by entrepreneur Piers and his wife Emma, a police officer, who initially purchased a 17th-century folly for £1.4 million. Their decision to demolish the existing arts and crafts-style building, despite its historical significance, immediately drew criticism from local residents. The original structure had been adapted from a folly but had fallen into disrepair, prompting the couple's radical reconstruction plans.
The new design features a modern interpretation of medieval architecture, complete with battlements, arrow slits, a one-sided moat, a basement swimming pool, an expansive garage, and a separate lakeside office. When show host Kevin McCloud questioned the couple about "knocking down a fake castle to build a fake castle," Piers defended their vision by calling it "a 21st century castle." McCloud himself half-jokingly suggested that anyone taking on such a massive project would have to be "out of your mind."
The couple's initial budget of £2 million quickly spiraled out of control, ultimately reaching £5 million by the episode's conclusion. Piers acknowledged the public relations challenges of their project, admitting he tries not to discuss it with people because "it sounds grand and very eccentric and I think people will think I'm a bit of a d***."
Local opposition was fierce from the outset, with McCloud noting that "the local villagers have their pitchforks out." Residents expressed devastation at the demolition of what they considered a lovely historical building. One resident told the program they were "absolutely aghast," while another said they were "devastated" and questioned whether any replacement could adequately follow such a significant loss.
Despite the controversy, the couple remained committed to their vision. Piers dismissed the original building as "horrible-looking" and criticized its pebble-dash exterior before bulldozers moved in to reduce it to rubble. The new structure slowly rose from the foundation as the couple overcame various construction challenges, though the project remained incomplete when filming concluded.
Viewers never got to see the finished castle, as Piers estimated it would require another million pounds for completion. Emma reflected on their total commitment to the project, stating, "We've put everything into this, hearts, souls, and financially as well." The total investment, including the original property purchase, approached £7.4 million before completion.
The property is now listed with Sotheby's Realty for £7.95 million, with completion scheduled for 2025. Local reaction to the televised episode was mixed but largely critical. A group of villagers organized a viewing party in the village hall, complete with wine and beer, to watch their community's controversial project on national television.
Jo Broadrick, 63, told reporters that local opinion remains strongly divided. "A lot of people around here have very strong opinions about the place. Some say it looks like a prison, whereas most people say it's like a car park," she explained. Another unnamed resident was even more harsh in their assessment, calling it "a vanity project" and "the most disgusting vainglorious thing I've ever seen."
However, not all local reaction was negative. Retired firefighter Chris Broadrick offered a contrasting perspective, saying the structure "certainly makes a statement." He added, "If I had the money, I would like to have bought it. I think it's great." The project represents the latest example of how ambitious architectural projects can divide communities between those who appreciate bold design statements and those who prefer preservation of traditional aesthetics.
