Why would anyone want to do this? That’s the question I find myself asking as Kevin McCloud embarks upon a 26th series of Grand Designs , following enthusiastic self-builders, ready to sacrifice several years and their life’s savings to build something that is all their own.

The first episode introduces us to Sarah, an energetic and intelligent artist – the sort of woman who purposely wears mismatched gloves. She is returning to her roots in the North East after 40 years down South after her children recently left home. She is looking for a challenge, so she has bought a field and is planning to build an arts hub.

Her nest might be empty, but her mother, Joyce, has found hers rather full – Sarah is staying with her until she can move into her as-yet-unbuilt house. “My mum thought I

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