GRAND Designs viewers burst into tears after a couple unveiled their £1.8million home following a heartbreaking health battle.
Tonight’s episode of the Channel 4 show followed the story of Helen and her husband John.
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The couple married in 2007, two years after meeting at races in Newbury and then living in a beautiful 17th century farmhouse.
But their lives changed drastically in 2018.
Helen felt weak and suffered a very serious stroke that left her in a coma for three weeks.
When she started coming out she was severely disabled and now has aphasia.
Helen, a former vet, needs a full-time carer – John – and is dependent on transportation in a wheelchair.
At the beginning of the episode, John explained that they live separate lives as he lives in the house, and Helen lives in the barn because it is more accessible to her.
The couple wanted to take the plunge and design a place that suits their needs, while also allowing them to live closer to each other.
John explained to presenter Kevin McCloud that he wanted to build a “pavilion” with the help of his son Ollie.
They wanted to build a large concrete basement, integrated with an 8 meter high back wall in the 470 square meter house.
He aspired to also have accessible parking spaces and an outbuilding for a caretaker.
He said he wanted to make the garden nature-friendly for his wife to enjoy.
At the end of the episode, host Kevin was allowed to look around the amazing property.
Helen explained that her health is “very good” and since moving here she has started walking again.
John said: “Helen has really made great strides and is now walking and mobile in a way that I don’t think we ever envisioned when we were planning the building.”
Kevin asked, “Tell me, money, did you get close to what you expected?”
John replied, “I think we went over about £500.00. Originally we were up, I think it was £1.3 million.”
Kevin said, “So you have a maximum of £1.8 million.”
John described it all as “worth it” because they produced something they are so proud of.
Fans watching at home were very emotional about the end result.
One said: “I’m not crying for the 100th time today. Nothing but love for John and Helen #granddesigns.”
A second added: “This is the healthiest thing I’ve ever seen #granddesigns.”
“Watching Helen run in pieces #granddesigns,” a third tweeted.
A fourth chimed in: “Beautiful home wish John & Helen many happy years to enjoy it…”