George Clarke

George Clarke

George Clarke is an architect, writer, lecturer, and one of the most successful property TV presenters on UK television.

After making three successful series of Build A New Life for Five from 2003 to 2006, George became the face of architecture at Channel 4 with the launch of The Home Show in 2008,,  Restoration Man in 2009, and the forthcoming new campaign series The Empty Homes Show due to be transmitted on Channel 4 in December 2011.

George’s design talent and passion for beautiful buildings has transformed the homes and lives of so many people across Britain.

George was born and raised in Sunderland and from the age of 12 wanted to be an architect. After studying architecture at the University of Newcastle and University College London, George started his own practice, Clarke:Desai, with business partner Bobby Desai. Their portfolio included innovative residential, cultural and urban design projects across the world. In 2011 George left Clarke:Desai to set up his new company George Clarke + Partners.

George Clarke + Partners is an inspirational, new, multidisciplinary company that covers all aspects of architecture, design, project management, construction and property development. George says: “I [have] always wanted to start a new company that isn’t just about architecture, but also covers all aspects of the design, build and property development business. My new company George Clarke + Partners will allow me to do this, as well as make successful TV programmes.”

Through his innovative new company, TV presenting, lecturing and research, George aims to make architecture popular and accessible to everyone, and to share his passion for architecture’s ability to transform our everyday lives.

TV

George has been a successful TV presenter since 2004 and has been the main presenter for the following programmes:

2004 Property Dreams – 6 x 60 min programmes for Five following people who release equity from their homes either to renovate their existing home, buy a second home in the UK or to buy a home abroad.

2005 Dream Home Abroad – 10 x 60 min programmes for Five following families who leave the UK to renovate beautiful old homes throughout Europe.

2005-2007 Build A New Life in the Country – 32 x 60 min programmes for Five. George follows families who transform their quality of life by moving from the city to the country to renovate some of the most stunning and unusual old buildings in Britain.
 Build A New Life is one of the most successful programmes ever to be shown on Five with over 2.5 million viewers. Series 1 was transmitted in 2005, Series 2 in 2006 and Series 3 in 2007.

2008 The Home Show – Series 1 : 6 x 60 min programmes for Channel 4. With over 3 million viewers.

2009 The Home Show – Series 2 : 8 x 60 min prime time programmes for Channel 4.

2010 Restoration Man - Series 1 : A groundbreaking series where George saves some of the most beautiful old buildings in Britain by converting them into unique homes. 6×60 min prime time programmes for Channel 4.

2011 Restoration Man - George is currently making series 2 and 3 of Restoration Man, due for transmission in February 2012 and September 2012 respectively for Channel 4.

2011 The Empty Homes Show - A groundbreaking campaign series, which investigates the British housing crisis and the scandal of empty homes across Britain. The Empty Homes Show will be transmitted on Channel 4 in December 2011.

563 Responses to “George”

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  1. Emma Farrow
    on May 21st, 2009
    @ 10:57 am: 

    Hi George

    Wanted to say cant wait to see the show tonight after hearing you speak at Grand Designs Live. I wanted to get your opinion on something :
    We have found a project that we ideally want to convert or knock down and start again, it has been used as a commercial warehouse in the past and has been left for negliect for many years. The local council would not look at this site as a redevelopment site, why do councils do this? surely the site would look better using old buildings than leaving it looking like an isaw?
    I think any old building be it a barn or an empty old warehouse should automatically be considered for change of use if it has not been used for many years? what do you think?

    Look forward to hearing from you.

    Good Luck tonight
    Regards

    Emma from Rossendale


  2. George Clarke
    on May 21st, 2009
    @ 5:17 pm: 

    I couldn’t agree more! Unfortunately, planners are a funny old breed! Its not that simple, but it should be. Your are absolutely right, an old derelict site would look so much better if it was sensitively developed. Getting change of use from commercial to residential is really difficult and many councils don’t like doing it because they know residential property is so much more expensive than commercial and they are never happy to see people making lots of money because the council approved a change of use. They get so caught up in their policies, guide lines and red-tape that they often don’t see common sense. Don’t give up though…planners change their mind as often as the weather so you might strike lucky! George x


  3. Caroline
    on May 21st, 2009
    @ 7:58 pm: 

    Hi George, just wanted to say well done – what a fantastic first episode to your second series of “The Home Show”, what an amazing transformation !!

    I’m looking forward to future shows.

    Caroline.


  4. eileen
    on May 21st, 2009
    @ 8:23 pm: 

    George – trying to place you geographically. I guess somewhere south of me – Chester-le-street. No info on your biography page. Come on – satisfy my curiosity. It’s the only reason I logged on. Whilst I enjoy your shows, it’s really just to hear your voice. I have lived away since 1979. But if you want an interesting house project i have an unsaleable (3 years) house in South Yorkshire, and no-one has a clue why…..Luv E


  5. George Clarke
    on May 22nd, 2009
    @ 4:29 am: 

    Eileen, thanks for watching the show. My accent started to soften a lot when I went to study architecture at university…the lecturers could hardly understand a word I was saying!!! I then moved to London in 1996 so the accent has softened even more. You were pretty close…I was born in Sunderland and when I was only a few years old we moved to Washington where my parents and sisters still live today so just a stones throw from Chester-le-street. I was raised in Washington from around 1977 until 1995…loved it! Send me a picture of your house in South Yorkshire…would love to see it! George x


  6. George Clarke
    on May 22nd, 2009
    @ 4:37 am: 

    Caroline, thank you so much for watching and I really appreciate your lovely comments about the show. It means alot! The last 4 months making the series has been amazing but incredibly hard work so its great to know you loved the show. It makes it all worthwhile! We have some great houses and families this series so keep watching as I think it gets better and better! George x


  7. design_matt
    on May 22nd, 2009
    @ 8:06 am: 

    Hi George.
    I just wanted to say I thought the last series was fantastic – and last nights new episode suggests the show is going to be even better this year. I also think that it is great that you are encouraging people to invest in their home and enjoy living there, rather than living in a somewhere that is very sterile and only been renovated to put onto the market for a profit.
    I am an Interior Designer working in the boutique hotel industry and I found your tips for a more residential development and property really insightful. I loved the advice on last nights show about trying to have your doorway in the centre of the bathroom wall to increase the usability of the space!
    Really looking forward to the rest of the series


  8. George Clarke
    on May 22nd, 2009
    @ 8:28 am: 

    Matt being praised by a fellow designer is a real compliment! Thank you. Its the most simple design tips that can make a huge difference to a home…or a hotel! We have a broad range of properties on this series of The Home Show with varying budgets so I hope you get more ‘take home’ information as the series progresses. Keep in touch…your feedback is invaluable. I do really appreciate it. Cheers. George


  9. design_matt
    on May 22nd, 2009
    @ 8:43 am: 

    Hi George – wow thank you for your message and reply!
    I did not expect that. Great to hear from you!
    Looking forward to the rest of the series, especially seeing what interior design finishes you use :) I have only been in the industry for 4 years since graduating. Been involved in the opening of 12 hotels nationwide in the past 3 years. But I still pinch myself that I am doing what I love as a job! and being paid for it! Cheers Matt


  10. George Clarke
    on May 22nd, 2009
    @ 10:54 am: 

    Great stuff! Keep watching and happy designing mate. George


  11. Jill
    on May 22nd, 2009
    @ 4:40 pm: 

    Inspirational start to the new series! Really liked the glazing over the kitchen area: such a good alternative when a window isn’t an option, it also made good use of the wall space for max storage. How does the glazing compare for cost with traditional roofing materials?

    Looking forward to seeing the rest of the programmes.


  12. Fiona L
    on May 22nd, 2009
    @ 10:57 pm: 

    Just wanted to say loved the last series and from last weeks episode it looks like its going to be even better! Especially liked the downstairs cloak wallpaper reminded me of Habitats ‘Our Crowd’ Lamp.
    But seeing it in a room setting has really sealed the deal. Thats if I can be brave enough to use it!
    I just really like the whole show and seems like you really do care about each individual home/client, which is really nice to see.

    Fee x.


  13. George Clarke
    on May 23rd, 2009
    @ 4:31 am: 

    Hi Fee. Thank you so much for your message and its great that you think this series is better then the first. We have a broader range of projects (and budgets!) this series which has pushed everyone involved very hard. I honestly think the series gets better and better so please keep watching. At every stage of the project there are brave decisions to be made but you have to trust your instincts and go for it! If you like that wallpaper then get yourself to Habitat straight away! All of the families put all of their trust in me (never mind all of their money and their house!) and I think that is incredible. I care so much that when I transform the architecture of their home that it really works for them and is a beautiful place to be be. Thanks for watching Fee! George x (p.s….and just so you know…. this is me…not just an assistant answering messages all day…keep in touch) x


  14. George Clarke
    on May 23rd, 2009
    @ 4:40 am: 

    Hi Jill. That’s a good question because I bet everyone out there thinks that the glass is massively more expensive but we you look at the overall costs associated with building a roof like this its very competitive. That area of glass costs around £6,000 to supply and install whereas a traditional roof (lets say a similar pitched roof but with natural slate tiles) will cost nearly the same. Why? Well, with the slate roof the material cost will be less but the labour time to construct it will be alot more and involve lots of separate trades so it takes longer. With the glass roof the glazing contractor has it made off site and drops it into the space in a day. With the traditional roof the joiners have to build in the roof joists, put in the insulation, the roofer puts on the roof membrane, then the battens, then the tiles on top and then the plasterers have to plasterboard the underside, plaster skim the board, that has to be left to dry for a couple of days and then the decorators have to paint it all. That will take at least 2 weeks assuming you can get all of the different tradesmen on site when you need them. All that hard work and effort to create a solid roof that lets in no light! Its a waste of time and money! Go for the glass! Keep watching….George x


  15. Miss Mann
    on May 24th, 2009
    @ 2:56 pm: 

    I just wanted to say that I watch you all the time I think that your show the home show is fab. I would of love to be a contestant on your show but unfortunately I do not have the budget. I am a single mom and my house is very much need of love, also I do agree with you that people fall out of love with their properties and that has defiantly happened to me I don’t see it as a home but just somewhere I sleep and bring up the children.

    I wrote to channel four requesting that they be a competition or that your show could be something like Americas extreme makeover. As I believe that so many people watch your show and would love you to come and do something for them but cannot afford it. Oh well keep up the good work


  16. John in Toronto
    on May 24th, 2009
    @ 10:57 pm: 

    Hello George;
    I’m just wondering when you would expect your newest series to be televised outside the UK. I am in Toronto, ON Canada and we only started viewing “Build A New Life In The Country” around last fall. Will we be receiving “The Home Show” in a shorter time frame?
    Really good work you did on “New LIfe”; I look forward to (hopefully) seeing “The Home Show” locally here on HGTV.


  17. Anne Vernal
    on May 27th, 2009
    @ 11:48 am: 

    Hi George

    Enjoyed the first programme of the new series very much and looking forward to the rest of the series. My house is reasonably new (five years old). We have a lounge, dining room (quite small rooms) and then a conservatory leading from the dining room. Am thinking about knocking down part of the lounge wall and putting in bifold doors to allow more light in and which would also open up the two rooms when entertaining. Do you think this is a good idea or are there any other options? Also any ideas to make these rooms look larger – have used light colours on the walls etc.

    Look forward to your reply

    Anne


  18. julie bywater
    on May 27th, 2009
    @ 6:52 pm: 

    Hi George,
    just wanted to say how much i love your show im really pleased its back on air and im making sure i sky plus it just incase i miss an episode. im not normally one to leave messages on peoples websites but i felt compelled to say well done i think the show is fantastic and its brilliant to see a local lad come good. Like yourself i was born in sunderland and raised in washington where i still live, i bore my workmates silly every week when we talk about your show by telling them how i went to the same school as you Oxclose comp although not at the same time i think i started a couple years after you. I take a particular intest in your show not just because your a local lad but because you use Howdens Kitchens and joinery products and i work as an assistant manager at the south shields depot, i have been with company over 10 years and i love being able to see how you use our products and i must say the kitchens always look fantastic. I would love to get into interior designing but think im too old now with bills and mortages and stuff its difficult so i live out my dream by watching house programmes and getting ideas for my own little house. i’ve got my tissues ready for tommorow nights show it always makes me cry when the family love the home you. have created for them.
    Good luck for the rest of the series and any future projects
    Jules

    oooh p.s not much has changed in washington except the galleries has had a retail park built and we now got a KFC woo! hoo! ha ha


  19. Anne Vernal
    on May 28th, 2009
    @ 12:23 pm: 

    Hi George

    Thoroughly enjoying the new series – keep up the good work. My query regarding my own home is how to make the rooms seem larger. I have a new build property (five years old). There is a front lounge, dining room and french doors from there leading on to a conservatory. I have thought of taking down part of the wall between the lounge and dining and putting in bifold doors. This would mean that the two rooms could be opened up, also let more light in and possibly make the rooms larger. Would be grateful for you thoughts and any other suggestions.


  20. Poppy
    on May 28th, 2009
    @ 8:08 pm: 

    Hi George

    Your teeth are amazing!

    Love
    Pop
    xxxxx
    xxxx


  21. gabi blandy
    on May 28th, 2009
    @ 9:20 pm: 

    hi george we live in army quarters for the past 20 year it is a nightmare all of the walls are made of plasterboards .it would be nice if the mod could have a nice quarter build by qualified architect like you to give us better living


  22. design_matt
    on May 29th, 2009
    @ 8:30 am: 

    Hi George – another great episode last night. I think it is great that you are revisiting some of the projects in order to see how they are no lived in and might have been adapted to suit the day to day living of the owners. Thought is was fantastic what you achieved on a very tight budget last night – the open plan style was superb. Noticed some shopping in Liberty! wish I could afford to buy pieces from there :)

    A comment from last week with the glazing over the kitchen – how hard is this to maintain and keep clean? As I noticed the property boundary was very close to the neighbour in order to get access for cleaning – is there any type of self cleaning glass that would be suitable? A friend of mine has something similar and is constantly having to sweep leaves and twigs off with an extended broom handle :)


  23. Tes
    on May 29th, 2009
    @ 1:28 pm: 

    Hi George, loving the new show. as a busy mum of two i’ve got the TV set to record it every thursday so i can watch it at my leisure. I have got a degree in architecture and work for a practice at the moment but am in no hurry to do my diploma in arch due to the aforementioned offspring! ;)
    However, what also puts me off is how hard everyone at work keeps telling me part 2 is and i’m struggling with the idea of juggling a busy home life with the demands of university. I only had one child when i received my BA so having a toddler now and doing such a demanding course slightly terrifies me to be honest. Do you have any advice on part 2 and how to cope or whether waiting would be the best option? Thanks. x


  24. Emma
    on May 29th, 2009
    @ 1:33 pm: 

    Hi George, another great design last night!

    Wanted to ask a quick question about using glass in the wall, we are currently converting an old warehouse into our home and we have various areas where we need to let the light in, particularly the stairwell, we are going to use frosted pyro glass as the stairwell is 3 storey it has to be compartmented. We are using metal studing and have left the openings ready for the glass to go in, could you please advise me on how best to fit the glass in? which would also meet current building regs We saw you at Grand Designs and saw the photo of how you did it on your bathroom. Its just puzzeling us how to fit the glass and make it look sleek without costing us too much.

    I look forward to hearing from you, and wish you all the best in your sucess!
    Regards
    Emma from Rossendale


  25. fiona f
    on May 29th, 2009
    @ 10:38 pm: 

    Hi George

    Lovin the new series. Am just about to move into a fabulous 350year old cottage which is need of loads of TLC. Watching the 1st programme has given me masses of inspiration in mixing contemporary designs into an older property. Met the builder today and now can’t wait for it all to be completed. Look forward to the rest of the series.
    Keep inspiring.
    Fi x


  26. George Clarke
    on May 30th, 2009
    @ 5:47 pm: 

    Fi I’m so pleased you’ve been inspired by the series. It means alot to me to know that it’s giving you the passion and enthusiasm to create a beautiful home. Email me a couple of low res pictures to show me what it looks like before you start the work…and then a few more shots when it’s done. Any worries during the build let me know and I’ll help where I can. Good luck! George x


  27. George Clarke
    on May 30th, 2009
    @ 5:49 pm: 

    Tes I’ve responded to your message 3 times since yesterday and for some reason my iPhone is not happy about it…I’m going to send you a mini response this time to test it then I’ll try again if it works…I am in the middle of nowhere!!! x


  28. George Clarke
    on May 30th, 2009
    @ 5:56 pm: 

    Tes…Great! It worked! Ok…yes it’s a tough course and even harder with kids but please don’t give up. Look into doing your part 2 diploma part time if possible. It will take longer but who cares. Honestly if you have kids I promise you that you’ll be better at time management and more disciplined about your work than most other students! And if you include your kids as much as possible while you are working (get them doing their own drawings and building their own models) it will be easier for you and more fun for them. I’m not saying it will be easy but nothing worthwhile doing ever is! Go for it and let me know how you get on. I wish you all the luck in the world! George x


  29. George Clarke
    on May 30th, 2009
    @ 6:01 pm: 

    Tes…and also..while other students are wasting their time worrying (or going out!) your kids will force you to take welcome breaks and it will give you respite from the stresses of the course. Seriously, if you relax about it I think you will enjoy doing it…and your kids will be a help rather than a hindrance. George x


  30. George Clarke
    on May 30th, 2009
    @ 6:08 pm: 

    Hi Jules. Thanks for leaving a message I appreciate it…and it great to hear from a fellow ‘washy’. Amazing we went to the same school too. All my family still live in Blackfell so I try and get back as often as I can…I’ve been shopping in the new retail park! Howdens kitchens are brilliant and they have been a great help during the series. I’ve just ordered one from your Pallion branch for the house I’ve just bought for my sister…it arrives in a few weeks. Thanks so much for watching the show…keep visiting the website and keep in touch..maybe a drink in Chevvies the next time I’m up…haha! x


  31. Tes
    on May 30th, 2009
    @ 9:34 pm: 

    Hi george, thanx for the response… it’s funny cos i did all those things with my daughter during degree and she has turned out to be rather talented! little monkey’s better than me. Thanks for the advice and i’ll definitely check out the part time options at my university. can continue to work and earn a living that way too.
    best of luck with the series,
    Tes x


  32. George Clarke
    on May 31st, 2009
    @ 9:41 am: 

    Tes, that’s really good news! It’s amazing how much kids love architecture! There are only so many universities that do architecture part time but there is so much flexibility in university courses now that I’m sure they’ll be adaptable. Good luck with the course…and don’t give up…you’ll do great!


  33. George Clarke
    on May 31st, 2009
    @ 9:51 am: 

    Hi Anne…definately take the wall down between the living and the dining room! It’s a no-brainer! Get a structural engineer to check the wall first to make sure it’s not loadbearing. Draw out the plan of the space and do a few quick sketches to make sure you are designing the new space properly. It has to work as one complete space in terms of floor finished and decorating but it’s important to have the space work well as a series of independant zones. So if in the new space you have a tv area, a fire, a reading area and a dining area make sure that the furniture can be laid out correctly and the electric points are all in the right place etc. I’m not sure about having the bifold doors where the old wall was. I like a space to be as open and bright as possible but I can understand that, because of the way you and your family live, you may want the flexibility to divide the spaces when necessary. If I were you I’d create the new space, live in it for a while, then decide later if you really need the doors. You may find that you don’t need them then you’ll save alot of money. If you do put them in consider using glass panelled doors to bounce around light as much as possible while maintaining views through the rooms. I hope this helps! George x


  34. Louise Alexandra
    on Jun 1st, 2009
    @ 8:17 am: 

    Hi George,
    We are gearing up here on a freezing winters night in New Zealand waiting for you to come on the telly… You are our TV highlight of the week! We are about to move into our new home – an architecturally designed 1960s home (that’s an old home by NZ standards…) that desperately needs a facelift. We’ve been making notes of all your tips on the Home Show and are looking forward to moving in, and getting started….
    Anyhow, just wanted to let you knowt hat you have two HUGE fans in NZ – keep up the great work.


  35. Anne Vernal
    on Jun 1st, 2009
    @ 10:04 am: 

    Hi George

    Many thanks for your reply about taking the wall down between the two rooms. You echo my thoughts entirely. Regarding the bifold doors, I was considering glass pannelled doors so that the two rooms plus conservatory could be viewed and it would also bring more light into the lounge. My next query (sorry about this) is that the lounge and dining room are decorated in cream colours but the lounge has carpet and the dining room has wood flooring. Would like to keep them this way – would this work, or would the two rooms require to have the same flooring

    Thanks again for your advice and taking the time to reply.

    Anne


  36. jubes
    on Jun 1st, 2009
    @ 5:24 pm: 

    hi George, love the show especially the end part when you end up crying with home owners i love it . just putting you in my screen saver
    so i dont have to wait a week to see your gorgeous smile


  37. Didi Andrijic
    on Jun 3rd, 2009
    @ 2:03 pm: 

    Hi George
    Just saw your show in Sydney OZ and loved it (Tue 2/6)..lucky home owners! I just wish you could be our Architect and we could give you the money you would need to do the job and let you do whatever you wanted and it would be perfect….actually much more than perfect!
    Last year we bought a 125sqm converted attic on the promenade in Split, Croatia and have employed a so-called top Architect there. Six months later we received virtually the same plans back that we gave him initially, but he did draw them to scale, which ours weren’t.
    We have definitely won the Jackpot engaging this Architect! But watching your show gives us inspiration and helps us keep the faith, in what we believe, will be a magnificent apartment one day. But…when did you say you were coming Down Under or to Croatia?
    Best of luck with your TV show and by the looks of the comments people take the time to write to you they all love it as much as I d
    Didi


  38. George Clarke
    on Jun 3rd, 2009
    @ 3:23 pm: 

    jubes…thanks for the message…now you’re making me go slightly red! Gx


  39. George Clarke
    on Jun 3rd, 2009
    @ 3:27 pm: 

    Anne, the 2 rooms definately need the same flooring. Why don’t you run the wood flooring through the entire space (easier to clean) and put rugs down in key areas to soften the space underfoot? Keep visiting the site and join the Forum’s if you have time. They are growing by the day. George x


  40. George Clarke
    on Jun 3rd, 2009
    @ 3:32 pm: 

    Hi Louise. So glad you’re watching in New Zealand! I’ve never been there but would love to see the place one day…it sounds so beautiful! Good luck with the new house too. Send me a few low res pictures of the house before you start the work and a couple when you have finished. I’d love to see the transformation! Keep watching and join the Forums on my site if you get a chance. Thanks for the message. I really appreciate it. George x


  41. George Clarke
    on Jun 3rd, 2009
    @ 3:42 pm: 

    Didi, thanks for your email. I’m a massive fan of Croatia! Its a beautiful place and I’ve taken my family on holiday there every year for the last 3 years. I loved it so much I bought a stunning plot of land on the Island of Brac and I’m just about to start work building our new house…I’m addicted to building! Can’t wait! The promenade in Split is very beautiful too and I hope your apartment will live up to ‘The Home Show’ standard! Good luck with the build and thank you for watching the show. Hopefully I’ll make it to Sydney one day. George


  42. Didi Andrijic
    on Jun 3rd, 2009
    @ 11:41 pm: 

    Brac… wow – a beautiful place – Heaven on Earth! We holiday on the Island of Korcula each summer and are also in love with the country, but we live on the next best island in the world…the Island of Australia! Next time you are in Split look out for the beautiful building on the promenade that displays all the flags (it houses Foreign Embassies & Split Bank) – that’s the place. Thank you so much for taking the time to write back. You have obviously been blessed by God in many ways but most of all by your family…that is the most important building project of our life! Hope you do come to Sydney one day, I know the Aussies would receive you with open arms! Didi


  43. Anne Vernal
    on Jun 4th, 2009
    @ 12:53 pm: 

    Hi George

    Many thanks for taking the time to reply to my enquiry about the flooring in the two rooms – will definitely take your advice regarding rugs. Looking forward to the programmes in this series and always manage to pick up a few tips – enjoy the interior design part of the programme also. If you are ever in Glasgow, I will buy you a drink to thank you.

    Anne


  44. Gill
    on Jun 4th, 2009
    @ 8:01 pm: 

    George

    You are scrumptious!

    The big question is…………….Sunderland or Newcastle?


  45. SarahC
    on Jun 4th, 2009
    @ 8:06 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I absolutely love your show and tonight was fantastic – I loved the kitchen space! You really do make a difference to people’s lives by making the amazing changes to their homes ;o) Well done and keep it up, Sarah XX


  46. Laila
    on Jun 4th, 2009
    @ 8:07 pm: 

    Enjoyed todays show, the broken bedroom door was hilarious…I think it may have been the ex girlfriend! hehehe

    George Clarke- Best looking man on TV! : D

    xx


  47. Jackie
    on Jun 4th, 2009
    @ 8:27 pm: 

    George, wow, just watched tonight’s episode of the Home Show from Biggin-Hill for Lee’s home make-over. You were brave staying the night in there weren’t you!!! Yet another stunning transformation though. Love, love, love the show, and the distinctive George Clarke voice! x


  48. Pamz
    on Jun 4th, 2009
    @ 8:50 pm: 

    Hello,

    Just wanted to say, saw the show tonight and absolutely loved it. You are the best. :)


  49. Mollie
    on Jun 5th, 2009
    @ 6:52 am: 

    Hi Geroge I’ve recently emailed you. I’m a great fan and love all of your work you do and hope one day become an architect to. Mollie


  50. Hema
    on Jun 5th, 2009
    @ 1:38 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I wanted to congratulate you on the programme last night, it was fabulously done and what a beautiful kitchen you put in….!!
    I think you are one of a few rare that consciously engages a 100% with your clients requirements and needs and it is a refreshing change to all the usual gimmicky house programmes that are out there at the moment. Your programme creates a wonderful balance between you meeting the clients needs and your incredible vision and design of the property which amazes me every time! I seemed to get drawn in to your world…..although it might also have something to do with your tone of voice…which is very infectious!!! ….where on earth did it come from..? Hema x


  51. jubes
    on Jun 5th, 2009
    @ 4:50 pm: 

    another great show last night lee’s bachelor pad was amazing, he seemed a really nice guy it was so good to see him with a lovely house I hope he enjoys his new home. looking forward to next weeks look like there could be some fire works if that woman doesn’t get what she wants!!!!!


  52. Kim
    on Jun 5th, 2009
    @ 4:53 pm: 

    Am really enjoying the new series. It makes such a change to see people falling in love with their own homes again rather than seaching for a new one. My husband and I are about to spend a major bulk of our savings on two new (very plush!) bathrooms which is a bit scary but I know will bring us a huge amount of pleasure, especially now we have a young daughter. We are leaving it all to the professionals which is a real luxury after years of DIY in other areas of our cottage. I think your show helps people to think about their space in new ways which isnt always the easiest thing to do!
    Kim X


  53. Christine
    on Jun 6th, 2009
    @ 6:16 pm: 

    Hi George
    I’ve only recently discovered the Home Show. Its really opened my eyes as to how much simple changes can basically make a house with snags a working home. You’ve show in every episode how you can adapt a house to work for the individual needs. I’m looking to buy my first house – your show has helped me look at houses in a completely different way! Thank you!


  54. Elaine
    on Jun 6th, 2009
    @ 6:29 pm: 

    Hi Geogre. Think you have inspired a nation with your talent! Love your ideas and your passion for your work – It’s so refreshing to watch!
    Anyway I would love to pick your brains about an option in our renovation. We have attic bedrooms with velux windows(permission was refused for dormers at the time) but are hoping to extend into a new garage and first floor extension with dormers ( as finally permission has been granted for other houses on the street!) So would you say it was worth while adding dormers into the existing bedroom with the velux or is it wasted money on a fairly tight budget? Thanks and looking forward to the next episode!


  55. Mark Forrest
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 12:35 pm: 

    Hi fellow Geordie (well Sunderland sort of counts)

    Do you do smaller residential jobs such as kitchenes?

    We need a new kitchen in our home and would love you to be our designer.

    Many thanks

    Mark x


  56. Mark Forrest
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 12:37 pm: 

    Please excuse my spelling………………

    M


  57. Sarah
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 2:08 pm: 

    Hi George

    The Home Show is a real breath of fresh air and your flair for changing properties is amazing!! Please keep making more!!

    We live in Germany and are civilians supporting the British Army out here – so we live in very horribly designed married quarters, which are severely lacking in space and a decent layout. If ever you fancy a challenge then we would love to hear from you!!! :)

    Take care and keep up the good work.

    Sass
    xx


  58. Sally
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 8:03 pm: 

    George Clarke, you are the only bloke i know who can reduce me to tears whilst watching a home improvement programme god damn it. Of course when i use the words home improvements, your show is obviously so much more than that. The thing i like about you that separates you from certain other chaps on tv is that instead of being patronising you genuinely care about the people you work with and that is why i never miss any of your shows. Keep em comin and take care hun xxxxxxx


  59. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 9:54 pm: 

    Sally, so good to hear from you. I probably cry at the ‘reveal’ days just as much as you do watching the show. Sorry for reducing you to tears, but as you say, I genuinely care about the people I do work for and the buildings I transform. It means everything to me that they get the home they deserve. Thank you so much for watching and I hope I don’t make you cry so much next week! Gx


  60. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 9:58 pm: 

    Thanks Sarah (Sass). Thank you so much for supporting the British Army too! An incredible job! I’d love to sort out where you live but I’m not sure the MOD would be happy about that. We have another 9 shows to go in the series (6 new programmes and 3 revisits where I go back to see if the redesign stood the test of being lived in) so please keep watching. Lots of love. George x


  61. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:05 pm: 

    Hi Elaine, if the budget is tight then Veluxs are absolutely fine…I have them in my house and they are brilliant…but if your budget can stretch then definitely build the dormers…they not only give a better view out, but add so much more space to a room…thank you so much for your message…(inspired a nation!!!!!)…thats quite a compliment! Gx


  62. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:07 pm: 

    Hi Christine…if my programmes have inspired you to look at houses in a completely different way then they are worth making! I wish you luck in finding your first house…it sounds to me like you deserve it!…make it beautiful. Gx


  63. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:11 pm: 

    Hi Hema…its a bizarre mix of a Sunderland accent combined with living in London for the past 13 years…sorry its infectious! Thank you so much for all of your kind words…they mean alot. Please keep watching and try and contribute to the Forums on my website when you can. I’m really keen to hear your views on homes and architecture. If you can put up with my accent for the next 9 weeks then keep watching. Love. George x


  64. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:13 pm: 

    Mollie, i’m sorry if I missed your email. Its been a pretty hectic few weeks and some may have unintentionally slipped through the net. Work hard to become an architect. Any advice you need…get in touch and I’ll do my best to help. George x


  65. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:13 pm: 

    Gill…thanks for your message………………..Sunderland x


  66. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:15 pm: 

    Thanks for watching Sarah…architecture is nothing without people to bring it alive…if my designs can in anyway change people’s lives then I’m a very very happy man! George xxx


  67. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:16 pm: 

    Laila…I’m not sure about that!…but thank you so much for the compliment! Keep watching! George xxx


  68. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:19 pm: 

    Thanks Jackie…I should be in bed now as I’m doing a big reveal tomorrow, but I thought I’d burn the midnight oil and do a few replies. Lee’s place was great in the end…it took alot of hard work by all of my team but it was worth it. A really lovely bloke. I pleased you loved the transformation. Keep watching. George x


  69. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:21 pm: 

    Thanks Pamz!…we have some great families and (hopefully) great homes to show you in the rest of the series…9 more programmes to go. I’m doing the 4th ‘reveal’ tomorrow for a family in Chalfont………I hope they like it!!!!!!!! The pressure is on to get all of the builds finished in time! Lots of love. George x


  70. George Clarke
    on Jun 7th, 2009
    @ 10:29 pm: 

    Hi Kim, thank you for watching…you’re right, space is such a tricky thing to deal with but I’m hoping the show is inspiring people to make the right decisions…good luck with your posh bathrooms!…it sounds like you’ll be fine…just keep a close eye on your builders and try not to compromise! remember…you’re the boss! George x


  71. Mollie
    on Jun 8th, 2009
    @ 11:47 am: 

    Hi George ill resend my email and hope that you get it this time!


  72. Jackie
    on Jun 8th, 2009
    @ 8:15 pm: 

    Pleased the big reveal went well today, must be a great buzz when your hard work pays off! Is the dining table in the picture from Indigo? They do the most amazing furniture, we have loads of it in our house, almost too much as I love it so much.


  73. Angela
    on Jun 10th, 2009
    @ 12:51 pm: 

    Dear George – I live in Toronto, Canada and have just found your ‘older’ series Building a New Life in the Country on BBC Canada – I jut love it and record all the shows on my PVR and then have a marathon viewing session!! Not sure if any of your newer shows are going to be shown over here but will certainly keep a look out for them.


  74. Eleonora
    on Jun 10th, 2009
    @ 4:19 pm: 

    Hi George!

    Just to say that you have a big fan in Rome, Italy.

    Ciao!


  75. lynn arthington
    on Jun 10th, 2009
    @ 6:29 pm: 

    Hi George

    Googled you originally to find out where abouts in the North East you hale from as I’m a Durham lass living in Manchester and I find your vioce compforting as it reminds me of home. That would be reason enough to watch the show, but on top of that I find your show inspirational. So much so, that after the first series we moved out of our own home that we’d lived in for 12 years and had it refurbished. We had great builders and the whole process only took 7 weeks. Not as spectacular as your projects but we are proud of ourselves for biting the bullet and it’s thanks to you for giving us a gentle push in the right direction. We get a warm glow when we watch your show. You come across to be very genuine and a truely caring bloke. Well done to you and all your team and thank you. x.x.x


  76. Zane Cozens
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 7:52 am: 

    George
    You are one clever man. Really impressed with the way you understand people and spaces. You are a genuine and an exceptionally creative person – keep it up.


  77. George Clarke
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 9:17 am: 

    Zane, Thanks very much!…very kind. Thank you for watching. Try and watch tonight’s show if you can…its a good one! George


  78. George Clarke
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 9:27 am: 

    Hi Lynn. That is such a lovely message. Thank you. Great to hear from a Durham lass…one of the best cities in England and Durham Cathedral is one of my favourite building in the world. I’m so glad you were inspired by my first series to transform your home. Well done you! Its a brave step but it sounds like the results were impressive. You should be very proud of your self. Send me a couple of before and after shots. I’d love to see it. Thanks so much for watching and keep coming back to leave comments on the site. Watch tonight if you can. George x


  79. George Clarke
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 9:28 am: 

    Thanks Eleonora! Keep watching….George x


  80. Jac
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 10:13 am: 

    George,
    Your phone must never leave your hand judging by all the msg’s you post. Fair play for responding to everyone, thats really nice.

    I love the show, cant wait for tonights episode. Only I’m not looking forward to the sleep I’m going to miss afterwards planning the redesign of my house in my head :) the one bad thing about watching the show, knowing that i have to wait and save before i can do anything as wonderful!

    Jac
    Waterford (Ireland)


  81. christine44
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 6:12 pm: 

    Thanks for the earlier reply George. Its really cool how you find the time of people!!
    I’m really looking forward to tonights show. I’m becoming slightly addicted now, want to learn and absorb as much as i can. Dont suppose there is a “How to turn a not so perfect house into a new beautiful home” for Dummies book is there?!
    I’ve been in student digs for years and didnt look at anything but nice, simple (boring) new build until i saw your show!! Found an amazing house on Monday, with lots of windows and sea views (I live in South West Wales) that was bit manky but could be made really lush with some work and asking price only £75k- just found out they installing wind turbines in field next to it! urgh!
    I was getting down and really unmotivated about finding a house – thanks for giving me motivation again! X


  82. jill
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 7:37 pm: 

    hello George!

    Two things – first I love your show and am also looking forward to the new series on Five.

    Second…do you take commissions in Scotland? My parents home badly needs your help, they have had no luck finding a local architect whose ideas they like. They are also nervous about project management since my father works away from home and the house probably needs structural work. It was built in 1865. Please let me know!

    Love watching you! Jill


  83. Rachel Walton
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 8:02 pm: 

    Hello George Clarke!
    Thought I would drop a line as I went to school with you! (my name was Rachel James then,- twin of Emma, we had history together). I wanted to say congratulations on your successes! Also, to ask a small favour. I teach Year 6 at Hylton Red House in Sunderland and today I was trying to get across the importance of looking carefully at shapes and angles and drawing them very accurately. The best real-life application for this I could think of was architecture. I would like to tell them about you and the fact that you are a local lad and show them how well you stick in! Could you post a comment for them to that effect? Sorry to be cheeky, but they would love it and they are fab.
    Thank you in advance
    Rachel Walton (nee James)


  84. Hayley
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 8:26 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Have just discovered the home show and I absolutely love it, such a great episode tonight, a very challenging, erm, challenge… Everyone on the show always looks so thrilled, somewhat stunned I guess you could say, but definitely always thrilled like they can’t believe what’s been created for them.. All very heart warming and lovely :)

    Hopefully there’s a 3rd series in the pipeline?
    x


  85. Rosbard
    on Jun 11th, 2009
    @ 8:32 pm: 

    Enjoy the show. Couple of questions:
    Do you do all the planning work entirely yourself on the show or are there other architects involved?
    Is it really you replying to these messages? (where do you find the time and can I have some!)
    How can I find out about local architects who are good, reliable etc? Is there a professional association that would list recommended members, that sort of thing.


  86. Hema
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 12:36 am: 

    George! you did it again! I had my eyes screwed and fists clenched before the reveal. it goes to show a simple design was all that was needed to let all that natural light burst through the house. I have learnt so much from my first house I bought. When we got the keys to the house we walked in armed with a big hammer and not champagne! We tore the wall down between the kitchen and dining room in minutes which faced out onto decking and huge garden. It turned the long, dark rooms into a fabulously light, warm glowing room. Even now when people walk in they just don’t expect to see the size and light in the room. we had new electrics, re-plastered, removed a door and designed & installed our own kitchen, it was a hands-on experience and loved it.
    So for you to see the triumph and adoration in the people’s faces at the reveal must be multiplied a 100 times over! I think decades from now, they will always remember you as the incredible man that changed their lives!! I have always been intrigued with interior designing and I think it ‘s crucial to get it right as it does make or break a room; but the hardest thing is I think is spotting that statement piece for the room and then complimenting it with a mix of fabrics, textures and colour. One of the things your show does for me is to see how the marriage between these three can come together so easily and I would love to conquer it for myself one day!
    erm…..also….can I be the first to petition for some more naked George bathtub moments in the shows!!…please. Hema x


  87. George Clarke
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 7:30 am: 

    Hi Jed. No me and my office do all of the design and planning work on every single project. Me and my project manager, Mark, have complete control to make sure everything is designed and built the way I want it. I also have a brilliant team of stylists who I work very closely with to provide the finishing touches. They do a fantastic job! There are no other architects involved whatsoever. Where do I find the time? Lots and lots of hard work and long hours. And yes this is me…not quite sure how I prove that to you but yes its definitely me. Its not on for someone to pretend to be me and answer genuine messages from people who have given their time to watch my programmes and visit my site. I try to respond to as many messages as I possibly can. You can contact the Royal Institute of British Architects. They have a database of architects to suit the size and type of project in your area. Give them a call. George


  88. George Clarke
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 7:32 am: 

    Hayley, thank you so much for watching. It means alot to me to hear such positive comments on the website. No third series planned at the moment…that is up to channel 4 and not me unfortunately. George x


  89. Rosbard
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 9:14 am: 

    Thanks for the reply and info. Impressed that the show is all it seems in terms of the work involved and who does it. Perhaps not always the case with shows of this type but it seems realisitc and honest which is important for us watching and anyone considering work in their home.
    Painting the area white at the start is a really interesting way of approaching a project and it’s always surprising what a difference it makes in how you see a space.
    Regards,
    Ros


  90. Sarah
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 9:16 am: 

    Hi George, what a truly fantastic job you do! It must be so rewarding, and you really do come over as being one of the loveliest people you could wish to meet. Last nights episode was amazing, just like all the others! Really hope channel 4 make a third series…wish you could come to my house! Love Sarah xxx


  91. Matt
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 9:36 am: 

    Hi George… another fantastic programme last night.
    Absolutely lived the kitchen and open lounge design – truly stunning!
    Great to watch how you continue to take on board everything that the clients require and always go that one step further to blow their minds!
    PLEASE Channel 4 make sure you progress with plans for a 3rd series! :) Matt


  92. George Clarke
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 11:43 am: 

    Matt, thanks for the support. I’ll try and make sure channel 4 listen to your demands! cheers mate. George


  93. George Clarke
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 11:46 am: 

    Hi Sarah, thank you so much for watching the show and your lovely comments. I’m very grateful. Last night was a very tricky show but we managed to pull it off…we’ve got 2 revisits next week and the week after and then a solid run off 5 new builds. I’m up against it…but a bit of pressure keeps you going! George x


  94. George Clarke
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 12:08 pm: 

    Rachel!!!!! How are you! That has made my day hearing from you…absolutely amazing! Those History lessons at Oxclose School seem such a long time ago (I suppose because it was!!!!) I hope you are well and enjoying teaching at Hylton Red House.

    So this is a message for all of Rachel Walton’s pupils at HYLTON RED HOUSE. There are probably lots of days where you prefer not to be at school and somewhere else. I know I had lots of days like that. But please remember that all of the hard work you put in at school now is laying the foundations for YOUR FUTURE! Its up to you to have the drive and passion to make something of your life. Your teachers will do everything to help and support you (that is why they work so hard and love teaching!) but at the end of the day the responsibility for your future lies with YOU. I always wanted to be an architect but NEVER EVER thought I would be able to do it. But I know I would be able to give myself a chance if I worked hard and stuck in at school. I did and it paid off. Step by step I achieved the grades I needed. I was nowhere near being the brightest kid at school so i knew it was going to be hard but i got my head down and got on with it. Working hard at school was the best thing I ever did. If i didn’t, there is no way on earth that I would be in the position I’m in today. And if your teachers see that you are keen to do well, no matter how much you may be struggling, they will work even harder to push you along. Teaching is a team effort. The harder you work the better your teachers can teach you. Work hard year 6 and everyone else at the school and push to achieve whatever you want in life. Whatever your dreams are YOU CAN MAKE THEM HAPPEN! Good luck to all of you at Hylton Red House! Take care. George x


  95. George Clarke
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 12:31 pm: 

    Hi Jill. Thanks for watching. Just to be 100% clear (as there are alot of rumours going around on the web) unfortunately I’m no longer the presenter for Build A New Life on Five. I loved making the series and established the brand over 3 years, but when I left Five over 2 years ago to go to Channel 4 they needed to find a new presenter. He’s not as good (joking!) but hey..what can you do! LOL! I moved to channel 4 as they are the best channel for architecture, buildings and property but this unfortunately meant I had to walk away from the Build A New Life series. This was a shame as I loved it…but leaving Five was the right decision. I truly wish the Build A New Life team the best of luck with the new series and their new presenter.

    Yes, my office do take on private commissions but it depends on what the project is. Please send further information about the property and your budget to mail@clarkedesai.com and we will contact you. Thanks so much for watching The Home Show! George x


  96. christine
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 1:10 pm: 

    Wicked show last night george. Really loved the art room in the garden – clever use of space!! The line “our marriage depends on this” was a classic – not much pressure?!
    Is there any books around that you’d recommend? I’m a total novice to houses! But really dont want to settle for a new house that just doesnt work for me!


  97. Hammy Lund
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 2:21 pm: 

    Hi George
    Oh George I must just write to say how much I am enjoying your show on telly.
    I love everything you do and your twinkling eyes bring so much joy to my life.
    I wish that I had a wall to knock down and therefore be able to talk to you about it but I haven’t so this is just an email to say keep up the good work.
    (I am not bonkers, just a fan!)
    Best regards, Hammy Lund x


  98. Heidi
    on Jun 12th, 2009
    @ 5:28 pm: 

    Hi George

    I am loving the home show, I am hooked to see what you are going to do and it always looks fab! I really thought the couple last night were not going to like any changes , must have been so hard for him to let go but you created a wonderful home for them!

    I loved watching you on build a new home but love this program even more!


  99. George Clarke
    on Jun 15th, 2009
    @ 1:40 pm: 

    Heidi, thank you for your lovely email. I was worried about the programme too. I wasn’t sure at all if they would like it but thankfully they loved it…and still do I hear (I didn’t know my new dentist was good friends with them and he said they are ecstatic!…thats lucky…otherwise it could have been painful for me in the dentist’s chair!!!!! Unfortunately, I no longer present Build A New Life in the Country. I loved making the show but when I moved to channel 4 I could no longer make a channel five series. A shame…but onwards and upwards. They have a new presenter for Build A New Life but he isn’t as good…only joking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for watching Heidi…keep in touch. Georgex


  100. George Clarke
    on Jun 15th, 2009
    @ 1:42 pm: 

    Hammy, you sound bonkers but whats wrong with that! Shame you haven’t got a wall to knock down…I could soon arrange it if you are struggling to make a decision! Thank you so much for watching the show and taking the time to leave me a message. I’m incredibly grateful (if the show brings joy to people’s life then it has got to be worth doing!!!!) Please keep watching and coming back to the web site….George x


  101. jubes
    on Jun 15th, 2009
    @ 4:18 pm: 

    george
    please please please tell us you are going to be doing a calendar for next year, OMG can you imagine i’m so looking forward to xmas now
    oh great show last week again nearly forgot to mention that


  102. vicky
    on Jun 15th, 2009
    @ 7:10 pm: 

    Hi George
    my husband and I are blown away each week by what you manage to achieve – you really seem to get to grips with what people want. Its great to see how you make a difference to peoples lives.
    We have recently purchased a listed house and derelict barns all in a very bad state of repair. we want to start renovations and have emailed the home show but the response tells us you are finished for the season. We wondered what your timings are for new prospective clients for the home show or other tv ventures – or how to go about using your services.
    Would be great to hear from you
    Vicky & Bruce


  103. Suzanne
    on Jun 15th, 2009
    @ 8:47 pm: 

    Hi George.
    Just wanted to say that I greatly enjoyed the first series of the home show and looked forward to this series and it does not disappoint! I think your friendly down-to-earth manner makes it all the better (as highly educated people often seem to be a bit intimidating or patronising on tv shows). I really enjoy listening to your lovely Geordie-type accent and you are very easy on the eye too for us ladies!
    Wishing your successful career is long-lasting.
    Suzanne from Birkenhead x


  104. George Clarke
    on Jun 16th, 2009
    @ 8:30 am: 

    Thanks Suzanne. I’m so grateful that you are following the series and thank you for very kind comments. I’m very proud of the series and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the families come through the door and be over the moon about what i’ve done…all of the feedback I’m getting from them is that it truly is life changing! We have done this with my architectural practice for years…its great that the experience can now be shared with so many people like you. Thanks for watching. George xxx


  105. George Clarke
    on Jun 16th, 2009
    @ 8:34 am: 

    Hi Vicky, thanks for your message. Yes we have all of our stories for series 2 but when the 3rd series is commissioned we will be looking for new stories. If you contact Tiger Aspect productions and ask for Elise on the Home Show team she will send you the relevant forms to apply. Your project sounds very exciting. If you want to commission my practice to do the work for you send your details and information about the property, your budget etc to bobby@clarkedesai.com. He is my business partner and deals with all new project enquiries. Hopefully we will hear from you soon. Thanks for watching! George x


  106. Rachel
    on Jun 16th, 2009
    @ 4:39 pm: 

    Hi George just wanted to say thankyou for your fantastic show, I hope C4 recommision you for a third series. I’ve learnt more stuff from The Home Show than all the other property shows put together and you’re definitely the nicest property presenter!! You’ve inspired me to get on with sorting out my home and I’ve made some plans but I’m pretty rubbish at visualising how it will work. I’m knocking together a back living room, utility, bathroom and part of the hallway to make one big family room opening out on to the south-facing garden with bifold doors(sound familiar?!)). The kitchen will be down one wall and dining area at the garden end with casual seating at the other end. It will be just under 14’ by 25’and I’m not sure whether this is going to be too corridor-like. I could get a few extra feet from the side return, but I’m not sure whether I can really afford it (my budget is extremely tight)……do you think this sounds a workable size? Also its very hard to see how light it will be – it has v high ceilings and nearly the whole back wall will be glass to the south-facing garden and there’s also a door and windows to the side return (although my other half has just read your article on using glass and wants to replace them with something swish). Finally, do you think it’s worth moving the kitchen to the opposite side of the room from the services, to save a really stunning period fireplace?….Sorry for the long post!! Best wishes, Rachelx


  107. Andrea
    on Jun 16th, 2009
    @ 11:38 pm: 

    Love the new series of the Home show. It’s great to see a mackem doing well!
    Keep up the good work x


  108. George Clarke
    on Jun 17th, 2009
    @ 6:44 pm: 

    Andrea…thanks or your message..I assume you are a fellow mackem? Gx


  109. George Clarke
    on Jun 17th, 2009
    @ 6:55 pm: 

    Rachel, thanks for watching the show. Very grateful. Obviously without seeing the exact existing plan its difficult to make specific comments but I’ll give it a go!…The room size sounds fine to me. Obviously a side return would add more space but if you have a tight budget then its not an option. With a smaller space you have to be even more precise with your decisions but in principle the size of room sounds ok. The kitchen down one side is the write move with this proportion of room. If you put in any right angle returns it will make it feel even smaller….but you may want to run kitchen units so far down the length of the space and then change the depth of units less deep to give you cutlery, plates, wine glass storage towards the dining table end of the room which will give you a sense of more width towards the garden end of the plan. The glass being south facing is the best you will get but is there any opportunity to open up the side wall anywhere to get in more light at the darker part of the plan? It sounds like a shame to lose the fireplace but if it means you have a bad kitchen layout then it has to go but try your hardest to make the plan work with it in place…a real working fire in the space will be amazing. It sounds to me like you have learned alot from the show!!!! Your on the right tracks…definitely….Good luck with the build! George x


  110. Rachel
    on Jun 18th, 2009
    @ 12:50 pm: 

    George- thanks so much for taking the time to reply, that’s really useful advice. I’ll send you a pic when we’ve finished! Rachel x


  111. Pam Mason
    on Jun 19th, 2009
    @ 9:30 am: 

    Hi George – I love the Home Show, you’re doing a great job. One question though, in these times of reduce, reuse and recycle, how much effort is put into doing that with the unwanted fixtures & fittings from the home’s you feature? Last night’s had what looked like a perfectly good bathroom basin being sledgehammered, and I just cringed! Same goes for kitchen cupboards being skipped. What about Freecycle?

    PS. Husband’s a Geordie, and I think there’s another word that accompanies ‘Mackem’, but I’ll leave the rivalry there lol:)

    Love Pam x


  112. Paul
    on Jun 19th, 2009
    @ 12:32 pm: 

    The real treat in last night’s show was seeing George’s lovely hairy chest in the shower. Great programe, great presenter.


  113. Penny
    on Jun 19th, 2009
    @ 2:21 pm: 

    Hi George
    I am 13 and want to be an Architect , can yo advise me on the courses I should take and which university I should go to. Also is it possible to get some work experience with you company.

    I also love the new show and the way you approach things.

    Regards
    Penny


  114. Peter
    on Jun 19th, 2009
    @ 6:18 pm: 

    Hi George

    Great new series. My only question is – when do you next get your shirt off? Another shower perhaps? lol.

    Pete


  115. Sally
    on Jun 20th, 2009
    @ 11:33 am: 

    Hi George,
    I had to write and let you know how brilliant I think The home Show is. I loved the revisit to the house in Brixton, it was my favourite from series 1(probably because it is most similar to mine). After waiting two and a half years to actually moved into our home (In that time we spent months discussing what we wanted to do with it, mentally knocking down walls and changing walk in cupboards into en suites, opening up the loft and adding extensions) and now having lived in it for nearly 3 years, to our shame we have done practically nothing. The fear of actually doing it stopping us all this time. Your show has given us the confidence and motivation that we really needed. We took a weekend down in London and visited Grand Designs Live and were lucky enough to catch your seminar which was excellent! (We took your advice and tried to visit the Sit John Soane’s museum but it was closed).

    We are about to start approaching Architects but are we better telling them what we think we want first or telling them what doesn’t work and let them come up with their ideas first? Also would an Architect draw up plans for the whole house even if we have to actually do it bits at a time?

    Keep up with the good work and I hope there are many more series of The Home Show to come!

    Sal


  116. Louisa
    on Jun 20th, 2009
    @ 10:15 pm: 

    George…..totally loving The Home Show and never miss one…….!
    You make so many people happy….
    It’s a great show and very inspirational…
    Keep up the good work Goerge…
    Oh and can we see you bashing down a few more walls, hahaha particularly like that part.!!
    Louisa x


  117. Nicola
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 8:30 am: 

    Just thought I’d let you know – I LOVE your show. I don’t watch alot of TV, but I make sure I have ‘The Home Show’ set to record on my V+ box so I never miss it and then when I have the time, I love to sit down and watch your show – my little indulgence! Plus………… is always nice for us girls to see a fit bloke get in a bath or shower!! Keep the shows coming. xx


  118. George Clarke
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 8:13 pm: 

    Hi Pam. Its a valid point. Alot of the sanitaryware is in a worse state than you might think and often can’t be taken out without causing damage. We do try and recycle where we can and often the kitchen units are given away to people locally to use for storage. Saying all of that I think we can do a lot better…I’ll push to Freecycle more in the next series. Thanks for watching. George x


  119. George Clarke
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 8:14 pm: 

    Paul…thanks for watching the show and your lovely comments…can’t stand my hairy chest though! George


  120. George Clarke
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 8:19 pm: 

    Hi Penny. I’m so pleased you want to be an architect. For me it is more of a way of life than a job. Its an amazing profession! For architecture you need a broad range of GCSE’s. You need the standard stuff like Maths and English and a broad science subject (in my day I did Modular Science which mixed Chem, Phys and Biol all together) and then lots of arts/design subjects. A Level arts/design along with english and a science will be good. University wise they are all good. It depends where you are based now and where you would like to be. I went to Newcastle first and then university college london. London has an amazing range. But there are so many great schools….Bath, Nottingham, Glasgow…to many to mention. Good luck! Its hard work but well worth it! George x


  121. George Clarke
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 8:21 pm: 

    Peter…not for a while I think…the last time was embarrassing enough! George x


  122. George Clarke
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 8:30 pm: 

    Hi Sal…thanks for watching the show and coming to see me at Grand Designs Live! You should write a brief of what you want before your architect shows up. Be as specific as possible about what YOU want and YOUR way of life. If you want to do a few sketches over your estate agents plans (if you have them) then that will move things along. Your architect should understand that your sketches aren’t necessarily the ‘design’ but a means of briefing him/her about what might like. Your architect should then develop a design for the entire house and a phasing strategy for how this can be built if you are doing it ‘bit by bit’. If they don’t understand and their ego takes over then don’t use them. At that point contact my office and we will do it for you! mail@clarkedesai.com. About 50% of our work comes from clients who are disappointed by their architect and then give us the job! Good luck and I hope it goes well. No new series of The Home Show planned yet….I’ll let you know when it happens….Restoration Man is my new series out in the Autumn along with a Home Show ‘Special’…George x


  123. George Clarke
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 8:32 pm: 

    Hi Louisa, thanks for the message (this is me by the way…late Sunday night with a fine glass of wine in hand)…I’m pleased you are being inspired. Please keep watching and I’ll try and knock down a few walls for you! George xxx


  124. George Clarke
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 8:34 pm: 

    Nicola!…now I’m blushing! Thanks for watching the show. I’m so grateful especially when you say you watch very little TV. It means alot. This series runs all the way through until the 6th August. A mix of new shows and revisits. Keep watching if you can. George xxx


  125. Louisa
    on Jun 21st, 2009
    @ 9:24 pm: 

    ….thanks for the reply George….! Oh I beleive it’s you ……But hey how
    do you manage your time so well….working, teaching, family and replying to all these emails…? Impressive……

    I guess men can multi-task too……..hehe…
    ….Louisa…x


  126. Chrissy
    on Jun 23rd, 2009
    @ 5:40 pm: 

    just seen the new pictures you have showing on the home page! Blue is def your colour George, you should wear it more often! Or more shower scenes….your choice :)
    Loving the shows!! XX


  127. George Clarke
    on Jun 24th, 2009
    @ 8:15 pm: 

    Chrissy…why thank you…I think I’ll stick to blue shirts and jumpers rather than shower scenes! George x


  128. Chrissy
    on Jun 25th, 2009
    @ 7:35 pm: 

    just watching the show George….wrong blue tonight. Cobolt blue please, however grey T-shirt with sledgehammer is a very very close second favourite! If you ever do a house in Wales – please please please can i come slegdehammer a wall?? x


  129. Charl
    on Jun 25th, 2009
    @ 8:00 pm: 

    Hi George,
    Great show tonight! I have recently purchased a house and your style has really inspired me. Thanks for a great show, and by the way how tall are you? Curious as you always seem a lot taller than people you work for.


  130. Angie Tighe
    on Jun 26th, 2009
    @ 7:31 pm: 

    Hi George ! Can I just say how much I really enjoy watching your shows, you are fantastic at what you do and its lovely watching your clients reactions when they return to their homes after you have performed your magic ! I have a question for you though, and its not about houses so you might think its a bit strange ! but where did you get your georgeous wrist watch from? my husband goes mad when he sees you wearing it as he is a watch man and just loves big watches and just goes on about how nice it is! its the silver one with the large face which you wear on most of the episodes, I think its got ROVO written on it.

    Love watching your shows, keep up the good work, dont know what we’d do without you !


  131. George Clarke
    on Jun 27th, 2009
    @ 7:48 am: 

    Hi Charl…so pleased that you have been inspired by the show. I’m very grateful that you have taken time out to watch it. I’m 6ft 2inches tall…everyone says I’m much taller than they thought….George x


  132. George Clarke
    on Jun 27th, 2009
    @ 8:04 am: 

    Angie, thanks for your email and thank you for watching the shows. I’m very grateful. The watch is a Revo model RVO1301, but they are very difficult to find these days as they don’t make them anymore. I’m a huge watch fan myself and I’ve recently got my hands on the new Bell&Ross BR 01-94 Titanium watch which I absolutely love…you’ll see it on screen over the next few weeks. Take care…George x


  133. Nicky
    on Jun 27th, 2009
    @ 10:40 am: 

    Hi George,

    I have to say that I’m a avid fan of most house makeover shows…well, I say a fan, I watch them until the ‘up their own arse’ presenter irritates the life out of me with their patronising and condesending comments to the poor home owners!
    Then along comes a certain George Clarke…..
    Firstly, wow…strikingly gorgeous with eyes to die for! But I DID manage to put that aside for a while (honest!) and see a totally different approach in the world of makeover. Instead of telling them what they should have, or imposing your own tastes, you LISTEN and impliment your understanding of what they want and need….how very refreshing!!!
    I’m totally hooked…..and on the program ;)

    Nicky xx
    p.s. please tell me you’re single and desparately seeking a redhead in kent??? lol


  134. Angie Tighe
    on Jun 27th, 2009
    @ 12:56 pm: 

    Hi George ! thank you so much for getting back to me and so quickly too ! Its great that you actually reply to people yourself, its so much more personal and I certainly really appreciate it !

    Thats a shame they don’t make those watches any more, bummer! but ive had a look at the Bell&Ross one – wow its fantastic ! My husband said he’s gonna have to save his pennies for one of those !

    Have a great weekend, hope you don’t end up working all of it and manage to have a few beers and spend time with your family !
    x


  135. Anna Maria Slater
    on Jun 28th, 2009
    @ 5:51 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I am a mature student studying interior design and we are currently studying modern designers/architects. I have decided to do my essay on you, as I love The Home Show and I really like the way you are so passionate about designing homes to suit the way people live. Have you any more info on what inspires you and any advice for me in starting my own Interior Design business. Look forward to hearing from you.


  136. Anne
    on Jun 29th, 2009
    @ 7:39 pm: 

    Hi George;

    Just a quick note to say that I love watching your shows (in Canada). You bring together a great mixture of aesthetics, building and lifestyle that makes me stop whatever I’m doing to watch. The fact that you’re the best looking man on television comes into it as well, I must admit.

    I also appreciate the fact that you seem be genuinely sympathetic to the homeowners – in spite of their occaisional foibles. BTW, did the man ever finish his Victorian watertower?

    In closing, I just want to say that my favourite part of your show (esp. Build a New Life in the Country) is when you celebrate the dream of life change and the courage involved. I’m going through something life-changing myself, and I always take courage when I hear your testimonial. I always seem to hear it when I need it the most.

    I hope to see you for many years to come.

    luv

    Anne


  137. Suz
    on Jun 30th, 2009
    @ 6:05 pm: 

    Hi George
    Hope you’ve had an interesting couple of days down on the South coast. Was great to meet you yesterday when you looked around school – well done for having a school dinner!! Can’t wait to see what ideas and designs you have for the building.


  138. Hayley Anthony
    on Jul 2nd, 2009
    @ 8:34 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just a note to say how much we utterly love the show – it’s the only ‘homey’ show that me and my husband actually watch together. My husband usually grumbles at home makeovers etc but he’s glued to this one as much as me and it’s so nice to watch something together! Thank you!! Really love your work and just love the reveal every week and seeing your clients’ reactions. Well done for your fab work.

    Hayley, Darlington, Co. Durham


  139. Christine Smith
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 10:28 am: 

    Hi George. I love the Home show, just as I love Build a New Life (it’s not the same without you). Last night’s program was the best ever! What a transformation to the kitchen!! How my mother and I would love such a space. And the family were SO delighted – I don’t think I have ever seen a family more delighted! I do wish the program was on every week. My brother and sister-in-law are about the exchange contracts on a listed building in Bath (Widcombe Lodge) which needs quite a lot of renovation to make it practical for them and their family. I know that they already have an architect but would love to know what you would do with the project. I have the plans if you are interested in having a look.
    Thanks.
    Christine


  140. George Clarke
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 11:34 am: 

    Hi Nicky, Thanks for your lovely message and thank you for watching. I’m married with three gorgeous kids so sorry…not single x


  141. George Clarke
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 11:49 am: 

    Anna…now there’s a compliment! I’m inspired by all the great modernist architects. One of my favourites is Alvar Aalto. He strikes the balance of cool, beautiful modern design with the warmth and texture of scandanavian building materials. He is a genius at creating a modernist home to be lived in. One of my favourite houses by him is the Villa Mairea. I think a Home is the most important and emotive piece of architecture in our lives. One of my favourite books, to get under the skin of homes and what the spaces mean to us emotionally is ‘Poetics of Space’ by the philosopher Gaston Bachelard. For your business, keep it very small, don’t grow quickly, be passionate about your work everyday, you have to eat, sleep and breathe good design, it must be a way of life rather than a job, work hard, and don’t let anyone tell you that something is impossible….’impossible is nothing’. Good luck!. Email me your essay when you’re done…I’d love to read it. George x


  142. Dore
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 4:29 pm: 

    Dear George,
    I just wanted to congratulate you on your latest series. I love it and watch it every week. I’m always amazed at what you manage to achieve and how you seem to transform people’s lives with your thoughful designs. Just a quick question: I have noticed your penchant for sliding doors and was thinking of having some put in my kitchen wall to add a little light. Can you recommend a brand for me? I am moving back home to Nigeria soon and was thinking we have some huge houses with dubious design quality and taste. I think you could make a great series in Nigeria. If you want to discuss this idea further, feel free to get in touch.
    All the best
    Dore xx


  143. Chrissy
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 6:58 pm: 

    loved loved loved the show this week George. That kitchen was breath taking!!! Can imagine stepping through the door of that house everyday and loving it just as much years later! I do love your sledgehammer scenes…..such violence from such a nice guy ;)
    Keep up the amazing work, cant wait to see what you come up with next!! x


  144. Chrissy
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 7:08 pm: 

    oh i and totally agree with Anna on the “up their own arse” presenters on other shows! you replacement on Build a life isounds like he constantly reading from a script and is so patronising i cant watch the show at all. You come across as a genuine, normal bloke talking about stuff you know about and who cares about what happens to the persons home. oh and you have much much cute bottom than your replacement – teehee
    x


  145. George Clarke
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 7:57 pm: 

    Hi Chrissy…not sure Charlie Luxton will be happy about your comments…BUT I AM!!!!!!! Thank you! Its a shame I’m no longer making Build A New Life. I started the series from the beginning and I loved it. It was then a huge success for Five, but unfortunately I had to leave it behind when I signed for Channel 4. It was the right move, but leaving my series behind was tough. Thanks for watching The Home Show. Really appreciate it. George x


  146. George Clarke
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 8:04 pm: 

    Anne, that is such a lovely message. Thank you. I have to say that I am truly flattered by how many people are watching my programmes in Canada. The following is incredible. Yes, the wonderful David finished his water tower. I regularly call him up for a chat. He is an incredible guy and I loved being part of his new life change. I’m glad the programmes have inspired you. Please keep coming back to the website and keep in touch. Lots of love. George x


  147. George Clarke
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 8:07 pm: 

    Hi Suz. You are more than welcome. I had a wonderful day and it was fantastic to spend some time with passionate teachers and lovely kids. And I loved my school dinner! We are developing ideas for the schools as we speak…very exciting. See you soon. George x


  148. George Clarke
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 8:19 pm: 

    Christine, thanks for watching the show. The Home Show is on every Thursday at 8pm until the 6th of August so please keep watching. Hopefully I will be making another series but you should hassle channel 4 about that on the 4homes website. The listed building in bath sounds amazing. Bath is such a beautiful place. Unfortunately, if you already have an architect on board professionally I’m not allowed to give advice on the project without the architect’s consent…and as you can probably tell by watching me on TV….architect’s can get quite possessive! I’m sure he is doing an amazing job and I wish your bother ans sister-in-law all the luck with their project. Keep in touch. George x


  149. George Clarke
    on Jul 3rd, 2009
    @ 8:23 pm: 

    Hayley, thank you so much for your lovely message. Its great to hear that you and your husband watch the show together! It was really important to me that this was a series that had all the content that would appeal to everyone and it seems to have hit the mark. I know what he means about bad makeover series…I couldn’t bare to watch them myself so I’m chuffed to hear that he likes it. Pass my thanks onto him. Keep watching! Lots of love. George x


  150. Christine Smith
    on Jul 4th, 2009
    @ 8:07 am: 

    Hi George. Thank for replying to my message – I thought you would be far to busy to respond – so thank you again. I’ll keep you posted on the Bath project and should another architect be required, I will certainly put your name forward – you would love the project, I’m sure of that. So I’ll keep you posted if that is OK.
    Christine


  151. Erin
    on Jul 4th, 2009
    @ 1:29 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just wanted to say that the new series of the Home Show is as inspirational as ever!

    I’ve wanted to build my home from scratch since I was about 13 (I’m now 24) and ever since then, I’ve watched architecture programmes, read magazines and books about it and pulled out pages of newspapers etc any time I see something I like or could use.

    Your designs are some of the best I’ve seen, you never fail to impress and you always listen so well to what people want and need. I think it will be a few more years before I can afford to put my plans to build in action but I would gladly hand the design over to you and know I wouldn’t need to worry.

    I have a day job in finance and work freelance as a journalist but have always felt a pull towards design and architecture. I was never sure if it would be a very difficult industry to get in to though. I’m just wondering if you may be able to recommend any foundation courses that I could do to get a feel for it (whilst still working) before I make the commitment to a full career change?

    Take care

    Erin


  152. Kelly Vincent
    on Jul 4th, 2009
    @ 6:59 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Love the home show! I am taking my A levels next year and want to go on to university to study interior design.
    Any tips on how to build up my portfolio ready for my university interview?
    The show has really inspired me.
    Thanks
    Kelly


  153. Marc
    on Jul 4th, 2009
    @ 11:22 pm: 

    i have found you to be an inspiration to me, it has motivated me to look more into architecture and i want to become an architect. i would like advice into becoming an architect and how to achieve as good as work as yourself. you have gave me the kick i needed to decide what i would like to atchieve with my life and to do for my dreams in life. thank you


  154. Katerina Tsang
    on Jul 6th, 2009
    @ 9:02 pm: 

    Hello George,

    Hope you are well! Just wanted to say love the website it’s great and your tips are very useful – love the show as well. Wish you could come round and sort my house out – planning on converting our out house into a dining room and then decorating the bedrooms and putting in a new bathroom – know it will be great when it’s done it’s just getting round to getting it done. Gosh it’s taken me an hour to write this i’m watching torchwood and it’s gripping stuff!

    Take care
    Katerina xxx


  155. Sue Fanning
    on Jul 7th, 2009
    @ 8:19 am: 

    Hello George

    Loving the Home Show. Just had to say I am blown away week after week by your vision and the results are amazing! I look around my home and want to wield that hammer but it’s a new build with no real space or storage and hate the kitchen layout………thinking extension after last weeks show, so I’ll keep watching till inspiration dawns on me!! Maybe watching the small flat transformation this week will do it!


  156. Dani
    on Jul 7th, 2009
    @ 1:51 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I just wanted to sat congrats on the show – it is fantastic!! (normally I don’t watch home improvement shows as once you have seen one, you have seen them all!)

    What I really enjoy watching, besides your natural talent for reinventing space, original ideas and attention to detail…..is your genuine care for the people you come into contact with. It’s lovely to see how much getting it ‘right’ means to you personally.

    I shall be tuned in for the rest of the series and beyond!

    Have a good one..

    Dani x


  157. Jackie
    on Jul 7th, 2009
    @ 4:44 pm: 

    I’ve only recently starting looking at your website since being captivated each Thursday by The Home Show. But I have to say George Clarke, reading your Twitter entries, you have a great life don’t you! You seem to be out every night, visiting new places each day or at your home in the country, lovely! I have a place on the Fourth Plinth at the end of the month, that’s my whole excitement for the year!


  158. jackie
    on Jul 8th, 2009
    @ 6:07 pm: 

    Hi George

    just love all the programs you have done so far, you are a delight to watch and listen to


  159. Katerina Tsang
    on Jul 8th, 2009
    @ 8:32 pm: 

    Hello George,

    Hope you are well! Just wanted to say love the website it’s great and your tips are very useful – love the show as well. Wish you could come round and sort my house out – planning on converting our out house into a dining room and then decorating the bedrooms and putting in a new bathroom – know it will be great when it’s done it’s just getting round to getting it done. Gosh it’s taken me an hour to write this i’m watching torchwood and it’s gripping stuff!

    Take care
    Katerina xxx


  160. Hayley
    on Jul 8th, 2009
    @ 8:37 pm: 

    Loved the show tonight George. Great Kitchen!
    I’d love to become an interior designer, but I’m a bit stuck on how to go about it. I’ve recently completed a home study Interior Design course and would now like to start my own business. However, I’m finding it all a bit daunting. I can’t believe how much trust people put in you. Do you have any suggestions or advise for me?


  161. Catherine
    on Jul 9th, 2009
    @ 8:50 pm: 

    Weve just finished watching The Home Show, 9th July, and im now buzzing with excitement about the endless possibilities and ideas i’ve got for our house! We are currently half way through a renovation project, converting our bungalow into a 3 bed house with a dormer at the front and the back… as you are well aware there is soo much to do and dust and dirt everywhere, but your ideas and the amazing transformations you achieve through your dedication and obvious passion enable us to foresee exactly how we want our house to look!
    On your show tonight you had a beautiful eye catching wallpaper on the chimney brest wall of the spare bedroom, with a leaf pattern, where would i find that design? and the kitchen you installed is what would be our dream kitchen!
    Anyway like ive said I think youre programme is fanastic and a real inspiration for us watching, havent been glued to the telly like that in a long while!
    Keep the good work up and good luck :-)
    Thanks Cath xx


  162. Maxine Spencer
    on Jul 9th, 2009
    @ 8:58 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just watching the show tonight and I absolutely love what you did. You have fantastic imagination (it never fails to amaze me how you can see what something will look like before it actually happens)!! We built a single storey extension last year and I lived with fingers crossed that it would all turn out ok as I have no concept of what something will look like until is right there in front of me!!

    Also love how you seem to really care about the house and the people you are working with – you come across as a lovely person, not at all patronising or intimidating.

    Ok, enough with the flattery now!!!

    Keep the ideas and the shows coming.

    Love Maxine


  163. Sally
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 6:42 am: 

    Hi George,
    Loved, Loved, LOVED last nights Home Show!! Cannot believe what a massive transformation it was, although I don’t know if I can take another show like the last two have been. I actually feel nervous for the home owners and I’m just watching it. The design of the mansion flat in Maida Vale was stunning, and the interior styling was perfect, Lizzie is a genius (so are you, but that goes without saying!). Can’t wait ’til next week.
    Salx


  164. Matt
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 10:13 am: 

    Hi George,

    Another fantastic show last night! What a transformation – personally think it is the biggest one of the series so far. The kitchen and new lounge / dining area was stunning – you must have added so much value to the mansion flat.
    Do you have your own team of Interior Designers / Stylists or do you outsource this type of work – loved the feminine touches in the bedrooms and how this worked with the more masculine feel of the lounge areas.


  165. Rob K
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 12:46 pm: 

    Hi George!

    Firstly I have to say that I LOVE your work! It’s the only programme I make a dedicated effort to watch each week (even over Top Gear, and I love that!). When I found your site and discovered that you actually do make your best efforts to reply I was well impressed – where do you find the time?

    I’m from Co. Durham and equally love our local Architecture. Nice to see you’re representing the peeps of the North East well. I would love to be a candidate for the home show though I don’t quite have a big enough budget! At the moment I am in the process of buying my first place, which is in a state of being pretty much a shell. It’s a 4 bedroom terraced, circa 1920’s (guess) – bathroom, kitchen, poxy dining room (no energy in there!), small garage, loft space (should be big). Needs new electrics, central heating also. My budget after fees etc is pretty much 20k. I’m wondering if I am biting off more than I can chew. I certainly won’t be able to create anything to the work of yourself and I think it will be more renovating than completely changing layout – due to budget and space really. I work with Design (Graphic based), though it really is a skill being able to visualise what will work well in terms of energy and spacial awareness. Looking for ‘cheap’ fixtures that can be made to look sleek – difficult.

    Do you have any thoughts and opinions? Am I mad? Apologies for the ramble. I’ll have to get signed up to your forum also.

    Keep up the fab work mate and if you find the time I look forward to your reply.
    Cheers
    Rob :D


  166. Ryan
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 1:00 pm: 

    Hi George. Love the home show. I stayed in London a while and seen lots of appartments with bifolding doors to roof terraces and open large kitchen places.I also have a dislike to radiators and in scotland find it hard to source alternative solution.I once seen gloss white storage units that were hung about a foot of ground and had wooden tops but uniquely had a wooden grill on the top beside the wall and this was to hide radiators and we’re fantastic lookin.In scotland i think my best opinion is underfloor heating but not sure on electric under 20mm thick oak floor. what do u think i have a 3 bed quarter villa?


  167. Philip Hunter
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 1:36 pm: 

    Hi George, fantastic series. maida vale was awesome, did the same to my apartment when i lived in Barcelona. The catalans thought we were mad to put our kitchen upstairs next to the terrace but when we sold it 3 years ago they thought it was such a good idea. Now back in the UK and have a dilemma, we want to have a bigger kitchen but don’t think a new extension is warranted, however can go into the garage. Do you have any programmes coming up where you have had to convert a garage maybe to do this or other usage? Thanks Phil


  168. Linda
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 5:50 pm: 

    Hi George, I watch your show from sunny Ibiza, thanks to the magic of internet tv and I love it!! You are such a genuine person and that is very refreshing to see in a tv presenter. You can tell that you really are passionate about your work and that you want to please the people that you are designing for on the show. You are also very easy on the eye :D I loved the shower curtain scene ;) I hope that they make another series of The Home Show soon.
    Linda x


  169. Rich
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 9:02 pm: 

    Hi George,
    What a fantastic serious and inspiration, I am 35 years old and didn’t do all that well at school. I am really keen on DIY and fitted kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and have done a bit of brick work. I have been interested in buildings and design for many years and I am now looking for a career change. I would really like to get into architecture and interior design more but don’t know where to begin. Obviously I need to have an income whilst retraining. Do you have any advice?


  170. Tom
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 9:16 pm: 

    Hi George,

    you are the sexiest man on the TV indeed. Love your show! Certainly the best home make-over show – inspiration for my design work too. My dream is that one day you’d be doing my home.

    X X X


  171. leah
    on Jul 10th, 2009
    @ 9:21 pm: 

    Hey George…Fantastic show,I never miss it! My home is quite hectic with 2 small children however they are all tucked up ready so as i can enjoy the show in peace on a thurs evening at 8pm with a glass of Rose in hand! Fabulous transformation this week,must have been a headache in a topfloor appartment but again wonderful result! I am located on the Isle of Wight…Have you ever filmed over here?? Leah xx


  172. Christine
    on Jul 11th, 2009
    @ 8:40 am: 

    Oh George, you have a lot to answer for!!!!

    Since stumbling across your programme this series (never knew about series 1) I now have massive plans for my house! I absolutely love my house and garden, but now my family is growing older our needs are changing and the house needs to adapt accordingly. I started out just wanting to knock down a wall between the kitchen and living room at the back of our house (we also are lucky enough to have another huge living area at the front). Now I have great ideas about removing the back wall of the house and building out into the garden and creating a huge living/dining/kitchen area. It is a scary prospect to knock the house about so much though – so scared of getting it wrong! Wish you were based nearer and weren’t quite so famous – we might be able to afford to employ you to come and sort our house out! I have so many questions, what if this? how about that? Please wish us luck, we’re going to need it!!!

    PS. My husband hates your accent, but I love it! Guess it’s a bit like Marmite :-)


  173. Alec
    on Jul 11th, 2009
    @ 7:06 pm: 

    The nation has other designs you know?

    On you!

    We want to know..

    Detached, semi, annexed….

    You get the idea :-)


  174. Amy
    on Jul 14th, 2009
    @ 11:34 am: 

    Hi George. I really enjoy watching your programme. Althought I’m not a home owner yet, I am keen to have a unique and special place of my own one day soon. The Home Show provides a wonderful source of inspiration. Your passion is quite obvious, not only for the work you do, but for the positive changes it provides the home owners. All the best and looking forward to Restoration Man!


  175. Faye
    on Jul 14th, 2009
    @ 8:41 pm: 

    Hi George
    Hi georgeous George!

    I absolutly love your show, it’s fantastic and gives people great ideas, I’m always looking at houses trying to work out how the space could be better used. You have inspired me to knock the wall down between the kitchen and dining room, my husbands not convinced, but as you say I keep telling him it’s a ” no brainer”!!! Just wish I had a lot of money to transform our 3 bed house especially with number 4 baby on the way!! Maybe one day!!

    Really looking forward to the next programme, and to see you knocking some walls down!!!!!

    Faye
    Faye


  176. Clodagh McCarthy
    on Jul 15th, 2009
    @ 12:43 am: 

    Dia Duit George ( hello in Irish ) !
    I’m just a recent ‘convert’ as I’ve only known of your existence since The Home Show started on Channel 4 a couple of months back. In these hard “R” times ( can’t bear to even say the word !) your show is just ideal for those of us that want to improve on the home we have without having to break the bank and move for extra space. I do have one little thing I want to bring up with you (although someone else may have already covered this)…..when a family gives you a budget, it would be great if the ” true ” final figure was revealed at the end of the show….I know the original figure they’ve given, with the additional extras along the way, is way more once the project is completed. It would be great to know what this is because unfotunately we don’t all have a Fairy Godfather Clarke to wave his wand & leave our homes in showhouse condition!!! Sooo lovin’ the programme….can’t wait for Thurs already. Slan Clodagh!


  177. Becky
    on Jul 16th, 2009
    @ 12:50 pm: 

    Hi George.

    It is so nice to see a design programe that looks at the people living in the house and working around them to make a better home, rather than a looks good but not realy liveabule. You and your team seem to have a real personal approuch. Have they signed you up to do sesion 3 of the home show?? and if so how do you apply to be on the show? we have a 3 bed grade2 listed building in Rossendale.


  178. Andy C
    on Jul 16th, 2009
    @ 2:26 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I really enjoyed last week’s show and am looking forward to tuning in tonight!

    As last week’s project was a flat (I presume Leasehold, although being a Scarborough resident I do also deal with Freehold Flats!), did you have to obtain all the permissions from the Landlord and Local Authority before you commence the alterations, and do your offices take care of that well in advance?


  179. amandaj
    on Jul 16th, 2009
    @ 8:14 pm: 

    Love love love your show, you are amazing and what a lovely family in Harrow.
    Please tell me what the colour and make was of the feature wall in the living room

    Thank you so much and once again really loving the show

    Amanda


  180. jon m
    on Jul 16th, 2009
    @ 8:14 pm: 

    Do you not feel guilty spending 50k of some poor sucker’s money and then not finishing what you started and compromising on promised features. You had also greatly cut down storage for the marital bedroom. Why ask them to pick chairs they like and then ignore them. If you cut down on expensive trivia and fabrics etc. you could finish essentials such as fitting out the bathroom. Raise your game and go and finish their house!


  181. Jo.H
    on Jul 17th, 2009
    @ 12:32 pm: 

    Hi George

    Just discovered your show and would like to say it’s great.
    Well done and keep up the good work. Moving soon and can’t wait to get in there and start changing things. Not much has been done over the years so it needs updating, bring it on!.


  182. Rachel
    on Jul 17th, 2009
    @ 1:34 pm: 

    Hi George

    The Home Show is must see TV in our house – get the the toddler to bed, bums on sofa and enjoy.

    Really loved last night’s – what a difference to how the family live. One question though, how come you felt more important to put the room in the garden, vs finish the en suite for such a great couple….or maybe I would’ve put the room in the garden as well and maybe tried to revamp their dining table (as not sure she LOVED her new one – def liked but…?)

    I just felt that their 50k was so hard saved and that I got a little disappointed for them when wasn’t finished :-( (

    And also another request – when are you going to film some more shower scenes with those nasty shower curtains clinging to everything ;-) )

    Am going to be GUTTED when the series ends

    Rachel


  183. david britton
    on Jul 20th, 2009
    @ 1:37 pm: 

    Hello George I’m hooked on the Home Show. For 25years i,ve been adapting & renovating buildings with help of chtd. surveyor but when I moved fromLondon to country it was to far for him.I bought derelict 150 yr old cottage to extend & renovate, VAT killed that!! So built new house with architect. Thought must be even better the bldg. svyr. If he’d been half as good as you I’d have been happy. He measured the floor heights
    incorrectly so stairs wouldn’t fit, made bthrm too small for 4pce suite, flue too narrow for fireplc and made no provision for disused well I’d pointed out.
    Two questions does all the new furniture in the programme come in the budget? And how do you find time to answer all your e-mails?
    Just one thing “flabbergasted” sounds nicer than “gobsmacked.”
    Best regards
    David PLEASE DON’T USE MY FULL NAME–SUING ARCHT!


  184. jojo
    on Jul 20th, 2009
    @ 7:16 pm: 

    Hi George

    Having just discovered The Home Show during this series it has become the highlight of our week, you are definitely one of the best presenters I’ve seen on TV for years and seem like such a lovely bloke too!

    We moved to our bungalow in Cheshire 2 years ago (my partner lost a leg in a road traffic accident and is now a wheelchair user so we needed somewhere accessible for him) and we planned to extend our kitchen this year to make an open plan kitchen-diner but every week after watching you we get more ideas and inspiration…now we have decided to change our large lounge into the kitchen-diner to make use of all the natural light, and knock down the wall between our existing kitchen and study and have that as the new lounge! I would never have considered this as it seems like a huge job but it makes perfect sense! Now we are just wondering what to do with our large entrance hall as it seems like wasted space…any ideas?!

    Looking forward to the next show on Thursday!

    X


  185. Melanie
    on Jul 20th, 2009
    @ 10:57 pm: 

    Hi George,
    Am enjoying the current series of the Home Show. My husband and I have a toddler and a baby so we don’t get out much. A week highlight is having a glass or 2 of really good wine and watching your show. It is inspiring us to start doing the things around our home that we’ve talked of for the last 5 years.
    We love seeing the passion you have for making sure each job suits the clients requirements and is to the highest spec they can afford.

    And if you ever come down to NZ (bring your family too), we have a sofa bed and trundler beds we can make up for you. ;o)
    x Mel


  186. Lee
    on Jul 21st, 2009
    @ 8:27 am: 

    Hi George,
    I am really enjoying the show; I have been watching it from the beginning. I have watched a lot of ‘property television’ from a young age in fact it’s probably the only thing I do watch! Your show really stands out.
    I’ve just turned 21 and I am about to start a university course in September studying Architecture and Property Development. I can’t help but feel your show has been a real inspiration
    Many thanks Lee


  187. Ruth Burrows
    on Jul 22nd, 2009
    @ 10:24 pm: 

    Hi George

    Loved Build a New Life in the Country (its not the same now) and think your Home Show is brill. It inspired us to knock our small kitchen and under-used dining room into a great sized family kitchen/dinner for our family of 5. Its a much better use of space and made the back of the house so much lighter. Couldnt afford a bespoke kitchen but I designed it on the Ikea website and was amazing to see my design come to life and my induction hob is a dream! Kitchen’s not quite as big as the one you did the week before last – WOW that was a kitchen to DIE FOR!!! I’ll keep checking my lottery numbers :-)

    Really enjoyed the Maida Vale transformation last week – I guessed you might move the living area upstairs and I was right – maybe I should give up admin in a school and re-train!! LOL

    BTW when you draw your designs on the wall have you already decided what you are going to do and do you realy draw it free hand? Its amazing!

    Keep up the good work, you’re an inspiration!!

    ps Don’t lose your accent – it’s better than Sarah Beeney’s posh one!! ;-)


  188. Helen W
    on Jul 23rd, 2009
    @ 8:15 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Can not believe tonights show, how can anyone be gutted after the way you turned the house around!!!! I guess they say you cant please everyone. The room in the loft was amazing, I loved the balcony. They didnt get a finished ensuite but I hope they have had time to sit back and take in everything you did for them. Fingers crossed for a new series. H


  189. dawn
    on Jul 23rd, 2009
    @ 8:18 pm: 

    i watched the home show on thursday 24th july in barnet..
    you seem a nice chap, but i was even thinking of getting you to design my house that iam having built.
    but when i saw that you went over budget and broke a promise
    ,i have decided against it.
    because , it would of been nice to inform you client on what problems you have during renovation..
    because if you worked for me i would demand a weekly report from you on how thing are going on.
    also i would like to know if you needed planning permission to put on the balcony and move the star case.
    when people have a budget you are mean’t to stick to it as your the one we trust with the money and renovations..


  190. Billy forster
    on Jul 23rd, 2009
    @ 8:21 pm: 

    Hi,

    As much as I like to watch peoples homes being improved and developed. It always disgusts me when the owners of the home sheel out thousands and thousands so you can make money by ‘designing their home’ and you fail to finish of the small en suite bathroom.

    You and channel 4 could easily finish the house and please the home owners. You should be disgusted with yourself.


  191. D
    on Jul 23rd, 2009
    @ 11:20 pm: 

    George,
    You are an inspirational architect. You design with passion!
    My regret in life was not going into architecture or interior design.
    I have always been told that i have a great eye for design.

    Fallingwater, Bilbao, are two of my favourite designs by Frank Lloyd Wright & Gehry.

    Thanks George for giving us great entertainment on a boring thursday evening.

    Keep up your fantastic work

    D

    X


  192. Pam
    on Jul 24th, 2009
    @ 12:15 am: 

    Hello again George:)

    Please don’t shout me down for this comment, and I could see you were understandably upset from his harsh words & reaction, but the one thing I would say re. tonight’s show, was that it may have been less upsetting for him if THEIR en suite had been finished, and their son’s one was left unfinished. If it was me, I’d put the parents’ needs above the children’s, especially as there was already a bathroom on that floor. Just my two penny’s worth – I’m not having a go, just trying to see it from his side! You did do a fab job though – I’d love a top floor bedroom like that, and the balcony was superb:) (Getting ready to duck!) Keep up the good work, I’m loving it!


  193. Ilona C
    on Jul 24th, 2009
    @ 9:39 am: 

    Really enjoyed the show last night. As I have every week. Your vision and designs are superb!

    I have just found out that next week will be the last show in the series – how disappointing! Is there going to be another series next year?


  194. Laura Drummond
    on Jul 24th, 2009
    @ 10:48 am: 

    Hello George, I have just sent you an email with an idea for a home programme I hope you can spare a moment to read it. Laura


  195. Anne Vernal
    on Jul 24th, 2009
    @ 6:52 pm: 

    Hi George

    Watched last night’s show and totally blown away by the transformation – thought you did really well with the budget you had. Realise the family were disappointed because they did not get the complete house they thought, but you did so much in that house – completely transformed it. I would love to have a kitchen that size which opens right into the garden. The two public rooms were beautiful and loved the fireplaces you chose for them. Well done again – looking forward to next week’s programme already.

    Anne


  196. Rana Willson
    on Jul 24th, 2009
    @ 6:55 pm: 

    Hi George,

    The Barnet house looked amazing last night. It was so sad to see Mr Cooper so disappointed by the fact his ensuite was not finished, but surely to see the rest of the house transformed more than made up for it. It’s amazing what you do to transform people’s houses into beautiful homes. I think you have made the British public realise the difference between a house and a home. I love your show! My husband, my son, Gabriel (who is 8 months old) and I live in an old converted factory in Enfield (it used to be called Enfield Rifles) and we love our home. I can’t imagine how horrid it must be to live in a house which needs so much work for so many years. The Cooper’s must now finally feel at home! Well done George! Every time you cry it makes me cry too! xx Rana


  197. Gemma Lamb
    on Jul 25th, 2009
    @ 4:37 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Love the Home Show, watch it every week without fail! Just saving up my money pot so I can do a tranformation…

    My family have always bought, done up and sold on houses (about 18 times so far in my 24 years!). Since watching your show I am much more interested in making what I have a home.

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Gemma x

    p.s. If you ever need more hands on deck to help out then please let me know!!!


  198. Ursula Mitchell
    on Jul 25th, 2009
    @ 5:51 pm: 

    Hi George – just wanted to say how much we love your show! It’s incredible how your ideas can completely transform a home, and lives…. Even my young children are amazed by the end results. Well done, and you’re such a lovely, happy chappie! Ursula


  199. Pam Mason
    on Jul 25th, 2009
    @ 6:38 pm: 

    Hello there. On Twitter you say everyone’s entitled to their view, but it seems the Moderator just didn’t want to publish my view about this week’s show. It’s a shame it wasn’t published – constructive ‘criticism’ is obviously not acceptable. Never mind!


  200. Zoe iinuma
    on Jul 26th, 2009
    @ 9:15 am: 

    HI George-

    Am absolutely loving the show!! My mum watches it in N.Ireland and I watch it in Japan (via UKNOVA) and we discuss each episode the following weekend during our lengthy SKYPE chats.

    I wonder if you could give me a quick bit of advice. My husband and I are intending to buy a plot of land in Hiroo in Tokyo (110m2 approximately of which we can build 60% each floor and approx. 150% floorplan) to build a 2.5 story house for ourselves. We are also intending to dig down one floor to build 2 separate (one person) apartments at right angles to each other (one south facing, the other west facing )with a 18m2 (square shape) shared courtyard; which we intend to rent out. The stairs will lead down on the right hand side of the courtyard and parallel to the west facing apartment. I hope my explanation of the space isn`t too confusing??
    My Q is how can we divide the courtyard to give each apartment some privacy and maximize the light to each property, particularly to the west facing apartment??
    I had thought of waist or elbow height white opaque perspex panels with a gate for each divided section at the bottom of the stair well with tall bamboo plants spaced on either side of the panels to provide some privacy.
    Is there any other ideas that spring to mind??

    Looking forward to next week`s show!!

    Hope your neck feels better… have you tried acupuncture?
    Zoe


  201. christine
    on Jul 26th, 2009
    @ 6:16 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Think your amazing god wish i could come up with your ideas, anyway sunderland born and bred and very proud of you xx great show xx

    Christine


  202. Keith
    on Jul 26th, 2009
    @ 7:20 pm: 

    Dear George

    Your the coolest person ever. I wish I knew you as you could be a role model cause I don’t have many people in my life to look up to.

    Love the show

    =]


  203. Jackie Trotman
    on Jul 27th, 2009
    @ 4:51 pm: 

    Hi George
    Love the show very much. We are a retired couple trying to update our house and would really value your opion on a colour scheme for our lounge, were we seem to have gone a bit overboard with the ‘neutral ‘ look !! We love the way you use a different colour on one wall , to make a statement, but are at a loss what colours to pick. The room is painted in Barley white on all the walls, with pale tan leather sofas, soft gold carpet and curtains of a muted cream and gold. At the moment it looks a bit boring .We have a Farmington stone fireplace on one wall, and this is the wall we thought we would like to pick out as the ‘feature wall. The room faces north, but gets the sun late afternoon in the summer. Hope you can help.
    Love J xx


  204. Dee
    on Jul 27th, 2009
    @ 10:12 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I posted a message but it seems to have gone for whatever reason.
    I didn’t post anything nasty or use foul language.

    All i said was how much of an inspiration you are & how you design with passion. etc..

    Sorry if i have offended in any way.

    Anyway,
    I loved the show last week. You really are awsome at your job!

    D

    x


  205. Rosie
    on Jul 27th, 2009
    @ 10:32 pm: 

    Hey George

    Just wanted to say that I absolutely love settling down with a coffee on a Thursday night to watch your show. Love the format and of couse the presenting, you truly are great at your job. I love how the final outcome is stylish yet still really cosy. I don’t like how some home makeover shows make the rooms look super chic but you can’t really imagine anyone living in the space. Gutted that I’ll be missing this weeks show as I’m on holiday but I’ll most definitely be recording it!
    Thanks for all your inspiring ideas.
    x


  206. Samantha
    on Jul 27th, 2009
    @ 11:07 pm: 

    Hi George,
    Just watching The home show on more 4 +1. Im afraid i am addicted and watch the late night show on a monday and the early show on a thursday. It has made me see my home in a different light ! i love what you do to the houses.
    How did the family who ran out of money last week (on thursday..ensuite and wardrobes didnt get finished) get on after the cameras stopped rolling ?
    I thought you did well with the money to do as much as you did.

    keep going, my favorite show. Hope another series is planned
    Sam
    xx


  207. Suz
    on Jul 28th, 2009
    @ 4:14 pm: 

    I desperately want to redesign/ refurb my bathroom. It’s a small bathroom in a mid terrace house with the main problems being no natural light and lack of space for storage. I think the options are limited but any hints/ suggestions would be gratefully received!
    Really looking forward to this weeks’ show – hopefully with a happier and more satisfied family!!


  208. Helen P.
    on Jul 29th, 2009
    @ 4:50 pm: 

    Where do I start? LOVE you and the show. You remind me of the N. East where I grew up (Warkworth,Northumberland ) and miss so much, I haven’t lived in the U.K. since I left when I was 18 (before Uni.) and never came back. I watch the show from Switzerland. We have been renting here for the last 8 years and after selling our french house we’re about to tackle a big renovation project on a 1950′s house we’ve just bought here to turn it into home for the 5 of us.We’re doing the planning ourselves. When I watch your show and see what you can do for 120K and then see what our contractor can only offer for 200K Swiss francs, it makes me wish the house was in the U.K. But then, I stand in the future kitchen with its big balcony, with a unspoilt view of the Bernese Oberland and the infamous snow capped Eiger mountain and the Alps, and remind myself that this little bit of paradise will be worth every Swiss franc we need to spend on it. But back to your programme, I want to say a great big thankyou as you’ve given me ideas and helped it so many ways that you cannot imagine…I’ve just asked for a quote for underfloor heating in the kitchen, no-one thought of it…also I’ve finalised a plan for the kitchen…also..let’s say I’ve rethought quite a few things. I’ll try to send some before and after pics. The most difficult part has been the language barrier, my german is still pretty basic so we’ve had some hilarious hand-signal discussions with the contractor that we may be in for a few surprises!! Wish you could have come and done it for us…love your heartwarming show lad, it’s way better that any of the others. Thanks again, Helenxx


  209. Anita Bowmer
    on Jul 29th, 2009
    @ 7:35 pm: 

    Hi gorgeous George,
    I am hooked on your show, your designs are exactly how I would like a home. In fact I am thinking of buying a property just so you could work your magic!
    I have everyone hooked on the show at work, you are not just a presenter you are an expert who is down to earth and also a definate sex symbol now!
    Its quite incredible how different a place can look when you have the space and style sorted.
    Can’t wait for tomorrows show XXX


  210. Faye
    on Jul 30th, 2009
    @ 1:45 pm: 

    Hi George , I’m in the middle of choosing what I want to be . Architect or Interpretor !? I think I might choose to be a Architect because you can’t be passionate being a Interpretor .Could you tell me …. what courses would I have to take in collage + university Please ! Thanks Faye.x Love The Show


  211. Joh Stoneage
    on Jul 30th, 2009
    @ 8:00 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I just wanted to say a huge thank you for making me smile! I’m 7 and a half months pregnant and spend a lot of time feeling exhausted and fed up, but watching The Home Show and seeing how passionate about design and architecture you are as well witnessing your compassion for others, is something that cheers me up no end.

    I never used to be a watcher of home programs but yours is marvellous so well done! Its also great to see someone on television who genuinely cares about the families and their individual needs.

    Keep up the good work!

    Joh


  212. Caroline
    on Jul 30th, 2009
    @ 8:07 pm: 

    Hi George,

    just watched tonights show. Well done, what a fantastic transformation, without a doubt your best so far. The downstairs space is amazing! You never fail to impress.

    Caroline. x


  213. Trevor
    on Jul 30th, 2009
    @ 8:14 pm: 

    George

    I’m sitting here with my wife watching tonight’s show on Sky+. Loving that hallway! Just wanted to let you know that we both love The Home Show. I think my wife is a little too keen on you actually!

    A quick question for you, if I may? We currently live in a 2-bed Victorian terrace with a cellar which hasn’t been converted. We are considering relocating up north where we have family but it’s always been a dream of mine to have a converted cellar as an office/games room! We’ve been quoted £13k plus VAT for a conversion, do you think this would be worthwhile in the long run or do you not think the expenditure is worthwhile? We have an 8 month old baby so we don’t have a spare bedroom for guests either at the minute!

    Thanks a lot for any advice.

    Trev


  214. Gary J (Liverpool)
    on Jul 30th, 2009
    @ 8:36 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Firstly apols ,as I was unaware of this website and may therefore be making comments that have previously been made……I am an avid viewer of the Home Show and have a great interest in home improvements and am constantly amazed at the transformations you achieve. It is not merely a ‘house DIY’ show such as Changing Rooms, but is actually a whole transformation of people’s lives, on all levels. I’ve just watched tonights episode, which was terrific! The pressures and difficulties that the Wakeley family must have to face on a daily basis were evident to see, and I must applaud you George, not only for being a fantastic architecht with great vision, but for also being such a warm and caring individual too. You come across with such empathy and understanding that it clearly shows you are a great fella!. Fantastic show tonight mate, keep it up and keep transforming people’s lives, it’s a real gift!. With warmest regards to you and your family, take care.


  215. Brian
    on Jul 30th, 2009
    @ 8:46 pm: 

    Hi George

    I realise your programme is primarily about entertainment but as a fellow architect am concerned that some aspects could be off putting to people considering using an architect, mainly to do with costs/ cost control: eg when matching a scheme with a budget there is never a proper discussion about breakdown of costs and you give the impression you are giving the cost advice, rather than a quantity surveyor, and there is no talk about getting a competitive tender price.

    it seems to be top spec or nothing.

    why sacrifice an en-suite for bespoke built in bedroom wardrobes? why not have a simple en-suite and some mdf wardrobes knocked up by a chippy instead?

    architects need to be seen to be adding value. whilst it is not a property development programme, an assessment on the value added to the property for viewers considering working on their own houses would be useful.

    enjoy the programme though! it certainly shows what can be done (if you have the money).

    cheers

    bri


  216. Cheryl Harris
    on Jul 30th, 2009
    @ 11:15 pm: 

    Hi George
    Have been banned from watching your programme by family as I bought a sledge hammer to knock down the kitchen wall…..need space George…feels like the walls are closing in on me???… tell them George. If you want a project this is the house!
    ps………..I watch it when they go to bed. ha!

    Well done for transforming peoples lives.
    Cheryl x.


  217. Sharon Price
    on Jul 31st, 2009
    @ 1:26 pm: 

    Hi George,

    The show is amazing and upset I missed the first series, I would love to be a property developer in the future, need to finish my teacher training before I get too involved in anything else.

    Your work is fantastic and every week it does get better and better, the clean lines, contemporary look and finish just put my imagination in a new world! keep the show going it is great!

    I was wondering if you had any tips for improving listed buildings that externally can not be altered. We have a two bedroom property suiting a professional single, most likely. The house has been up for sale for a while – not moving but we need to move due to having a daughter, a dog and want to extend the family – tips for improving the sale of our house, decor etc, thank you (do we really need to make our home look like a show home to sell?? all cream and plain?

    Thank you SJP


  218. Brian
    on Jul 31st, 2009
    @ 7:41 pm: 

    A bit of criticism about this weeks show – the large open place space to to the rear did seem a bit like a trip to a large warehouse showroom, where they have an example of a dining room, a kitchen, a lounge etc all next to each other. Not enough flow, perhaps constrained by the pre purchased kitchen. know what i mean? 1 space divided into 4 quarters, just without walls. but no major problem to solve, its just a matter of decoration and furniture, as the space is great (apart from no daylight in the dining area?).
    cheers
    bri


  219. Carolyn
    on Aug 1st, 2009
    @ 9:21 pm: 

    George,

    I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed last night’s show. The house looked lovely and the family so deserving; it must have been so rewarding for you to be able to have helped them.

    Really sad that next week’s show is the last one – boo hoo!

    Regards,
    CAROLYN.


  220. Christine
    on Aug 2nd, 2009
    @ 6:45 am: 

    Hi George,

    I was over the moon to see you in the Cross Keys on Friday. What a lovely surprise!! Thank you so much for letting me having a photo & your autograph. I was very embarrassed handing you a beer mat but hey I couldn’t let you go without signing something.
    Can’t wait to see the show this week.
    My husband grew up in Washington at roughly the same time as you so I wonder if you went to the same School?!
    Anyway it was great to see you, keep up the good work. Love Christine xx


  221. Rana Willson
    on Aug 2nd, 2009
    @ 7:27 pm: 

    George, the makeover was awesome again this week! Its so inspiring watching your show. I always watch it on “catch up” because my 8 month old keeps me busy! Well done! xx Rana


  222. David Irwin
    on Aug 3rd, 2009
    @ 6:37 pm: 

    HI George,
    Love your show, has given us lot’s of ideas but we are not sure whether to renovate or buy new, we have an old terrace house with high ceilings and it needs a lot of work, on the otherhand we could part ex for a new property but the downside is a hefty mortgage and not much more useable space, is there a formulae for weighing up the pro’s and con’s so that you can say renovation is better then new build or vice versa?Any advice would be appreciated.


  223. Jaine
    on Aug 3rd, 2009
    @ 9:31 pm: 

    George I am hooked on shows like yours they give me so many ideas and dreams, but unfortunately we do not own our own home yet.

    I would love to but we are a forces family and move around every couple of years. We have 4 children, at the moment we are lucky enough to be living in Cyprus but in a small 3 bed house oh how I dream of space and storage at the same time lol.

    My husband has lived in service accommodation for the last 30+years orginally with his parents and myself for the last 16yrs. I long for a kitchen where the worktops don’t just reach my thighs we are both 6ft tall, a bath I can have a soak in and a shower where I don’t have to duck down to wash my hair. We have always tried to make each house a home but we are limited in what we are allowed to do.

    I am always looking at housing websites wandering what I can do and how I would change the property, we are saving like made so one day soon.

    So if you are free in a year or two and fancy a challenge ……we would be very grateful lol.


  224. Rachel Hawes
    on Aug 4th, 2009
    @ 8:01 am: 

    Hi

    Loved last weeks show – what a great, well deserved family. You had a lovely budget to work with but it was a stunning result. Fab!

    gonna miss the series :-( (( and seeing & hearing the lovely George on screen……..

    Rachel


  225. David Alexander
    on Aug 4th, 2009
    @ 4:29 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Discovered your show this year – well done…keep up the good work.

    This may be more of a Grand Designs Question than a Home Show question but, given the limitations on space that you’ve encountered, I just wondered what your thoughts are on Jack and Jenny bathrooms?

    I have visions of someday (somehow!) raising the money to build my own place. I once saw a house with J&J bathrooms and thought it was a great idea – gives a partial ensuite to two bedrooms which takes advantage of space options/limitations.

    From a hosue value and aesthetic point of view, just wanted to get your thoughts…

    David


  226. Rachel
    on Aug 5th, 2009
    @ 1:03 pm: 

    Hi George!

    I have only recently come across your show which is astonishing given that I have been an addict of Grand Designs, Property Ladder and a bunch of other property tear-jerkers for years. It is refreshing to find a show that lacks pretension which is partly due to the fabulous work you and your team do for the clients but mainly because of the charm, charisma and warmth that you bring to it. I am a fellow Northerner and I love listening to your accent coming out of my computer down in London (I am slowly working through the series downloads!) – only wish I had bumped into you up north before someone put that hulking wedding ring on your finger ;-)

    On a more serious note, I have just walked away from a cracking but stressful job managing a luxury hotel marketing company that was starting to rob me of all sense and serenity and I am about to buy a little stone cottage up in Whalton, Northumberland to extend, update and sell. Call me mad because it is well over 300 miles away but, as I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, it’s all about passion! I am already visualising putting the final touch to my project (a faux turf ball from boulegazon.com hanging next to the front door) and making a call on whether I can turn a whim into a career so will be tapping a lot more into your world for inspiration.

    Keep up the great work and don’t let the madness of popularity go to your head – you are such a fabulous ambassador for the ‘down-to-earth’ attitude of we North-Easterners!

    Rachel D.


  227. Min
    on Aug 6th, 2009
    @ 9:44 am: 

    I could wax lyrical like a sycophant. I really could. But it’s not my style. (dearest loveliest George)…sigh….Dammit!
    Right – sensible question. Questions. I have two. My wonderful husband and I have just bought an awful 60’s bungalow box with a badly designed interior – but in an incredible location with mind blowing views. We can’t afford to do a darn thing to it for years, but I want to plan and I want to dream. So-we found this website place called architectyourhome.com where you pay, what strikes me as a nominal fee for an architect to come out and draw up plans with budgets. Now, my question is. Would it be better to go for an architect recommended locally or would it be extra cunning to use this company? I hear you are clever and wise in the ways of these things.
    My second question – The front of this bungalow of doom is partly clothed in UPVC plastic cladding. Loathsome awfulness… eses. Shiver. Can this rotten stuff be done away with, painted etc. or are we needing to seek advice of Charlie Dimmock or similar to hide said awfulness in boston ivy or some such?
    Shy furtive smile, pink cheeks, girly giggle sincerely yours etc.

    Minnie


  228. Matt
    on Aug 6th, 2009
    @ 1:58 pm: 

    where did George go? :)


  229. Lynn Arthington
    on Aug 6th, 2009
    @ 3:00 pm: 

    Hi George
    Thank you for your reply, I wasn’t sure I’d actually sent my comment successfully so was really chuffed to find your reply today. The rest of the series did not disappoint and it was lovely to finish with such a fantastic reveal for such a lovely family who really deserved a gorgeous home. Will send some before and after photos of our place, just need to wait for it to be reasonably tidy to take the “After” shots, but with a 5 year old and a 3 year old this might take some doing.
    x Lynn


  230. Ste
    on Aug 6th, 2009
    @ 7:19 pm: 

    how sexy is George!! haha


  231. Brenda
    on Aug 6th, 2009
    @ 7:50 pm: 

    hilove your show and love your face


  232. Nav
    on Aug 6th, 2009
    @ 9:43 pm: 

    This guy is a legend!


  233. Tracey
    on Aug 6th, 2009
    @ 10:19 pm: 

    Hi George,

    So sad to see the last of this series of The Home Show, but also lovely to revisit the family from S1 and see how much they still love their home. Your dedication to designing the perfect living space for each family is refreshing, and especially your empathy and understanding of those with children (seeing you with the two beautiful girls from tonight’s show made my heart explode! You have wonderful dad written all over you!)

    Thanks to my father being an architectural draftsman when I was growing up in New Zealand, I harboured a desire to be an architect myself and concienciously took technical drawing as a subject for my first two years at high school and whiled away many hours designing houses and reading every interior design book out. Unfortunately, my dreams were dashed when I went to the architecture session at our school careers fair and found out I would need to take physics and calculus for my final three years, and they were my two worst subjects! So now I indulge my bent for architecture and design vicariously through your show (and some of the others too!)

    I’m keeping everything crossed for a third series (and have e-mailed Maverick TV to tell them they MUST bring the show back) so I hope they are paying attention to all the great feedback you and the show get.


  234. kim
    on Aug 7th, 2009
    @ 5:05 pm: 

    hi george
    i remember you sold your starwars figures to my brother.
    and look at your now …good luck hun xxx


  235. Cath
    on Aug 7th, 2009
    @ 7:19 pm: 

    George,
    My husband and I have loved this Home Show series – it is inspirational. We want to do it all – extension, loft conversion, new kitchen etc. Unfortunately we have 2 kiddies and a smallish 3 bedroom Edwardian semi that we plan to move from in 18 months, so for the moment we are going to have to make do with just doing a white-out! Hopefully our next property will be able to satisfy our urge to make our mark, and maybe one day we’ll achieve our ultimate dream of doing all this in France. Keep making great programmes.
    Cath


  236. George Clarke
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 7:15 am: 

    Sorry Matt…finishing off the series has been very long days and I haven’t had time to respond to everyone’s comments…I’m back!


  237. George Clarke
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 7:19 am: 

    Hi Minnie, your cheeky little message brought a smile to my face! Using a local architect gives you good local knowledge about what your planners may think about a particular redesign. Why don’t you get someone local and someone (like me) to visit you from further afield. Where is the bungalow exactly? For the record, I think ugly bungalows in great locations are the most exciting projects ever! Seriously…bungalows are officially the most popular type of home home in Britain. If it were mine, I’d rip off the plastic cladding and either re-render the facade of clad it in beautiful horizontal timber boarding. See you soon! George x


  238. George Clarke
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 7:32 am: 

    Thanks Cath…let me know when you buy your new house…I’d love to see some pictures of it before you work your magic! George x


  239. George Clarke
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 7:34 am: 

    Kim…let me know your full name…who is your brother? Selling those Star Wars figures was the worst thing I ever did! What was I thinking..LOL! Seriously though…let me know who you are…did you live in Stridingedge? George x


  240. George Clarke
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 7:39 am: 

    Tracey, thank you for your lovely message! You should have been an architect…my careers officer told me that I needed Maths ‘A’ level (which I absolutely hated!!!!!) so I completely ignored him, didn’t do my ‘A’ Levels at all and got a job at 16 in an architect’s office instead. Careers officer was an idiot, but I’m pleased he was because it gave me even more determination to be an architect and prove him wrong!!!!! Thanks for pushing for a new series. I’m very grateful. Take care…and keep in touch! George xxx


  241. George Clarke
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 7:40 am: 

    I’m not sure about that…but thanks anyway! George


  242. George Clarke
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 7:45 am: 

    Hi Brenda….thank you xxxxxx


  243. George Clarke
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 7:54 am: 

    Rachel, Thanks you so much. That is such a lovely message. I absolutely love Northumberland…very jealous you are buying a new home there to renovate. Northumberland is one of the most beautiful counties in Britain and most people completely miss it out on their way to Scotland!!!! Great to have a fellow North Easterner get in touch with me…keep in touch….lots of love…George xxx


  244. Min
    on Aug 9th, 2009
    @ 9:05 pm: 

    Thanks George! Boston Ivy and those charming fellows at Bojitt & Legitt it is then! (Chortle, Guffaw etc.).
    Timber eh? I like your thinking. Just as soon as I’ve saved up a squillion pounds and sacrificed a few investment bankers (fast becoming a spectator sport) I’ll be in touch to talk extensions, bi-fold doors, solar panels on my roof and under-floor heating on my under-floor. Saving a squillion will take about four years (and about 18 investment bankers – hurray!) Then you can argue with the local architect Sir Reginald Ponsemby-Smythe (whom you suggested I contact), about lighting, space and shooting peasants. On completion we’ll toast our success with Ponsemby’s finest and tire away the moonlight talking about everything and nothing. You can get a taste for what the moonlight will be like at http://www.grosmont.org the very place of which we are talking. Thank you again George. Truly, you are most kind.
    Great batterings of my eyelashes…oh and my husband’s (he’s also taken quite a shine I think)
    Min
    P.S. And by the way – re: earlier posts – don’t feel bad about your hairy chest, you should see my mothers.


  245. Rachel
    on Aug 10th, 2009
    @ 11:31 am: 

    Thanks George – it’s magic to get a response from you! After that plug for Northumberland, I have decided to keep my cottage and rent it out to all the GC fans who will be flocking up there to check it out. Thanks to you, I’ll make a bomb ;-)

    While I have your ‘divided’ attention, do you have any recommendations for an architect in Northumberland/Newcastle who is a space creator like you and would be interested in redesigning the upstairs layout of a very small cottage with clever use of a boarded and Veluxed attic? A second staircase & fire door isn’t an option as there is barely enough space on the first floor to squeeze in 2 bedrooms and a bathroom but I was inspired by the mezzanine you designed in one of the shows. I don’t need ‘architect of the year’ because my budget is tight but I will throw in some pints at the local…

    Cheers!!

    Rachel D. x

    Cheers matey!


  246. Rachel
    on Aug 10th, 2009
    @ 11:35 am: 

    Oops – that ‘Cheers matey’ wasn’t meant for you… but now that you have it, you can keep it. Damn Facebook pop-ups!

    Rachel D.


  247. Emily
    on Aug 10th, 2009
    @ 1:30 pm: 

    Hi George!

    Have really enjoyed watching the recent series of The Home Show… How have I managed to miss your last shows?!?!
    Your redesigns are amazing but I’m afraid I’m going to be very predictible and say that YOU make the show! Your lovely eyes, smile, general all round attractiveness and amazing way with the clients and kids are a joy to watch. Reading all the other comments confirm that I’m certainly not the only one who thinks that! You have a lucky wife and children :-)
    Like many here I don’t have any walls to knock down unfortuately but will continue watching!
    Love from sunny Scotland
    Emily x


  248. Suze
    on Aug 10th, 2009
    @ 2:36 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just wanted to say how much i enjoy your projects, cant wait for your new series. I, like you always knew i wanted to study architecture from a young age and have just decided at 23 to fulfill my dream, i am starting interior architecture at newcastle in september. I always say when i watch your programmes, “i hope i can work for him when im qualified!” heres hoping!
    Suze (fellow northener)


  249. Suze
    on Aug 10th, 2009
    @ 2:41 pm: 

    Hi
    Could i just respond to Rachel D also, as a friend of mine specialises in redevelopment of Northumberland properties. Check out http://www.coastalretreats.co.uk for her contact details. Thanks


  250. melny
    on Aug 10th, 2009
    @ 9:16 pm: 

    hi george,

    Loving the show & your accent- (ssh dont tell my hubby he’s a magpie through & through!!) and i live just along the road to where u grew up. my brother in law was a teacher at oxclose, Mr Pod?? its such a small world. so many things make everyone feel comfortable with you but for us up here, how can you desert us & live in London (work i’m sure!) would love to see a local transformation. i have ideas galore for our home but just dont know where to start to make the best of it, after all you would agree these things arent always cheap! anyway, hope to see you back “up north” soon. take care & hope to see more of you on screen very soon xx


  251. Louise
    on Aug 10th, 2009
    @ 10:52 pm: 

    george! i think ur fab! u seem so kind! i love ur programme & always watch it while im in the gym with my headphones on! my mum luvs u! haha iv “followed” u on twitter although i dont really know what im doing! anyway hope ur having a good hol & keep up the good work making peoples dreams come true! :) xxx


  252. GEOFF NEWMAN
    on Aug 11th, 2009
    @ 6:32 pm: 

    HI GEORGE, LIKE SOME OTHERS WHO HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU I’M A CANADIAN AND LOVE WATCHING YOUR “BUILD A NEW LIFE IN THE COUNTRY” SHOW, WE DON’T HAVE YOUR NEW ONE YET BUT I HOPE WE WILL SOON. MY QUESTION IS, I READ YOU LIVED IN WASHINGTON IN NE ENGLAND AND MY FAMILY ORIGINATES FROM SOMEWHERE CALLED “BISHOP AUKLAND” (I’M NOT SURE IF I’VE SPELT THAT CORRECTLY) WOULD THEY HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE SAME ACCENT AS YOU? SOMETHING MY WIFE AND I COULD LISTEN TO FOR HOURS ESPECIALLY THE WAY YOU SAY “YEARS” WE CRACK UP EVERY TIME WE HEAR YOU SAY THAT, AND I MEAN THAT IN A RESPECTFULL WAY.


  253. Jo
    on Aug 12th, 2009
    @ 9:02 am: 

    Hi George

    Just discovered your show and think it’s great.

    In the process of buying a new house and can’t wait to get in there and put our mark on it.

    You do a great job.

    Take care

    Jo


  254. Harpal
    on Aug 12th, 2009
    @ 4:33 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I am a huge fan of yours and watch each episode and completely forget that I have a husband and 2 kids. My husband laughs as for that one hour I am on my so called ‘break’.
    My husband and I are currently looking to buy a new property. We have seen one that needs quite a bit of work. I read one of your earlier comments but did not see the original question. I wanted to get your advice on an architect to help us visualize the completed house. My husband thinks it is too much work, but I watch your shows and think it would be amazing to do!
    Look forward to your reply….
    By the way I really take my hat off to you for replying to everyone…..I know you must be really busy…

    Harpal


  255. Jo
    on Aug 12th, 2009
    @ 7:33 pm: 

    Hi George

    I LOVED the Home Show, not just the hugely aspirational, yet attainable, ideas but your lovely gentle manner and empathy with all of the families that you have helped. I hope a third series is commissioned!!

    My partner lost a leg in a road traffic accident in 2001 and is now a wheelchair user so we bought a lovely bungalow in rural Cheshire just over two years ago. We planned to extend our kitchen this year to make an open plan kitchen-diner but every week after watching you we get more ideas and inspiration…now we have decided to change our large 8m x 4.7m lounge into the kitchen-diner to make use of all the natural light (an change our patio door to a bifold door…your favourite!!) and knock down the wall between our existing kitchen and study and have that as the new lounge! I would never have considered this as it seems like a huge job but it makes perfect sense! Now we are just wondering what to do with our large entrance hall as it seems like wasted space…any ideas?! We were thinking of a snug type second lounge but there is no natural light and there is a door on every wall! Any ideas would be muchly appreciated!

    Looking forward to Restoration Man, already missing you and your sexy voice on the TV!!!

    Lots of love xxx


  256. Lorraine
    on Aug 12th, 2009
    @ 8:11 pm: 

    Hi George, am a total late bloomer and have only just found the Home Show. Yes I know! I have been living under a rock. Am gutted it’s over!!
    Anyway, just thought I’d drop you a wee line to say that i have finally got the courage up to sell our old family home and branch out to something new just for me. Your tips and guides have been invaluable in helping me see beyond nasty decor to the real potential to make somewhere a new home. I think I’m ready for my hard hat and sledgehammer!!! (and then a wee trip to the local A & E Department obviously!!)
    Looking forward to the new show, best of luck
    L x


  257. kim
    on Aug 13th, 2009
    @ 5:30 pm: 

    hello George
    sorry but we dont have them starwars figures enymore.lol
    my full name is kim catchpole. And the brother you sold them to is ian catchpole.
    Yes we lived in stridingedge ,we was in same class at school.
    we moved when i was a 11 years old.
    I was sitting watching tv (the home show) for first time i was saying to my self i know that face it your eyes and smile .never changed lol
    Then i was in bed .You flashed to me when you was younger.
    i spook to some of the others from school on face book. It great to here from you( realy it o.m.g i got a reply hehehe ) take care george lol kim x


  258. helen
    on Aug 14th, 2009
    @ 9:58 am: 

    george – ‘the home show’ was fab and im really looking forward to your new series coming in the autumn.
    its been great to see how passionate you are about home living and helping people fulfill their lives at home.
    we are planning a big project ourselves to help us make the most of the space in our home and must say watching the show has given us lots of tips to help us in our renovation. many thanks – helen xx
    p.s. will send some pics when work underway !! :-)


  259. Christie
    on Aug 14th, 2009
    @ 1:19 pm: 

    Hi George… please can you come and draw on my walls?! … it’s my favourite bit, they just look like you can step straight in!

    Hope you’re enjoying your break… I’m in Sandbanks so will keep an eye out for you at the beach!

    Cx


  260. Ash
    on Aug 14th, 2009
    @ 6:03 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just wanted to say great work, great ideas! Watching your show is like a breath of fresh air..its made me realise that there is so much I can do to my property! Time to break some walls :-)

    Thanks.

    Ash


  261. Aurora Cook
    on Aug 14th, 2009
    @ 8:26 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Love watching your programes I really enjoyed last week’s show and never missed one . You are a genuine and an exceptionally creative person.

    I recently had transformed our holiday apartament in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil and would like to offer you an invitation to spend your holiday there, because it is exactly what you do, The walls have gone and the glass doors open to a fantastic postcard sea view.
    Hope to hear from you soon
    Aurora Cook


  262. Samantha Baird
    on Aug 15th, 2009
    @ 11:31 pm: 

    Hi George

    I have really enjoyed watching the Home Show and always feel inspired to be creative after watching it. I love your passion for the homes you create and how you make it work for people. I also share your hatred for bad heating and poor light in houses! I grew up in a flat that was freezing in the winter and we never had enough hot water for all the family!

    I love design and I am lucky to live here in Edinburgh which has so many beautiful pieces of architecture. One of these fine buildings is the nursery that my daughter goes to called the Cowgate Under 5′s Centre. The centre has won many awards and is a great example of how architects have really thought about what both the child and adult need to create a wonderful learning environment. (give it a Google)

    Anyway, I diverse, back to heating. We live in a ground floor tenement flat and have a small extension that leads out into our garden. It has a flat roof and I was wondering if you think it would be a good idea to install solar panels as a way of saving money. I’m not sure if they would create enough energy for us.
    I’d be glad to hear your thoughts.

    Thanks
    P.S When are you coming to Scotland?!


  263. tom
    on Aug 19th, 2009
    @ 3:46 pm: 

    hi george

    firstly, i’m a recent convert to your show – i got a bit fed up of my girlfriend and her friends harping on about ‘gorgeous george’ but to watch is an inspiration!
    we are looking at buying a victorian terrace, your show has given us lots of ideas including the folding rear doors you seem fond of…by day i am a commercial property solicitor however my office walls are covered in designs of how i amagine this house will look!

    ps what do you think about combining the existing old structure with brand new modernist extension at the rear???

    ta

    tom


  264. Rachel
    on Aug 20th, 2009
    @ 5:44 am: 

    Thanks Suze – great looking site!

    Rachel D.


  265. Spencer McKeown
    on Aug 22nd, 2009
    @ 5:50 am: 

    Hi George,

    Great show, we really think it’s a fastastic show! Love the idea of white washing the house and starting over. The postive impact of design on how a family lives is quite refreshing.

    Our problem is that we love where live but hate the house – we have 5 young kids living in a 2 bedroomed faling apart bungalow, after 4 years we are finally taking the leap to completely transform our life style by trying to get planning to knock down and build a modern family home!

    I would love to show you my proposed plans, either for your home show or just any initial feedback, I can’t imagine you have much time, but could I send it to you?

    Spencer and Louise


  266. Garry
    on Aug 24th, 2009
    @ 9:17 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just wondered what your thoughts are on the way major housebuilders design properties and do you think its time for a big advancement in their designs?


  267. Hana
    on Aug 25th, 2009
    @ 2:12 am: 

    Hello George,
    Congratulations in you program and in everything else….

    I believe I have a 6th sense to recognize Irish people just by the looks,
    I came to this page looking to find out if any of your parents is Irish to confirm my intuition….

    Unfortunately such info is not here… as soon as saw your face especially thought you were Irish ……I may aswell be wrong.


  268. Megan
    on Aug 25th, 2009
    @ 1:25 pm: 

    Hello George.
    I was wondering if you could help me.
    I have this dream of building my own home in about 4 years time.
    But i dont have a clue were to start!!
    I know I need an architech etc
    But what are the pros and cons and what is a Project Manager?
    Also can you explain contactors and sub contractors please?

    Also I have it planned out it my head and on paper of my dream home.

    Love your work!!!
    Megan


  269. George Clarke
    on Aug 26th, 2009
    @ 6:22 am: 

    Hi Tom,

    It sounds like you were bullied into watching! I’m pleased about that! Thanks for your kind words. You will have a field day when you buy your new place. I live in what was once the most boring Edwardian semi but its now been transformed into something quite magical and life changing. When you have your victorian place send me over your ideas for the redesign and I’ll take a look. Brand new modernist extension (if designed well!) will work a treat! Good luck. George


  270. Daniel
    on Aug 26th, 2009
    @ 10:17 pm: 

    Hey George,
    I have been watching all of your latest series of The Home Show. Im 18 and about to start a course in building surveying at university with the hope that someday (after raising the capital I need, by working as a building surveyor for a while) I can use the knowledge gained on my course to help me in becoming a property developer. Watching your show has already given me so many ideas that I hope to someday put to use. Im just wondering if you have any words of wisdom for someone aspiring to enter the industry? Im aware the real estate market isn’t exactly doing well at the moment – Im really hoping it picks up again at some point so I can ride the wave of a property boom! Either way, thanks very much!


  271. Annemarie
    on Aug 27th, 2009
    @ 1:03 pm: 

    Hi George
    I’ve just started watching your home show never realised you had moved to C4 I used to watch your other show build a new life, I’ve watch the new guy & as a good a designer as he is he doesn’t have the same passion as you so I’ve stopped watching.
    Anyway I am a mature student (42) I although I have an HND in interior design got that in 2006 I went onto a degree course interior design & technology with CAD joint started in 2nd yr but had to defer for a year I went back last October so will be completing my final year next year.
    The problem is that the year I deferred I tried to find some work even work experience but got caught in that catch 22 having needing experience, I’m now quite worried especially with the recession & the fact that I’m not getting any younger I worry whether I’ve wasted my time studying any suggestions on your part or if you could have chat with your stylists as to what I can do.

    PS: I have three boys my eldest who is now 16 & Has just got 7 B’s & an A GCSE loves your show he’s drawn up his own using autocad he wants to build it when he gets older is a massive house he asks if it would be possible if you could take a look at it & let him know your thoughts.


  272. Fiorella Modolo
    on Aug 28th, 2009
    @ 4:52 pm: 

    Hi George!

    First of all congratulations for your show, I saw some episodes when I was in England weeks ago and I enjoyed them a lot. I’m now trying to decide what way to take for my studies at Uni and so, given that you’re an expert I thought to ask you advice.

    My question is: Can I work with my creativity in fields that are not purely Architecture (like design, art…) if I study it at University? My fear is to end up projecting sterile buildings in a studio…

    Thanks
    Fiorella M.


  273. Annemarie
    on Aug 28th, 2009
    @ 10:25 pm: 

    why is my message saying it’s waiting moderation?


  274. mocha
    on Aug 29th, 2009
    @ 10:58 pm: 

    hi george
    love the programme your up there with Grand Design for me


  275. Craig Usher
    on Sep 1st, 2009
    @ 1:32 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Really enjoy your shows – a great change from normal television and 4od has been a god send! I’ve not stopped watching (well, I have now that I’ve seen them all!).

    I study civil engineering in uni looking to go into structural engineering. Any advice for coming out of university that you could share?

    Thanks loads and keep the shows coming! Hope you’re well,

    Craig


  276. Kat Wilkinson
    on Sep 3rd, 2009
    @ 4:53 pm: 

    Hi George

    Just wondered if you can work your magic in France? My Dad lives in an old farm house 60 miles S/E of Paris. Its livable but weirdly designed. He’s soon to be 73 and I want it sorted. For example: some bright spark tiled the bathroom floor with the same tiles as the walls, so its slipperly as you like…genius!!! I can send pictures if you like.
    Please, pretty please can you come and iron out the French creases!! (I am a painter and decorator by trade so might be able to lend a hand??)
    Kat


  277. Catherine
    on Sep 5th, 2009
    @ 11:51 am: 

    Hi George,
    i live in a traditional 30′s semi (a bit boring I know). After watching all the Home Shows I’d really like to knock down the wall between the kitchen and dining room, but the dining room is also open to the lounge. So if I do, I end up with one great lovely light room, but no private spaces (and possibly loads of cooking smells). What do you suggest? Catherine x

    PS – Blummin love the show, can’t wait for ‘Restoration Man’ Even got my 6 year old watching with me-he thinks you’re great too! x


  278. Keith Wilson
    on Sep 14th, 2009
    @ 5:09 am: 

    Hello George, my wife and I watch your Build a New Life show on HGTV here in British Columbia, Canada. We really enjoy it. We hope your new show reaches us soon on our side of the Atlantic.

    Keith and Gail


  279. Gary Edmundson
    on Sep 20th, 2009
    @ 4:46 am: 

    Hello George,
    Living in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada we’ve been watching your “Build A New Life” episodes on HGTV. We’ve actually been recording them and watching them repeatedly, since the entertainment value is second to none.

    HGTV has ended the coverage after Wales 008, and just started re-running Series 2. We’d like to purchase all of the episodes on DVD if we could – any chance of that being possible?

    Born in Sunderland myself (Stratford Avenue), I was chuffed to discover that you were, too. Nice to hear those old accents, and the episodes on Hexham had me tearing up the way that great couple sounded. Just like me Mam and Dad.

    Here’s hoping that the new programs will be brought out to the Canadian TV circuit. Until then, it’s more re-runs (not that I mind!)

    Thanks for producing such great work,
    Sincerely,
    Gary Edmundson


  280. Andrea
    on Sep 21st, 2009
    @ 9:52 pm: 

    Hi George,

    My boyfriend and I are both massive fans of your show and thoroughly enjoyed your latest series. My boyfriend was most impressed with your sledge hammer skills as he also is a fellow king of demolition!

    We noticed that you are speaking at the Home Improvement Show at Earls Court next month and we are planning to go to the show as we will be extending our kitchen later this year. It says on the website that you can “Meet the Experts” and we were wondering whether we would actually be able to meet you on the day? We’d love to discuss our plans with you and hear your thoughts on what we have planned.

    Lovin your work,
    Andrea & Glen


  281. Audrey
    on Sep 25th, 2009
    @ 10:38 pm: 

    Hey George,

    I’ve watched the first and second series’ of the Home Show and loved them both. So much so that I re-watching series 1 on More 4! I’m sure (absolutely positive) that I’ll never be so lucky (or have enough money) to have my house transformed, but your show also gives lots of great ideas about decor and just getting the right feel and balance in rooms. Anyway..I’m babbling now, but keep up the great work, I love the Home Show. Will there be a 3rd series?

    Cheers
    Audrey


  282. Nishanth
    on Oct 1st, 2009
    @ 2:04 am: 

    Hi George,

    My name is Nishanth and I’m 20 years old. I’m doing my first year of Architecture (yess!!!) at uni. I’ve watched most, if not all of your shows on 4od and let me just say this – you’re doing a great job! I’m really looking forward to watching Restoration Man and I wish you the very best of luck with that!. You are my favourite architect/ role model and there’s no dout in that. Few years time, I want to be exactly what you are today! I wish you the very very best of luck and hope to hear from you soon! Take care!


  283. charlotte myers
    on Oct 2nd, 2009
    @ 7:16 pm: 

    Dear George

    I watch all your programmes with my mum and I think your designs are amazing!!

    I would love to do something like you when I’m grown up.

    lots of love
    Charlotte Myers (age 8) Saltburn, Cleveland xxxx


  284. Donna
    on Oct 4th, 2009
    @ 9:23 pm: 

    Hi George.
    I’ve just been telling my sister-in-law how great The Home Show is (and you!!). She cannot wait to see the show. When does the next series start? Keep up your amazing work, Donna & Hollie xx


  285. Natalie
    on Oct 5th, 2009
    @ 3:22 pm: 

    Hi George!

    Wow there are so many replies on your site! Just wanted to say thanks for stopping to say hi to me, my mum and dad (tall guy with mostache!) at the show on Sunday morning… think you made my mum’s day. If you can’t remember that’s ok… but shame we missed your talk!

    Keep up all the good work

    Natalie


  286. Alana
    on Oct 6th, 2009
    @ 2:28 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Great to see you at the Home Improvement Show – really enjoyed your talks and seeing what you’d done to your own place. Myself and my boyfriend are big fans of The Home Show – only problem is after watching it he’s realised he needs £100k to make his house perfect (including the obligatory bi-fold doors of course!).

    Can’t wait to see the new show.

    Alana :-)


  287. samina
    on Oct 9th, 2009
    @ 3:32 pm: 

    hey im only 15 and i love ur show its great :)


  288. Jan Watts
    on Oct 10th, 2009
    @ 3:11 pm: 

    Hi, George,
    I’ve only recently discovered you- saw about 3 shows and then it ended! When are you on next? I think your ideas are wonderful, and I love to see your drawings on the walls, they look like 3D! I renovated a suburban bungalow about 3 years ago but I’m always up for ideas-thanks a lot!! I saw you at Grand designs yesterday(Friday) -super!


  289. elaine
    on Oct 11th, 2009
    @ 9:23 pm: 

    Hi George
    Met you today at the Grand Designs show, it was great, and meeting you was great for me and my family. My two little girls Sarah and Niamh havent stopped talking about you since we left the show, Niamh just keep saying what a nice man. We love your shows and will continue to tune into all your great programmes. Once again, lovely to meet you and good luck with all that you do in the future.
    Best wishes
    Elaine Mark Sarah and Niamh Abbott


  290. Samantha
    on Oct 12th, 2009
    @ 5:42 pm: 

    Hi George!
    I absolutely love watching the home show its brilliant! the houses you transfrom are just out of this world. Good luck with future developments!
    Take care
    Sam :)
    x


  291. Tori
    on Oct 15th, 2009
    @ 3:13 pm: 

    Hey there!
    Just wanted to say love every project you’ve done!
    Wish I had the cash for you to come sort out my house.

    Any chance of a book from you? Then maybe I could twist your arm to come and have a signing at my place of work (waterstones’)

    Keep up the good work and keep smiling!
    Xxx


  292. brad west
    on Oct 15th, 2009
    @ 5:10 pm: 

    Hi George

    I live outside the uk and have had a chance to watch your series “The Home Show” Well done you really are talented with your ideas and designs. I really enjoy the show. Wish you great success with it and all the best.


  293. deborah ruddle
    on Oct 19th, 2009
    @ 7:15 pm: 

    Hi George
    I have been sent your application for the home show but we are having difficulty sending it through to you with the photographs. Can we send it to you on a memory stick or by post
    We have an Edwardian semi detached house in need of renovation and refurbishment with loads of original features. We live in a conservation area so we need to keep the front of the house in keeping with the other properties

    Thanks

    Deborah Ruddle


  294. alessandro
    on Oct 20th, 2009
    @ 4:26 pm: 

    hi george,
    mate YOU ARE COOOOOOL….immagine that watching your show you put in me the passion for the architecture,
    im italian and im living here since feb 2008, and i decide to leave my job to follow the university…i don’t know if i can enter at the UCL but probably in greenwich (hopefully), even because i don’t have a potfolio..anyway u think is good as university…?
    is true that the courses are longer than 5 years….??i hope less even cos im 24…but i don’t care i believe on it..and on me…and i gonna follow your example…..take care…


  295. Sally Godfrey
    on Oct 22nd, 2009
    @ 10:53 am: 

    hi there George, i really only wanted to say that i love your shows, its great to see someone who has an obvious passion for what they do. so much of the time we see presenters who are just that, presenters, their zest for what they do seems to have all but disappeared. I would love to be able to do some of the things that you do, but i think if i start knocking down walls to make an open plan living / eating area the housing association might have a word in my ear !! But i’ll blame you !!! Take care George and keep you passion, it really shines through on the telly. All the best, Sally.x


  296. Suzy
    on Oct 22nd, 2009
    @ 6:31 pm: 

    Hi George

    My sister and I love watching ‘The Home Show’ every week. What you do is amazing.

    You are so adoreable when you are moved to tears. Makes me want to leap out of my chair and give you a massive cuddle. You are the most gorgeous, genuine man on tv.

    Keep doing the shows…

    Love Suzy x


  297. Michelle Cairns
    on Oct 22nd, 2009
    @ 8:28 pm: 

    Hi George – love your shows ! Small problem – being a hard working, relatively low paid nurse copying the great work you do to these houses is unachievable for me :-( Are there any plans to make a programme where the budgets allow for allowing people like myself to make their home a joy to live in without breaking their bank – if so sign me up !


  298. faye
    on Oct 23rd, 2009
    @ 9:05 pm: 

    Hi George,

    oh my god love the home show !! i watch every one i also love you haha x (true) :P


  299. ingrid gahagan
    on Oct 26th, 2009
    @ 3:12 pm: 

    HI George

    Missing your show and wonder when the Restoration Man is due to commence? I work in property and especially love your passionate and skillful approach – gets under your skin doesnt it?

    Like all the other females who have recorded a comment (not usually the type of thing i would do) im compelled to tell you that you make it compulsive viewing. Channel 4 have found a coup !

    Hope one day to see you up in Bonnie Scotland.

    Ingrid x


  300. Kobus
    on Oct 26th, 2009
    @ 6:41 pm: 

    Hi George,

    First of all – respect! I have only seen two of your shows (The Home Show), but I’m already hooked. Everything you say makes so much sense. I have a small architectural draughting office in George (South Africa) – dealing with clients are not always the easiest thing – especially conveying your ideas of how space will work better by changing a few things – usually when you have to demolish a few walls. How do you convince a client what will be and/or work the best? Budget is always a factor – but what’s the use in spending money, but not getting the most for your money.


  301. ann
    on Oct 26th, 2009
    @ 9:40 pm: 

    hi george,
    just want to let u no that we watch ur show every evening and really love it. keep up the fab show. by the way ur hot looking,
    from annxxx


  302. ann
    on Oct 26th, 2009
    @ 9:44 pm: 

    hi again george, i forgot to mention i come from the republic of ireland.
    xxxx ann


  303. Helen Palmer
    on Oct 28th, 2009
    @ 1:51 am: 

    George.

    I have been inspired…………..

    I watched the home show couple of weeks ago having never seen or heard of you previously. After many years of raising a family in a traditional styled home – i realised how uninspiring my home is. I have always claimed to not liking modern furniture & design and plumped with same old “safe” styles for donkeys years. After watching the show i realised how much i loved the modern designs & concepts you to bring to the show.

    I need a change. The kids have gone and i have a couple of quid to spend – Thanks for inspiration. Great show.


  304. Debbie
    on Oct 29th, 2009
    @ 12:25 am: 

    Hi George

    All I can say is WOW!

    Your programmes are amazing and while I have some time from a ten year stint as a Lecturer – took voluntary redundancy…. I find myself rushing home whenever I can to watch your Home Show …

    Do you think it would be a good idea to advise the government regarding the promotion of teaching design/architecture principles in a fun way in Schools? Some kind of virtual interactive teaching around design of buildings, home and fun places for kids … Just an idea ….. Not enough teaching in this field from early years for kids … this could poss foster great architects of the future as well as foster creativity in all aspects of life! What do you think?

    Do you have a new series to be shown in 2010? I really do hope so as am addicted…..

    Just wondered … Did you come acrosss your Edwardian House by chance or did you specifically look for this type of property to live in?

    Just one last note … have just come back from Worcestershire .. a place called Broadway … Such a beautiful place with amazing buildings /architecture… wondered if you were familiar with this area? Returning to home which is Kent and then travelling into London I can see we have amazing buildings interspersed with some very grim stuff – 60′s built concrete council estates – i know some of are noteworthy but most not!! I find myself wondering why such a beautiful idyl like Broadway exists and is not replicated more throughout the country… Anyway just wondered on your thoughts on these matters.

    All the best

    Debbie aka would love to have studied architecture but plumped for a Law degree instead!! U never know may still attempt a change …


  305. Fernando
    on Oct 29th, 2009
    @ 6:24 pm: 

    hi George Clarke!! just to say i try to whatch when I can!!thanks for all the amazing work you do and wll.love interior designer and you remind the first work I did in my friend flat in brixton.thanks for every day make me so emocional with your love and brilhant talent.your Brazilian fan.Bye!Bye!!


  306. Evie
    on Nov 1st, 2009
    @ 3:28 pm: 

    Hi George .

    I just wanted to say im a really big fan of you and i love watching all your programmes your amazing =]


  307. Penni
    on Nov 3rd, 2009
    @ 9:19 pm: 

    Hi George. Just wanted to say I love the Home Show, I really wish I had the money for you to come and sort out our house!! Although quite what you could do with a tiny terraced bungalow to make it work for us I don’t know. If you’re ever in Gateshead……………lol!


  308. Pete and Annie
    on Nov 10th, 2009
    @ 3:34 pm: 

    Dear Mr Clark

    Just been watching the reruns of the Home Show during a rainy weeks holiday in the Lakes we’ve both been moved to tears! When I win the lottery (ha ha) we know who we’ll ask to project manage and design our dream house in Braithwaite Nr Keswick.
    Keep up the good work! Pete and Annie xx


  309. Anelya
    on Nov 14th, 2009
    @ 12:27 am: 

    You are very handsome man George!


  310. Anelya
    on Nov 14th, 2009
    @ 12:38 am: 

    Hi George, lately you are in my head all the time and I don’t know why get out! Btw love your voice and your smile you are so HANDSOME!


  311. Eileen from London
    on Nov 15th, 2009
    @ 11:46 pm: 

    Hiya George

    i have a couple of interesting and valid and intelligent points and some observations

    1) OMG @ you in the shower !!!!!! yummmmmmm

    2) OMG at you in white T shirt and overalls and a sledgehammer

    3) i am loving the show ive just sat and watched the whole series on channel 4 on demand online and think that what you do is amazing

    ps not really valid or intelligent lol but hey what the hell


  312. Sim
    on Nov 16th, 2009
    @ 2:57 pm: 

    Hi George,

    A friend just spotted you at Lancaster station! I am very jealous indeed :-( Are you likely to be doing a show here some point in the future?!
    Your work is fab :-)


  313. Ben Mc Cabe
    on Nov 17th, 2009
    @ 5:51 pm: 

    Hi George,
    Love the show. I am an a young qualified architect with a passion for beautiful buildings and design. I cannot seem to find architecture work since I graduated last year. I found a job presenting government owned buildings and art etc to foreign dignitaries to the country, but I really need to get my teeth into something. I don’t have RIBA yet, so it limits possibilites, so do you have any advice on how to kick start this career in the current climate?

    Regards,
    Ben

    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2406&id=1832086743&l=ed614d5e94

    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9735&id=1832086743&l=45e999937d


  314. struggling to finish the house
    on Nov 17th, 2009
    @ 8:14 pm: 

    Dear George,
    Love your show and the enthusiasm you have for creating a home. My lovely husband and I are in the process of rescuing a victorian terraced house-total DIY novices. We think we are doing ok but really struggling to find a front door we both like. Wondered if you had any tips please? Yvonne


  315. Kaleena
    on Nov 21st, 2009
    @ 5:37 pm: 

    Don’t pan up whatever you do .. haha!

    Sorry … hi George!

    Ive just watched all your episodes on 4oD and feel what you do is amazing! i’m currently studying architecture at Dundee uni…. got a long way to go only being in 1st year :/ n i’m a long way from having my own home (halls arn’t exactly homely!) but you inspire me and have made me more determined to just put my all into it and chase those dreams! You’ve also helped me realise what i want to persue this career for, and thats to improve peoples lives (aswel as doing something i’m passionate about)!

    Thanx George, all the best! :)

    Kaleena xx


  316. Anna Maria Slater
    on Nov 24th, 2009
    @ 8:28 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I wrote to you earlier in the year when I was doing my essay about you at college. I just wanted to say thanks for the advice you gave me about starting my own business as I have just completed my first job, a bathroom design for my parents’ friends! I would also like to thank you because you have really inspired me to achieve what I have done so far.
    I was just wondering when Restoration Man is coming to our screens as I am looking forward to watching it. xx


  317. helena rose
    on Nov 25th, 2009
    @ 12:01 am: 

    hi george,

    i felt compelled to write to you because you and your programme just blew me away.
    you are a fantastic architect and you never cease to amaze me with what you can pull off with such small budgets.
    i am so sad now that the home show has finished and i cant wait for the next programme you do to come out.
    thanks for being such an inspiration.
    all my love,
    helena.x


  318. Claire
    on Dec 14th, 2009
    @ 6:10 pm: 

    Hi,
    I am a student in year 12 who wants to become an architect. I know university is a fairly long way away but I’m doing research etc now to teach myself about architecture. Do you have any advice?
    Thanks ever so much – I love your show!
    Claire


  319. BILL BUTLER AUSTRALIA
    on Dec 16th, 2009
    @ 3:09 am: 

    Hi george,
    I’m such a fan of yours over here in Sydney Australia. Your program is amazing and I get goose bumps just watching the renovations and the the beautiful countryside of England.Hope one day you will visit our beautiful part of the world and I can say “HI George”


  320. Carlton Arties
    on Dec 24th, 2009
    @ 4:58 am: 

    Your website came up in my research and I’m motivated by what you have penned on this issue. I am presently widening my enquiry and thus cannot contribute further, nonetheless, I have bookmarked your internet site and will be returning to keep up with any succeeding updates. Just Now love it and thanks for tolerating my input.


  321. Ernest
    on Dec 25th, 2009
    @ 12:52 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Believe you me i have been watching Home improvement TV shows on BBC Prime and now BBC Lifstyle for many years and your show (The Home Show) really knocked the socks off me!!! It is a really fantastic show and i am hooked.

    One advise and maybe a request though, i have just bought a house here in my home town and it is a small 2 bedroom pad in the corner of a 70m x 80m property but i would like to build a new 1 bedroom cottage kind of house in the other corner of the property so i need someone to design that for me, can you pls help??? If you are happy to assist on this please advise how i can send you my ideas.

    All the best and i promise, i will keep watching your shows and i cant wait for your next series (Series 1 is showing on TV here).

    Take care and all the best in the New Year,

    Ernest in Botswana!


  322. Dave
    on Jan 2nd, 2010
    @ 5:49 pm: 

    hi george you inspired my friend he draws houses in art lessons we have. He has loved architecture ever since he was a little boy


  323. Sophie
    on Jan 5th, 2010
    @ 11:33 pm: 

    Hi George!
    Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your last series. I admit im a late-comer as was channel hopping and heard the accent and felt like being at home! (Originally a Birtley lass fro my sins) As mine is also a slight mixture after living away was nice listening to a partner in exile! ha ha
    I love watching programmes on architecture and the arts in general and was just curoius to know how do you keep your ideas and inspirations fresh? I was amazed at the outcome and how you seem to keep a clear focus on the client…it must be hard not to get caught up in oyur own style or ideas? Most people are encouraged to find their own ‘style’ but you manage to forfeit this perfectly every time…if you know what I mean?
    ps…Is there going to be another series??

    Thanks, Soph


  324. Jo - Sydney, Australia
    on Jan 8th, 2010
    @ 7:57 am: 

    Hi George

    I was born and raised too in Sunderland and now live in Sydney Australia. Just wanted to let you know that I love watching your show. I run a small business supplying window furnishings mainly shutters, curtains and blinds so if you ever travel with your show downunder and need a supplier of window furnishings – look me up I’d love to work with you on one of your renovations.


  325. Ramone
    on Jan 8th, 2010
    @ 4:06 pm: 

    Dear George,

    What can I say, you are like a breat of fresh air, entering my living room every week, I have seen other makeovers, but they have not come close to THE HOME SHOW. All that time of watching other shows, I have been waiting to exhale, now I know what it is like to breathe. I have really enjoyed your show, so much so that I have submit my own application to the home show team, I cannot remember ever being so impressed with someone with such passion, emotion, being so conscious, so honest, and eager to please, and so worried. I would love to have you re-designed my space, either on or off the home show. What do you think, are you up for the challenge?????? Please let me know.

    All the very best with all your endeavours and what the new year brings – but whatever you do please if you can keep the home show going, its the best thing on telly at the moment, I can honestly say that I have watched the origingals, the re-runs and the ones on line. Sad or what, no just very appreciative and very impressed

    Take Care.

    Ramone


  326. Marlene Ellis
    on Jan 10th, 2010
    @ 5:42 pm: 

    Dear George:

    Just wanted to say that I love your show, I think you are briliant, and they couldn’t have choosen a more perfect man for the job. I’m a big fan of the BBC and thier programing all together. I’m an artist myself, and a closit designer, I love all that stuff. There is nothing like building a dream, following them, and sticking to it. You have such a nice way about you, and how you relate to the people to have on your show. Keep up the great work, and I will continue to follow as long as the show is running. They are lucky to have you, Cheers Marlene


  327. Jeffrey Haynes
    on Jan 11th, 2010
    @ 9:03 am: 

    “As practice makes perfect, I cannot but make progress; each drawing one makes, each study one paints, is a step forward.” Van Gogh


  328. Derek
    on Jan 26th, 2010
    @ 2:56 pm: 

    Good day George,
    I just wanted to say a hello from Norway.My fiance and I enjoy your show immensely on the “BBC living”channel over here in Oslo.
    Much like your self I was born and raised in the North east, took my initial design studies in South shields then onto Newcastle college of Art & Interior Design.So many parallel lines here! (I was even re designing my parents rooms at 10!) I now enjoy a cracking vocation designing Hotels and cruise liners..great fun!
    Just wanted to let you know; not only is yours a great programme but professionally speaking it is a joy to watch as not a hint of a whitewashing or makeover, it is true creative architecture!. So basically, nice one George, ..oh and a bonus ..my fiance thinks your rather dashing and tells me the north east turns out some very creative and handsome men! Take care
    Derek


  329. George Clarke
    on Jan 28th, 2010
    @ 10:10 am: 

    Jeffrey…Sounds good to me!!!!! George


  330. George Clarke
    on Jan 28th, 2010
    @ 10:21 am: 

    Ramone. What a lovely email. Thank you so much for your compliments…flattering indeed! The 3rd series of the home show hasn’t been recommissioned yet but if you want a design consultation (depending on where you live) I can come to your home. please email home@clarkedesai.com and home@cdsbuild.co.uk. Thank you for all of your support! George


  331. George Clarke
    on Jan 28th, 2010
    @ 10:22 am: 

    Hi Jo, a fellow Mackem! Lovely to hear from you. From all of the emails I’m getting I think I have to come to Australia! Maybe its time for me to make a series there. If we do I’ll give you a shout! Keep in touch. George


  332. George Clarke
    on Jan 28th, 2010
    @ 10:40 am: 

    Dave…that is great to hear! Thanks for your email…and say hi to your friend for me and wish him luck! George


  333. George Clarke
    on Jan 28th, 2010
    @ 10:45 am: 

    Hi Sophie…a Birtley lass! Very close to where I lived. I was brought up in Washington. Architecture is not just about design and style. Its about people and you really have to focus on your client to deliver a successful project. Its about them…not me! You can never lose sight of that in the redesign of any home. Thanks for watching and keep in touch. George x


  334. George Clarke
    on Jan 28th, 2010
    @ 10:48 am: 

    Hi Derek. Good to hear from you! A fellow North-Easterner! Your missus obviously has very good taste LOL!!!!!! Seriously, thanks for your kind comments and thanks for watching the show. I’ve got to make a trip to Oslo…Norway has one of my favourite architects…Sverre Fehn…look out for his beautiful buildings! Keep in touch. George


  335. George Clarke
    on Jan 28th, 2010
    @ 11:03 am: 

    Marlene, that is very sweet. Homes are such important things in our lives and its an absolute pleasure to be able to help people realize their dreams. Thanks for watching the show…I’m very grateful. George x


  336. Elaine
    on Jan 28th, 2010
    @ 5:01 pm: 

    Hi George, I love watching your show and really like you designs and creative use of space. I am contacting you see if you would be interested in using a project that I am about to start for your tv show. I have just purchased the house my husband grew up in. His parents moved out of the property about 7 years ago due to structural problems. So the house needs to be demolished. The plot sits on a bit of a slope. I want to get the best possible use of space from the different levels, and to make our house as eco friendly as poss. If this would be to big a project for the show can you recomend any other fab architects in Glasgow.

    Many Thanks

    Elaine x


  337. doyin olutayo
    on Jan 30th, 2010
    @ 11:18 am: 

    hello George

    love your show. my husband and i watch it here in australia. transformations are beautiful and practical. will ur show be coming down under?


  338. Nicki Grimsey
    on Feb 1st, 2010
    @ 11:41 am: 

    Hi George, I just wanted to say that I absolutely love the show. I’m in New Zealand & we get “The Home Show” here. It is just brilliant!
    I’m always amazed at how stunning the makeovers are. I especially loved one episode where there was a two story apartment and you moved the kitchen from downstairs to the upstairs loft (the couples bedroom) so that visitors could walk straight through to the rooftop deck. Seemed like such a huge undertaking but the apartment absolutely worked afterwards. I watch some other “makeover” shows where the designers go for garish colours or don’t think practically about how it will work for the families, that’s why I love your show, you take all these things into consideration.
    Cheers.


  339. Derek
    on Feb 2nd, 2010
    @ 10:40 am: 

    Cheers George,
    Yes Sverre Fehn was a radical man for his time..
    Well, If you’re ever in Norway/Oslo let me know
    Regards
    Derek


  340. Marcjanna
    on Feb 3rd, 2010
    @ 2:13 pm: 

    Hi George

    I absolutely love your show .You’re Brilliant. you’re giving people such a good ideas. Already I’ve learned so much. I’m looking forward to future shows. Great job.

    Regrets from Poland


  341. sarah
    on Feb 4th, 2010
    @ 1:43 pm: 

    Hi George – wow, I have just watched you for the first time – what a talent – and what a catch for some lucky woman. You are so damn hot! Sarah x!


  342. vicky mckay
    on Feb 6th, 2010
    @ 1:43 pm: 

    Hi George
    Help please I have just watched and read your video/updates on kitchen design on the Home show web site.
    We are in process of converting a listed barn are going for a contemporary modern feel. We have a high gloss handleless white unit with black/stainless appliances. A real walnut wooden floor (quite a few colour variations not just the black walnut)
    We are struggling with worktop colours. We are going for a Silestone which I think is some sort of granite composite.
    We had seen a white top with sparkly bits or a coffe coloured one.
    I know in a few of your houses on the home show you did the balck white thing.
    I wondered what is your opinion on the trend for colour of worktop. Really value your input

    Hope all is well and cant wait for the next series

    Vicky X


  343. Barbara
    on Feb 6th, 2010
    @ 6:24 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I really enjoy your show, and it is excellent how you turn things around. Are you by any chance going to do some special episodes outside of the UK. Let’s say Scandinavia, or Mainland Europe let’s say Belgium or Austria etc?
    It would be fabulous for some us who enjoy your show outside of the UK.

    regards,

    Barbara


  344. Ramone
    on Feb 8th, 2010
    @ 9:54 pm: 

    Dear George,

    Thank you for your response and office details will get in touch in regard to design consultation- I live in the North West London Area.

    Kind Regards

    Ramone


  345. Penni
    on Feb 9th, 2010
    @ 3:45 pm: 

    Hi George

    I have just had a meeting with Gateshead Council about adaptations to my house for my disabled son. He should qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant of £30k to add a downstairs bedroom. The lovely guy from the council thought we’d have no chance of adding a bathroom to the build for the money, but I was wondering if you thought there might be a way within the budget. I’d love to do it once, and do it right, but as I’m recently widowed, I’m not comfortable in taking out a new mortgage just at the moment and anything over £30k would have to be funded by me. Access is also an issue, and I’ll have to have an outside step lift put in. I need to find alternative funding for this because £10k is a big chunk to lose from the build kitty. Any advice you could give me will be very gratefully received.

    Cheers
    Penni


  346. Mary Abbott
    on Feb 15th, 2010
    @ 1:47 am: 

    Hi George
    I Absolutely love the Home Show. Can you please please please come to Australia and do a series here! I have the perfect project for you :)


  347. Karen
    on Feb 15th, 2010
    @ 6:36 pm: 

    Hi George,Just wanted to say Thank you for giving us something good to watch!! I only “found” your show last week and have been hooked ever since ..even catching up on old shows over the net.I love seeing the” before and after ” The transformations are amazing !!!

    Karen :) x


  348. Jodie
    on Feb 17th, 2010
    @ 11:33 am: 

    Hi George,

    Absolutely love your shows. Love especially The Home Show that has just come to us here in Melbourne, Australia.
    You do a fantastic job. I love the spaces you create and I especially love the tactful way you speak to each and everyone on the show.
    I just wondered if the furnishings are a part of the money the families supply you with or is that donated by the show?
    You are really brilliant!! Love watching. And great to hear you are a Croatia fan!! Its a gorgeous place that I will love to re-visit one day and take my kids this time!!
    Just wondered if you had kids and if you ever do get to see them?? You seem so very busy!!
    Thanks for the great show, would love to see you hear in Melbourne one day!!
    Cheers
    Jodie xx


  349. Sylvia
    on Feb 18th, 2010
    @ 9:27 pm: 

    Hi George
    am wondering if i will be seeing you on television any time soon. it seems to have been ages. have loved all your shows so far, especially the last home show. it was good to see a show that wasnt just people with pots and pots of money to spend. we have been working on our old terraced house for 10 years now. when we moved in it was just me my husband and the dogs and cats. now we still have some dogs and cats and two children so the house has just evolved as our family has grown and changed. we are just about out of places to work on but last of all we hope to convert out garage into a treatment room and office for my husband to work from. we have often got inspiration while we have been in the midst of a project. look forward to some more inspiration from you soon. Sylvia (Northampton)


  350. sarahw
    on Feb 20th, 2010
    @ 2:15 pm: 

    Hi George

    Just wanted to say thanks for ‘The Home Show’ I have enjoyed every episode and am currently enjoying the daytime re-runs (great perk of being a stay at home Mum!). When is the next series?
    Everytime I watch you draw your vision I am impressed and also inspired and as a result we are considering developing an old farm barn in the grounds of our former farmhouse into a fab kitchen diner. Just need to figure out how to link it to the rest of the house without it looking like a big corridoor. Perhaps we should apply for the next series, Norfolk would welcome you with open arms!
    I am looking forward to seeing you at the Ideal Home show on 24th maybe I’ll get to ask your advice in person.
    Sarah


  351. Rachel
    on Feb 25th, 2010
    @ 5:27 pm: 

    Hi George

    Just to let you know my parents loove the home show! They try to do impressions of you sometimes and it is really embarassing! Also, we have the same surname!!!

    Rachel Clarke
    x


  352. Linsay
    on Feb 25th, 2010
    @ 10:31 pm: 

    Hi,
    Just a quick note to say that i have only been watching your home show for a few months now and it is definately the best one of its kind on the telly, you have gave me a lot of ideas, and totally irrelevant but ive also just found out that i am actually in the same night class as your sister at college


  353. Tony Powell
    on Mar 3rd, 2010
    @ 12:32 pm: 

    Hi George,
    Really enjoy the home show especially the reveal.
    Check out our new product they are custom printed wrapped Hard hats and they are flying off the shelves especially football ones. We would like you to have one so which is it to be? We have Sunderland, England, Scotland and Wales plus a few others check out the website link and a hat is on the way.
    Tony


  354. sharon
    on Mar 3rd, 2010
    @ 2:46 pm: 

    Hiya George, just wanted to say i love the show, you do an amazing job every time…and being rather gorgeous with a voice like melted chocolate helps as well..lol only one criticism…you are a mackem??????? hahahaha xxxx


  355. Sarah
    on Mar 3rd, 2010
    @ 8:54 pm: 

    Just wanted to say love, love, love your programmes, you’re so enthusiastic and full of energy.
    I love the way you make a house into a blank canvas spraying white etc then start from scratch.
    You have a great approach and fabulous ideas.
    I hope you’re going to make some more Home show’s, keep up the good work.
    Cheers
    Sarah x


  356. Laura
    on Mar 9th, 2010
    @ 12:44 am: 

    Hi George, just wanted to say that I think the work you do is absolutely amazing! I LOVE watching the show, and with a keen eye for interior design and architecture myself I find the advice and knowledge base you have to give outstanding :) looking forward to Restoration Man on channel 4 next Sunday, cannot wait! Congratulations on being so excellent! :) x


  357. nigel Sellick
    on Mar 10th, 2010
    @ 4:22 am: 

    Hi George i have to say i watch all your shows and think the designs you do that make peoples face light up its amazing well donr your a very clever man but i feel what all the above ahave forgotten to say your Gorgeous too so nice to have a great tv show with such a hottie to look at presenting it wel done on both scores lol

    nigel


  358. Paul Gluck
    on Mar 10th, 2010
    @ 10:22 pm: 

    Not a fan if i’m honest. Your a smug bugger and i think you’re ugly.

    You’re not all that you geordie prat.

    My Mam hates you n all!!!

    Hope Restoration Man fails and you get sacked.

    Best wishes

    The Gluckster


  359. Debbie
    on Mar 16th, 2010
    @ 11:57 pm: 

    Gorgeous George, how are ya? Started watching the re-runs of The Home Show probably mid January….absolutely bowled over by your talent (and good looks…) Been made redundant, and thanks to you I’ve now got a new hobby, visiting the amazing buildings in my hometown of Liverpool. So much for my job hunting!!! You should pay us a visit some day. Love the show, I think channel 4 would be foolish not to make The Home Show series 3, the sooner, the better x Keep up the good work G, Its great to see a genuine, down to earth lad follow his dream and become so successful xxx (and its about time us girls had a good bit of eye candy ;-) Your wife is a very lucky lady) xxx


  360. Mary
    on Mar 17th, 2010
    @ 1:20 am: 

    Hiya George

    Love your show.

    It has to be said, you are soooo adorable and handsome.
    You’re lucky you’re married – looking at the above comments you’d have women fighting over you.

    Good luck with your new show, not that you need it you’ll be a great success.

    Hugs Mary


  361. cally
    on Mar 19th, 2010
    @ 7:06 pm: 

    Hi George, just wanted to thank you. I live in sicily and often get nostalgic for the british mentality and watching your show helps. Unfortunately such is sky in Italy that I just get repeats of ” build a new life”, my personal favourite being the couple in Italy who convinced you they were going to put up brick-look-alike stiky backplastic on their vaulted ceilings!!! Anyway will catch up with your shows when I’m back in Devon……..do you keep in touch with the projects from that series? especially that couple from your neck of the woods who renovated that farmhouse in the middle of nowhere and did the work themselves…..inspirational stuff.


  362. Thomas
    on Mar 19th, 2010
    @ 8:11 pm: 

    Hello George. My mum really loves your tv shows and she and dad are going to the ideal home tomorrow for the first time ever. My dad can’t do diy very well and even he has been watching your programme and he thinks he would trust you to sort out our house. They really want to see you and i might give you a secret letter from me about fixing our house for my mums birthday. So watch out for it. I might get my dad to give it to you because my mum doesnt know. Tom q:)-<]: Look sideways its a skateboard smiley the envelope will have it on!


  363. Jacqueline Smith
    on Mar 19th, 2010
    @ 10:20 pm: 

    Hello George,

    Well i first would like to say how much i admire your work. Watching your program The Home Show i was inspired by the drive and love you have for Architecture and and The interior Design work aslo the look if fun in your face when your working makes me want to get stuck in and help you!! haha. I my self am very intersted in getting into the industry and hope to become an Interior Designer or an Achitecture, do you have any tips or advice you could give me?

    Good Luck with your new program Restoration Man and hopefully i will be able to make it to the Ideal Home show this year.

    All the Best

    Jac
    xx


  364. nat
    on Mar 20th, 2010
    @ 11:10 pm: 

    Hi George
    Just to say looking forward to the new show on Sunday. Saw you on Loose women OMG!! Those eyes.

    Just wish I had the money for you go sort out our house but unfortunately I don’t so I will just have to tune in and watch you on the box lol!!

    Nat x


  365. Clare Goodridge
    on Mar 21st, 2010
    @ 6:05 pm: 

    Hey George

    Just got back from the Ideal Home Show where I had a great day and very much enjoyed hearing you chatting about The Restoration Man. I was also very impressed at how much time you had for everybody afterwards, especially signing all those autographs (including mine).

    I have two kids and we all loved watching The Home Show and will be tuned in tonight. Lots of luck with the new series – you deserve it!


  366. Sally
    on Mar 21st, 2010
    @ 9:13 pm: 

    Hiya, George been watching u tonight ur amazing, I’d love 2 be an architect, I’m saving my pennys to get a nice property with a bit of character which I can then do up with tips from your shows! Love to hear from u!
    Sally
    x


  367. Olivia Pilson-wood
    on Mar 21st, 2010
    @ 9:37 pm: 

    Hi George,

    My name is Olivia, and I’m a student from north London. I love your shows, and started watching you in 2008, when you were filming ‘The Home Show.’ Despite studying criminology, I have a personal passion for art and design and I love the way you are also very passionate about what you do. You did wonders for all those families on The Home Show, and as I write you this message, with wine in hand, I am watching the 1st show of ‘Restoration Man,’ whereby you clearly are putting your practice to great work.
    Since I was very young, I used to and still do, watch many programmes regarding housing, interior designing, grand designs and so forth, but you by far, have given me such a drive to make a home worth while and I can not wait to move out of my flat into a wonderful house or cottage and start my dream home!
    I think your an amazing guy, and there certainly should be more of you on this planet!
    I’d love to hear from you,

    With lots of love and respect,

    Olivia x


  368. Steve
    on Mar 21st, 2010
    @ 10:10 pm: 

    At last! A programme worth watching on a Sunday evening! “The Restoration Man” I mean . . . . brilliant show tonight . . . looking forward to the rest of the series


  369. Julie Gilbert
    on Mar 21st, 2010
    @ 10:26 pm: 

    George

    Brilliant show tonight although I have the same thoughts on you of PLASTIC!!!

    Anyway bizzare question but I saw this talent of yours on the HOME SHOW and now tonight. You are so lovely with other peoples children and its really sweet! I hope you have or will have the gift of your own because you are really good with them.

    Take care and well done you’re doing really well!!

    Julie


  370. Andrew
    on Mar 23rd, 2010
    @ 9:06 am: 

    Love your voice, eyes and your designs = D

    You make a really fantastic show, your ideas are just incredible! I have even started to watch ‘the home show’ on youtube just to hear your voice again….oh and the programme lol.

    Well done, your parents and family must be proud of you x


  371. kathy holbon
    on Mar 23rd, 2010
    @ 8:21 pm: 

    george, my son and I are great fans of yours for your sensitive reactions to people. My son was made redundant last year, he was an architectual technologist, He has not been able to find work since. He became a father of twins last year and desperately wants to ‘get back into the saddle again’ and provide for his familly, have you or any of your fans got any suggestion which may help.


  372. Gara Robinson
    on Mar 23rd, 2010
    @ 9:48 pm: 

    Hi George

    Love the new series. Endless chatter about you on Facebook with my friend Rach Todd who is your biggest fan!

    It woud be great if you could say “Hi” to her and blow her a kiss!!!

    Keep up the good work!

    Gara


  373. Libby Hobbs
    on Mar 24th, 2010
    @ 11:33 am: 

    George,

    Having a nose around the website… It’s great.

    Spotted something out of date tho… “The second series of the The Home Show with 8 new building projects and 4 revisits from series 1 begins at 8pm on Thursday 21st May.

    Restoration Man, where George saves some of the most beautiful old buildings in Britain by converting them into unique homes, will be shown on Channel 4 this Autumn.”

    If Resoration Man is on now, have we already had Series 2 of Home Show, I loved it and hope you do more!!

    Thanks
    Libby


  374. Minnie
    on Mar 25th, 2010
    @ 3:45 pm: 

    Hey Everyone,
    Check this link out!

    http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1hkTve/www.boredpanda.com/top-33-worlds-strangest-buildings/

    Fabulous stuff!


  375. Amestris
    on Mar 25th, 2010
    @ 7:51 pm: 

    Hello George,
    I discovered your “Build a new life” totally by chance on RealTime channel French version (They have called it Tous au vert which means All to country side in French), and I’ve adored it. To my great surprise, I found out two month ago that Télémaison is going to broadcast your “Home show” (and thanks God they haven’t changed the title). I’ve been watching all the episodes ever since and I am fascinated by your sense of perfection : a real architect. You would tell me that architect=perfection but unfortunately this is not always the case. I’ve always dreamed to find The architect who respects his client’s way of life and not being an egoist imposing a design beautiful to watch but impractical to live in as HOME. Don’t you want to come to Paris and leave your architectural finger print in one of the suburban cities lived by Napoléon Bonaparte? We need desperately to transform our apartment to our home.
    I’m really glad that television has introduced you to us and that you have opened to us your incredible talent in architecture and your passion for restoration. I wish you a very long, successful career. Can’t wait to see your “Restoration Man”!
    Take care.


  376. Hannah
    on Mar 28th, 2010
    @ 4:43 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just wanted to say that I thought you did a great job at the Ideal Home Show on Saturday especially as you were so poorly! (hope you are feeling better now).

    Anyway you have inspired me to think about converting my loft, it is a three storey townhouse so we can stack the stairs without losing space on the top floor – but how do I start the process? How will I know if my loft is the right type to covert? My surveyor when I bought the place said that there is lots of head height but the rafters and joists are the wrong type and would need replacing – is this costly?

    As it is a new buiild (4 years old) I don’t think we can dig down to get a basement as it is probably solid concrete!

    Loving the new show – Restoration Man, completely hooked!!

    Thanks
    Hannah x

    (sorry no northern association, I am a Midlander now in MK – but don’t hold that against me!)


  377. Rachel Clarke
    on Mar 28th, 2010
    @ 8:20 pm: 

    Hi george,
    My mum and dad love the home show. they do impressions of you whenever it is on the telly! Anyway. We share a name kinda! Its kind of wierd. (in a good way). Where are you from? My mum and dad keep asking me to look on the internet! XD
    Loving the animations on restoration man! How stupid was that man buying a church with no garden but a graveyard!
    Love and hugs,
    Rachel Clarke age 12
    xxxxx
    P.S im from bradford


  378. Daniela
    on Mar 29th, 2010
    @ 8:20 pm: 

    Ciao George, if you are ever in Hull and need someone to show you the architecture( yes there is some in Hull) give me a buzz. That will be follwed by an Italian meal Love the show.. the main attraction is you, those amzing eyes the accent and of course the wonderful build/design ideas…. Ciao Daniela xx


  379. Hilary Taylor
    on Mar 29th, 2010
    @ 11:34 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I just felt so compelled to write to you after being so inspired by your creativity. Your down to earth attitude, and passion in your work, shines through enormously. Although I am not an architect, I am a textile designer, so I do appreciate the artistic beauty in form and structure. Some of your work has inspired me greatly in my own work.I have followed you on The Home Show, and just recently on The Restoration Man. I thought I caught a glimpse of a North East accent. Although I am now a Southern softie, I am originally northern lass born and bred in lancashire, with family still living around the North East, and so I can spot the accent a mile off. From reading all about you on your web site, I see my suspicions were right!!! lol
    Anyway, must dash need to watch your next episode on catch-up. Keep the creativity coming George……we love it .

    Kindest Regards

    Hilary xxxxxxx

    P.s Your the cutest Architect I think I’ve ever seen :)


  380. Samantha Markham
    on Mar 30th, 2010
    @ 10:06 pm: 

    Hi George, restoration man is amazing! Saw the episode with the beautiful folly that was transformed. I go to University in Ormskirk and I’m always looking out for that wonderful home.

    Keep up the good work.

    Samantha x


  381. Ali
    on Apr 1st, 2010
    @ 5:10 am: 

    Hey George,

    Just wanted to say that i love, love, love the HOME SHOW!!!!
    I am obviously not alone in this point, considering the numerous postings.

    I love your renovations. I especially love the snippets, where you attempt to guess the home owners ideal bath or lamp or couch. And what that item can tell us about their lifestyles and design preferences. I cant believe how often you get it right!!

    I just read the promo for Restoration Man, and wanted to know when it will be hitting Aussie shores.

    Thanks,
    Ali


  382. Darren
    on Apr 4th, 2010
    @ 4:52 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just like to say congratulations on your amazing new series Restoration Man I watch it religiously every week just like i did for your old series 1 & 2 of The Home Show.
    Im studying Architecture, working for an architectural practice and have been now for three years straight from school.
    You have been a massive inspiration on me and the work i do from watching your TV Shows and reading your web pages.
    Your an unbelievably talented Architect and i aspire to be just like you. I absolutly love all the work you do especially throughout your Home Show Series, as the processes you speak about and design solutions you produce are fabulous.
    Thank you for all the hard work and efforts for giving me the opportunity to watch and learn from My favorite Architect of all time!

    Darren


  383. malcolm
    on Apr 4th, 2010
    @ 10:40 pm: 

    Watched Restoration man tonight, That must of been hard for you returning to the project after the lady had passed away.
    The windmill looked good and will stand as a tribute.I Work as a QS so i don’t have a lot of time for Architects but you obviously know what you are talking about. I am also from the North east and completed my degree at Northumbria so it is good to see someone from the region doing so well.
    Good luck in the future mate!


  384. Laura
    on Apr 4th, 2010
    @ 10:41 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I love your new show… The Restoration Man! I find it so inspiring and interesting. I just love the architecture, planning, building and history. Seeing life come back to such buildings that are now unloved is so breath taking and exciting.
    From the age of 13 I have wanted so much to study and become and Architect, Unfortunately, I just haven’t got the Maths skills for the job (I’ve most certainly not got a maths head… have always found it more complicated than some other people do. Basics I’m fine with more advanced I struggle). I have always been good at art, my drawing skills, I would say are good enough. Such a shame as it is one of my dreams to be able to wake everyday and look forward to what I have to do for a job. From a young age took such an interest in historical buildings and found myself interested in the spaces and layouts the complete design of them. Lets just say you have my dream job! I really enjoy watching your shows! Keep up the excellent work! Take care.
    Laura x


  385. Sean naylor
    on Apr 5th, 2010
    @ 1:24 am: 

    Hi george
    I am 14 and find your shows absolutley inspiring especially the restoration man as the folly in ormskirk was a house my mum was interested in purchasing at the time of sale! I have wanted to be an architect for at least 4 years now and was wondering if you could give me some useful tips and I would be very grateful if you did so
    thanks
    sean.


  386. Julia
    on Apr 5th, 2010
    @ 9:53 am: 

    Hello George, we live in the barren North West of Australia and watch your Home Show programme religiously. We have renovated our miners house (nowhere near your standards I’m afraid) but with limited tradies and extortionate prices on materials and labour I believe we’ve done a great job! You are a fantastic ambassador for your profession and the sexiest bloke I’ve seen on telly for a looooong time. I tell my partner I watch for the houses but it’s you baby..always you!! good luck mate and keep smiling!! If ever you’re in Karratha, pop in for a coldie xx


  387. Matina
    on Apr 5th, 2010
    @ 2:52 pm: 

    LOVING Restoration Man. I love everything about the programme, from the history of the project to the history of the building. And your genuine enthusiasm for the restoration of old buildings is a joy. More please…


  388. Maria
    on Apr 5th, 2010
    @ 5:39 pm: 

    Hi George

    Really enjoyed your episode of Restoration man last night. You get so emotionally involved in the project with the people and so exicited for them. A very touching episode but the outcome of the Home was stunning. Great show, look forward to the next episode.
    Maria xxxxx


  389. Sarah
    on Apr 6th, 2010
    @ 1:31 pm: 

    Hi George just wanted too say we were sat in front row of one of your live talks at ideal home show this year, you were fab – how passionate you are comes across in your talks.
    Plus you accidently touched my bottom when we had a hug for a photo! made my day!!!! haha!


  390. Robyn
    on Apr 6th, 2010
    @ 9:08 pm: 

    Hello George, being very fond of your show, I would like to ask for your advice. I want to lay a tiled floor through my new kitchen and breakfast room, but would like a wooden floor through the small hall way that leads to the breakfast area. This would mean seeing a join beween the two floors at the small arch way as you walk through the front door. Would this work as two different zones or could you suggest a way how it could work or maybe an alternative. Thank You


  391. lisa
    on Apr 6th, 2010
    @ 10:26 pm: 

    Hi george i really enjoy your shows i watch every episode. i am really interested in property and would love to be an interior designer i have two small children so not sure if it would be possible just yet. Would you be able to tell me how to go about it and what skills i would need. Many thanks x


  392. Kirsty Ringsell
    on Apr 9th, 2010
    @ 1:17 am: 

    Hi George,
    I just love your latest series restoration man. I so look forward to sunday night tv now and last weeks show was really emotional. You really know your stuff and i find the history of all these places so interesting, keep up the good work.
    Kirsty


  393. Paul Spencer
    on Apr 9th, 2010
    @ 9:53 pm: 

    Great Show loving it. I noticed on your bio you wanted to be an architect from tha age of twelve from what I can remember you wanted to play football for Sunderland. PS good to see someone from the old school doing well.


  394. Martyn
    on Apr 11th, 2010
    @ 8:43 pm: 

    George

    Loving the Restoration man. As a local authority planner myself I am pleased you are responsible enough to advocate early discussion with planners. We are a helpful lot and mostly want to facilitate change, not stifle it!! Looking forward to the rest of the series!

    Martyn


  395. Nikki
    on Apr 11th, 2010
    @ 9:16 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I really love your new restoration man show and particularly enjoyed the old church restoration. We moved into an old sawmill last sept 09, it had already been renovated and just needed cosmetic update! We have done this however unfortunately a damp problem seems to be appearing in our en- suite bathroom/ bedroom! The window frames in the spare bedrooms also seem to be showing signs of damp. Both my dad and partner seem to think it is superficial but I am sure the problem is more serious. The property was renovated in 2006 which does question why there would be damp. Any ideas?
    Thanks
    Nikki x


  396. Marilla Bowen
    on Apr 12th, 2010
    @ 6:10 am: 

    Hi, I live in Australia and enjoy watching the home show. My mum and I watch it daily on the lifestyle channel on austar.

    I am currently in my last year of high school and am wishing to pursue a career in architecture, interior design and landscape architecture. I am wanting to start my own business combining the three. I was wondering if you had any helpful tips in these areas.

    My mum and I love your show, but sometimes disagree with your ideas. We dream of someday buying or building a home, and enlisting your help to design it. Whether it be here in Australia or a summer house in England. As my mum is disabled, she was wondering how you were with disabled friendly homes.

    WE ARE HUGE FANS!

    Love you,
    Marilla Bowen and Her mum, Linda


  397. Sarah Johnson
    on Apr 12th, 2010
    @ 11:04 am: 

    Hi Geogre,

    Can I just say what a great show last night, i’m 15 and you have really inspried me , your work is amazing.

    So Thank You

    Sarah


  398. kim :)
    on Apr 12th, 2010
    @ 9:55 pm: 

    hi george. Love your show’s. So glad your back on tele. I went to the ideal home show and was gutted i didn’t get to see you there. All the best for new series. Ps your v cute. :) x


  399. Sarah Johnson
    on Apr 13th, 2010
    @ 3:45 pm: 

    sorry I forgot to put on the last message, what steps do you need to take to become an Architect?

    I am studying Graphic Design and Art at GCSE Level at the moment.

    thanks sarah


  400. Niki Roper
    on Apr 13th, 2010
    @ 5:40 pm: 

    Hi Geroge

    Loving restoration man and loved The Home Show.

    Don’t know where to turn with our problem. Been taken for a ride by a builder (featured on the BBC local news back in Nov 09). We have been left with a complete disaster. Our question is, should the local building inspector take any responsibility for the awful work that we have been left with. He visited site on many occassions and must have seen the incompetence of the builder – he never signed off any of the work – do we have any redress with the local authority? I have searched the web for this answer but it seems to be a very grey area, I was hoping with your knowledge and expertise you may be able to give us some advice. Regards Niki Roper, Dorset


  401. Jo
    on Apr 13th, 2010
    @ 7:47 pm: 

    Hi George
    Just to say I’m loving restoration man and have even got my class of 11 year olds watching it. I am a teacher in quite a deprived area where the children have few aspirations – now – so many of my kids want to be just like you and have taking more of an interest in buildings. We have designed towers of our own and are about to make 3D models.
    Even my tough boys thought you were sweet when you cried last week.
    So – thanks again George.
    Jo x


  402. M
    on Apr 13th, 2010
    @ 8:28 pm: 

    Dearest George,
    that last episode of Restoration Man was so frustrating! That woman was as mad as a badger – nice – but barking. I never thought I’d fast forward you George, but your pain was as palpable as my own. I wish we got to see more of your own designs in Restoration Man. That’s what made The Home Show shine for me. Love the history though, it’s amazing!

    Would love to see you and Kevin McCloud work together on a show together. That would be architectural dynamite! Maybe I’m being greedy, but couldn’t someone give some producers a wedgy, slash a few tyres and bring you two together in – um – say – er – some kind of er, mud wrestling match involving houses. No. No of course not. That would be silly. What about a great project bringing all those unused houses all over the country back in to use? Why for crying out loud are they building more when there are thousands lying empty? A Jamie Oliveresque campaign with the two great soldiering heros of house and home inspired on a crusade to save Britains best. Worked in homelessness myself for yonks. What d’ya think? Maybe it’s pap…but I can dream… and if that’s not appealing to you then there’s always the mud wrestling…

    M


  403. Sona
    on Apr 14th, 2010
    @ 9:26 am: 

    George,

    Let me start off by saying how much I enjoy watching the Home Show (that’s what currently showing in Australia). I really appreciate the fact that your show portrays a realistic budget and timeline for renovations. So many shows nowadays just wave a magic wand, use 50 contractors in 2 days and then write the cost of materials in tiny font at the end of the credits!

    I am an interior architect and my dad is a builder/ architect and we can NEVER sit through one of those home renovations shows without commenting on how unrealistic and sometimes downright illegal, what they are doing is! So thank you for keeping two very picky people in the industry satisfied and entertained. What you do for your clients, I think, is 100 times better than any other renovation show – thank you!!

    Cheers,
    Sona


  404. peter
    on Apr 15th, 2010
    @ 8:57 pm: 

    hi george loving your new show , im getting loads of ideas and inspiration for a dream project im wanting to do in northumberland . Do you know if i can get permission for a residential property on some land/woodland before buying the land?

    kind regards
    peter


  405. Helen Davies
    on Apr 18th, 2010
    @ 9:55 pm: 

    Hi George

    I’m loving The Restoration Man. Who knew that architecture could be so interesting?! :) You and Kevin McCloud both make it so interesting. However, I’m slightly biased towards a fellow North-Easterner. I’ve been trying to place your accent and thought you may be from somewhere near us (Houghton le Spring), and as it turns out, having read the info on here, I wasn’t far wrong. It’s great to see you on telly again.

    Regards

    Helen


  406. Sarah Johnson
    on Apr 19th, 2010
    @ 2:23 pm: 

    Hi Great show again last night! x


  407. Liam-Robert
    on Apr 20th, 2010
    @ 7:42 pm: 

    hey george just wanted to say that i have been watching your programs and i think you are a great designer. I always wanted to be a designer and give people their dream house that they deserve but the problem is, i am no good at drawing im fine at doing birds eye view and getting it to scale but when it comes to 3d i have no confidence in it,

    do u think that interior design is something i could still do?

    ps great program last night with the scottish castle just hope he does listen to you in the end

    x


  408. Shelley
    on Apr 20th, 2010
    @ 9:50 pm: 

    Hi George

    Loving the new restoration series – we are restoring a listed barn which is opposite our grade 2 listed cottage & have searched to find out as much as we can about them both, we have an idea they are around 1800 but can’t get anything confirmed. How do you go about dating (we noticed you did something by sampling the timber on the last televised show ?) Could we do that from our king truss’s ?

    All the best
    Shelley (Huddersfield)


  409. Sinead
    on Apr 20th, 2010
    @ 11:25 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I LOVE your show, and your down to earth style. It’s given me some fantastic inspiration for our house. We have a one storey place (live in Aus) and it’s got some interesting nooks and crannies. I would love to see what you’d make of it.
    As a geordie it’s good to see a North Easterner doing so well! Good for you :) xx Sinead


  410. Helen
    on Apr 25th, 2010
    @ 6:27 pm: 

    Hi George – I posted on here a couple of weeks ago, but the most recent post seems to be 09.02.10. Anyway I just wanted to say it’s always great to see a fellow north-easterner on tv. We live in Houghton le Spring. You and Kevin McCloud have done wonders for architecture, making is so interesting, we just can’t get enough. The Restoration Man (and also the other programs you’ve done) is fab. Keep up the great work.

    Regards

    H


  411. Claire M
    on Apr 26th, 2010
    @ 8:31 pm: 

    Hello George

    I am totally hooked and fascinated by each buildings and owners journey in the new series of Restoration Man. I have watched your previous channel 4 shows and as I am very interested in interior design I thought that this latest show wouldnt be as engaging for me but its better!

    The dedication and devotion these people give to these buildings to create a home is so admirable. I must say that the Windmill episode broke my heart, I was crying with you and Clive, so very sad that Jane didnt get to visit the finished project but at least she saw the photos.

    Your own passion, experience, generosity of knowledge shines through your presenting style and it is very easy to see what a genuine person you are.

    I do have a question to ask: I have a small internal bathroom that I would like to add a sky/light tube to the room as part of a complete re-fit to benefit from natural light, do you have any tips/dos and donts or even ball park costs? I live in a mid-terraced house built in ’91.

    Keep up the fantastic work, I for one will always be inspired by you xx


  412. Sanna
    on Apr 29th, 2010
    @ 9:49 am: 

    Love love love your shows. You are brilliant! x


  413. Natasha
    on May 2nd, 2010
    @ 9:15 pm: 

    Hey George, Just wanted to say im loving the show. Im a huge fan! Im currently at Newcastle Uni and the work you are doing is my inspiration to my future career. Im currently doing an Estate Management degree. Would you recommend any other paths I should take to fuether my career?

    Thanks and I hope you get this.


  414. Nicky C
    on May 4th, 2010
    @ 2:17 pm: 

    Dear George

    Just attended the Grand Designs Event on Sunday and really enjoyed your presentation – very inspiring. I am about to complete on my first house purchase (age 40!) in a couple of weeks – its an Edwardian semi-detached (very like yours actually!). We are planning on doing some extension and rennovation work and are just in the process of meeting with archietects/designers.

    Reading through your top tips you say “if” you have an architect and this is our current dilemma – do we employ an archietect for this project or if we feel we know what we want and can get plans drawn by alternative means do we need an archietect? Basically, is an archietect worth the 10-20% of the build cost fee that they charge? How do we choose a good one? Can we do it without one? What are the risks? What circumstances does your job necessitate an archietect? So many questions sorry but any insight would be hugely appreciated.


  415. Ashleigh
    on May 9th, 2010
    @ 4:23 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I’m a huge fan of The Restoration Man (and you!!!) I have just ploughed all of my savings into my first house and am looking to put my own designer touch to it for as little cash as possible!! I would appreciate any ideas on this! Can’t afford anything huge like kitchen or extension. What is the best way to get started??!

    I’m aiming for a windmill one day but they are few and far between. Where would you suggest I keep my eye out for one?

    Ash xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


  416. Shona
    on May 9th, 2010
    @ 8:59 pm: 

    Hiya George, Just watching Restoration Man, what a great episode!!! The building is amazing, what a project and the scenery is outstanding. As a former Three Dimensional Design degree student I’m totally addicted to watching all the challenges you bring to our screen. It great to get an insite in to the work that really goes on. I studied at Newcastle College and Northumbria Uni. Design has took a back seat while I try and tame my 1 year old! But in a few months Im hopefully going to find a property to do a bit of handy work on. My partner is in the Navy so my time is split between South Tyneside and Devon at the minute but I can’t wait to get stuck in to my very own project. Its great to sit and watch a design program thats not all about wallpaper and paint. Seeing the passion and the drive of all those featured in the program is so thrilling to watch. Having your input and advice really makes there project come together. Take care and definately keep these programs coming x


  417. Jennifer
    on May 10th, 2010
    @ 2:12 pm: 

    George – I think you’re wonderful :o )

    xxxx


  418. Jenny
    on May 10th, 2010
    @ 6:57 pm: 

    Dear George,

    Just wanted to get in touch and say hi from Stockholm, Sweden!! Have been hooked on your shows here and the projects that have been involved, so inspiring. Since I was a little girl, I have been passionate about houses becoming homes and have redesigned almost every building I walk in to, in my mind. My real passion is older buildings with all the character and history they hold, they just tell a story, don’t they? I used to live in a victorian house in Westbury Park in Bristol and I still miss those sash windows, cornicing, fireplaces etc, though maybe not the draught!! In Sweden, I am hoping to shortly (well, within the next year or so) embark on a new build over-looking a lake north-east of Stockholm and am hoping to successfully blend my influences from English and Swedish (being half English/Swedish myself!) contemporary country interior design while not forgetting the proximity to all the water we have here. Anyway, love the shows, keep them coming and well done to such great presenting and the way you deliver all the very useful advice. Let me know if you find your shows take you to this part of the world!!

    Take care,
    Jenny


  419. Taima te Heuheu
    on May 13th, 2010
    @ 4:52 am: 

    hi george
    i am writing from New Zealand to say we love your show the home show, have you ever thought of coming to a different country like say New Zealand and doing a home there for your show.
    i am in the process of trying to add to my house and think you would have great fun in trying to sort our house out. i think you have great ideas and think you would really enjoy seeing our country.
    I have an old weatherboard house which has 3 beedrooms though my sons room is so small its more like a walk in wardrobe and one bathroom, i would really like to add one more room on and another bathroom as well as have some aditional storage as i have basically none, its alfully hard to try and come with ideas and i am not really sure which direction to take as i have had advice from lots of different builders and architect.
    would love to hear any advice you have and love to welcome you to new zealnad
    thanks for your time
    Taima te Heuheu


  420. Molly
    on May 13th, 2010
    @ 12:11 pm: 

    hello, i just thought id leave a message cause i think you are so insprirational. whenim older i want to start my own gardening business and your show has influenced me so much
    thanks so much
    oh
    and
    you
    are
    FIT
    much love
    bisous


  421. LISA DAVIS
    on May 14th, 2010
    @ 7:06 am: 

    Hi George,loving Restoration Man at the moment,lucky enough to see you at grand designs,didnt manage to get to speak to you though!!! will you e putting up pics on your site when all your house is finshed,it looks lovely so far,love to come and see it!!! What do you do about sending out autographs?? Hope to hear from you,best wishes.Lisa.x


  422. Beckie Eastwoood
    on May 14th, 2010
    @ 3:09 pm: 

    Hi George, just wanted to say I am a huge fan of yours and your shows. The Home Show particularly was amazing. The way you transform sometimes modest spaces is extremely impressive and refreshing. I have a design background although I am on extended maternity leave, so I find watching your programmes especially interesting. I hope you continue to be successful and let us share your ideas!! Beckie


  423. Amy Dempster
    on May 16th, 2010
    @ 8:29 pm: 

    Hi George

    Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your show, The Restoration Man. However I don’t love it as much as my boyfriend seems to. He’s studying Architecture at Northumbria Uni and does not listen to anything I may say to him when your show is on and if I get too irritating he just drowns me out by turning the volume up. I think you’ve gave him a real insight into what he may want to do when he finishes his degree so I’d like to thank you for that. I hope you have more plans for television shows coming up as I’d love to see more of what you do, I find it all fascinating!

    Take Care
    Amy


  424. Darren
    on May 16th, 2010
    @ 10:02 pm: 

    Hi George

    Can I just say that you are awesome! I watch your shows in awe at your design solutions and have used tips and ideas in my own work at university. I’m in my last week of a 3 year course studying Interior Design and whenever it gets stressfull I put The Home Show or Restoration Man on and it motivates me to push through so thank you so much! I do admire your work and your passion for architecture and hope one day I can aspire to have the sucess you have had. Keep up the great work!

    Darren


  425. robert
    on May 17th, 2010
    @ 11:26 am: 

    hi George
    Im Robert from Mauritius Island. I watch Home Show every sunday and I am very suprised to see u helping people to improve their home.Im very happy listening to the hints u give us to improve our interiors.
    e
    Many thanks George you are a great man with a big heart.

    Robert
    From Mauritius Island


  426. Catherine
    on May 20th, 2010
    @ 8:05 pm: 

    Hello George,
    I love your show.
    I will continue to follow as long as the show is running
    on Belgium tv (vitaya). The Home Show and Build a new life
    Its the best thing on tv for a long time.

    All the best,
    Catherine


  427. Jo Jo
    on May 21st, 2010
    @ 10:03 pm: 

    Hi George, please please please tell me you were in Weston-Super-Mare this morning 21.05.10. I really hope it was you and that I haven’t bored my husband and friends silly over seeing you and how i supposed you might be doing a project in Weston! Anyway, I love all your shows and the thought and care you take is second to none, especially regarding space for kids. Your latest show Restoration Man is amazing and will be looking out for any shows based in Weston, You’re an inspiration!!!
    Here’s hoping! Jo


  428. Ben Skjoth-Smith
    on May 28th, 2010
    @ 6:25 am: 

    Hi George all the way from New Zealand! Love your programme! Has made a huge difference in the way i have decorated my home. All of your knowledge and advice has been fantastic and has been on the money all the way. If ever you are thinking of taking your show abroad for a series New Zealand would open you with open arms. Once again love your show awesome stuff look forward to more in future.


  429. Alison B
    on Jun 4th, 2010
    @ 6:45 pm: 

    Hi George, I love to watch your TV programme for an instant quick fix of design. I have to admit I love the styling bit a great deal. It is fantastic to see the transformation in both the people and their homes. I enjoy the programme most because it is obvious you are as equally passionate about the people living in the houses as you are about the architecture. Keep up the good work (you and all your team) and I hope you do another great series that we can all keep up-to-date with. Dreaming of owning my first – stylish – house now… :-) Take care


  430. Kate Richards
    on Jun 7th, 2010
    @ 10:58 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just wanted to send a quick email to let you know how much we love watching your show!

    I am from New Zealand, and I was living in Washington, Tyne and Wear last year as my partner is originally from there (matter of fact, I think he went to the same school as you – Oxclose Comp! .. although a few years after you as we are 22 and 24) were so happy and excited to hear you were from around where we were living, as we were living in Washington Village!

    We are now living in New Zealand for the moment.. and lucky UKTV plays your show so we can see your amazing creations! We will definately take inspiration from your work when we buy our home in the North East…

    Its really wonderful to see all the ideas you come up with and we think you are genius!

    Look forward to seeing your new Series “The Restoration Man” Im hoping we dont have to wait too long for it to come over here!

    Kate :)


  431. Sue Eastwood
    on Jun 15th, 2010
    @ 12:50 pm: 

    Hi George!

    Any chance of some work experience for my 17 yr old son who is just going into Upper Sixth and about to apply to Architecture courses? We don’t live ANYWHERE near London, but where there’s a will………….


  432. Annette Hill
    on Jun 24th, 2010
    @ 5:48 am: 

    Hi George,

    I live in Melbourne, Australia and have been really enjoying The Home Show on pay-TV here. You’re great!!!

    I especially love your dedication to making people’s space work for THEM, not slavishly adhering to the latest trend in architecture or design. You are an architect with soul and I really admire that.

    I think my favourite thing about The Home Show is when you take people out to choose a bath, a chair, a mirror and use this information to help you with designing their spaces.

    Congratulations on all your success, from the persona we see on TV, it’s well deserved!

    Cheers,
    Annette Hill – lover of Eames chairs, FLW and art deco buildings


  433. Lorraine Kent
    on Jun 28th, 2010
    @ 12:45 pm: 

    Hi George

    I hope you are well.

    Its great to see someone with a passion for their work rather than just see it as a business to make money.

    As a fellow North- Eastener gone south what do you think of the hiddeous external wall tiles on the houses in Fountains Close, Biddick? I lived there for 4 years. They are typical 70′s houses but I have to say I loved the lay out of my 2 bed semi but those wall tiles- yuk! ha ha


  434. Noel O'Brien
    on Jun 28th, 2010
    @ 9:02 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just wanted to let you know how much my wife and I have enjoyed your programs over the past several years. We live in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and we get your programs on HGTV.

    Unfortunately, HGTV does not carry “The Restoration Man” or “The Home Show” as of yet. Hopefully they will in the near future. If you could put a word in that would be great.

    We have watched every available episode of “Build a New Life” and “Dream Home Abroad”. We’ve watched some of the episodes 3 or 4 times. They’re all great!!

    Keep up the great work George!

    All the best,

    Noel O’Brien


  435. Noel O'Brien
    on Jun 30th, 2010
    @ 12:56 am: 

    Hi George,

    I made a mistake in the post I made yesterday. I meant to say that we have watched your programs on BBC Canada and not on HGTV.

    I hope BBC Canada starts airing your new shows in the near future. If you hear anything please let us know.

    All the best.

    Noel


  436. Mark Graham
    on Jul 13th, 2010
    @ 3:14 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I am emailing you from Auckland in New Zealand. I moved out to NZ back 2006 with my wife Judy and my daughter Jorja. When we lived in London, I always tuned in to your show, and now I am watching you on the Living Channel.

    “Property Dreams” is currently showing in NZ at the moment, love the show.

    Cheers

    Mark

    P.S.

    Maybe you could do a show out here sometime, fantastic architecture, you would love it.


  437. Lyndsey Kanish
    on Jul 14th, 2010
    @ 8:21 am: 

    Assessing the money flow is another important element within the company technique format, so as to sustain a regular cash flow to meet the essential capital requirements. Probability of monetary crisis and also the methods of crisis management should be mentioned within the structure. The company technique should consist from the advertising plans and technique leading towards the expansion from the organization.


  438. Eleena
    on Jul 15th, 2010
    @ 11:50 am: 

    Hi George,

    Just wanted to say that I am watching the series in Dubai and even though i am only 2 years behind I am glued to it every week.
    Well done on a fantastic show and hope to see more very soon.

    Best regards,
    Eleena


  439. Marti McLean
    on Jul 16th, 2010
    @ 9:54 am: 

    Hi George, my husband and I love your shows. The advice and finish you acheive in the challenges you are presented with is just amazing. Would you be interested in helping us? We are uk based after living overseas but have a high tech / new property in Dubai Marina. We have ‘kitted out’ most of it but stuck with a few things. They are becoming a worry as we dont want to get it wrong. For example, 2 large / long balconies need outdoor ‘dressing’. We are not sure about outside artwork, and the shading could be looked at from the sun – a big thing in dubai as summer sun is all year round. The maid’s room (we dont have a maid), we would like to split it into 2 spaces to provide a fantastic state of the art wet room and a storeage area alongside it – but how do we do this? All the plumbing is in but pretty drab. We don’t have anywhere to put ironing board, ladders, spare bed etc. We could however create a brilliant massive wet room but then where in the preoprty do we put the storeage space and how? We also have a small den area within the lounge with glass walls / door which is empty but have no idea how what to do with the space so its sitting empty. It is quite a dilema for us but I think the kind of thing you would be able to easily sort out. We do not mind if you wish to feature this for one of your projects on tv. In addition I think Dubai itself loves any sort of exposure to the emirate right now as it is also going through a property slump and any exposurewould be welcome. Best regards, Marti.


  440. Dana
    on Jul 19th, 2010
    @ 10:18 pm: 

    George Clarke!!!!!
    Wow, firstly i Have to say…you sir are a legend!!!i love ur work, the way u guys work…. its just so…….. inspired it leaves me speechless.U c i’m a 22yr old interior design student in Bahrain (yes we get the home show here too on BBC lifestyle) and i have to admit, i’m a VERY VERY competitive designer and so when i see the things u do i go “DAMN!!!! WHY DIDNT I THINK OF THAT” n i get quite jealous :p BUT… that kindo gets my creative juices flowing.funny but true.
    I have to congratulate u on a wonder show n such a straight forward approach to design,u make it look so easy.
    I have to ask though do u ever get stuck n just dont know what to do with a new build????Coz it happens to me when it comes to starting a design from scratch rather than renovating a space.i do catch a thread eventually but when ur a student n uv got deadlines, its not such a great thing. What do u do when it happens??have u got any advice ???
    PS: I envy the classes u lecture and only wish i could be in one of them
    Cheers
    Dana


  441. Natalie Tobitt
    on Jul 22nd, 2010
    @ 5:03 pm: 

    Hi George
    Just wanted to say I love The Home Show. It is so inspiring. We saw you at the Grand Designs Show Live and are now taking a leaf out of your book, don’t move, improve.
    We have moved out of our 1950′s chalet bungalow and are having it totally refurbished from top to bottom. Your talk at the show and the television programme have given me the courage and inspiration to go ahead and do this.
    So thanks so much and keep inspiring people like me.
    Natalie.


  442. Will S
    on Jul 28th, 2010
    @ 2:34 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Although I haven’t seen every episode you have done, the few Restoration Man episodes I have seen have been really inspiring! You really do know how to get the best out of a space and make it into something beautiful and useable. Your grasp of what suits the space and the family within it, is absolutely bang on! Your use of modern but fitting materials too is perfect and as I would choose.

    Which brings me onto a possible proposition in Herefordshire which I would like to draw your attention to. How best can I take this up with you?

    All the best and good luck with your future work, I am off to look at the remaining unseen episodes on 4OD!!

    Looking forward to your reply.

    Will


  443. Andreas
    on Jul 30th, 2010
    @ 5:26 pm: 

    Hi!
    I think you are doing a great job and i love it!

    To see that you actually care for those people you refurnish the home for!

    Keep on making a great show with lots of new ways in arcitechure!


  444. AshaKiara
    on Aug 7th, 2010
    @ 3:27 pm: 

    Hi George
    Im finally connected to UK TV out in Dubai,good programmes take their time to get here and i must say am absolutely addicted !!
    I am renovating a home in the countryside of Bulgaria and have been reading yout tips on your website.Would you be able to assist me with the design of the interior as i love your open plan approach and have no clue where to begin, we also will require a staircase putting in somewhere utilising the space we have to work with

    thanks and thanks for a great show ;-)


  445. Pam McLennan
    on Aug 14th, 2010
    @ 5:36 am: 

    Hi George

    Am watching an old show you have done on Foxtel here in Australia – l just wished you could come to Australia – love you so much and just wished you could come and do our home.

    You are the most amazing talented architect and man l know.

    Keep my email address and somehow or other you have to come to Australian, Queensland, Gold Coast – would wait for you to do a renovation however long it would take for you to get here.


  446. hand lotion
    on Aug 31st, 2010
    @ 7:22 am: 

    They like lotions with lanolin and lots of cats like mint. You could get softening gloves and sleep with them on for even softer hands. Walmart has them. Best of luck to you!


  447. Raylene
    on Sep 4th, 2010
    @ 8:49 am: 

    Hello George.
    Your new show Restoration Man has just started here in New Zealand, and I was completely enchanted. Though you do have many shows which feature restoration, few of them go into depth on the history of the site, I am glad to see that this one does. I look forward to watching the series (I know you’ve done for the season and the series has finished in the UK), I do hope you carry on with more shows like this. Your enthusiasm and passion for these “forgotten treasures” is truly enlightening and enchanting, and through you, I get to enjoy them as well.

    Keep up the great work, take care and Good Luck :)


  448. Kelly Hilderbrand
    on Sep 4th, 2010
    @ 4:36 pm: 

    Great Information, thanks for your great Article. Also check these nice Website. estate agents belfast


  449. Peter Tan
    on Sep 6th, 2010
    @ 3:13 am: 

    Dear George,
    Just wanted to say that I’ve been enjoying your Home Show, as they’re now showing it on BBC Entertainment here in Singapore. Also love the accent – there should be more presenters from the north of England!

    Cheers,
    Peter


  450. Marlene from Canada
    on Sep 8th, 2010
    @ 8:44 am: 

    George, I am so addicted to Build a New Life in the Country!

    Can dvd’s be purchased?

    Thanks :)


  451. George Clarke
    on Sep 13th, 2010
    @ 5:57 pm: 

    unfortunately not…i made the series some time ago now. Look out for The Home Show and Restoration Man. george


  452. Sarah
    on Sep 15th, 2010
    @ 7:55 am: 

    hi,
    whens the restoration man going to be aired?
    thanks sarahxx


  453. Elissa
    on Sep 17th, 2010
    @ 2:50 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I find it really interesting how you try to understand peoples design style by asking them to choose a chair etc in “The Home Show” and generally get it right. I agree that people’s homes should reflect their own personalities and lifestyles rather than just follow current trends. Great stuff!

    I have been studying Interior Decoration and Design (in Melbourne Australia) part time as a mature aged student (39!!!) for the last 4 years juggling work, kids and a surprise new baby. I’m now on my last 3 subjects and can’t wait to finish. It just shows that your never to old to follow your dreams!!

    Love your shows. Elissa


  454. Jo
    on Sep 18th, 2010
    @ 9:04 am: 

    Hi George

    We had a big earthquake here 2 weeks ago (7.1 – trust me, this is big!) – power went – and came back on in time for us to watch Restoration Man at a friends house. I sometimes wish we had the gorgeous older buildings that feature on your programme in NZ, but at the moment, I am just damn happy that my little antipodean wooden house rocked and rolled with earthquake and survived with only a damaged chimney (which has today been removed by the professionals). In the city, the older buildings are the ones that have suffered the most from the earthquake. It really makes you realise that it’s the heritage buildings that makes the city unique. I just hope there’s some restoration, and not too much unnecessary demolition (while also being very grateful that there was no loss of life).
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/canterbury-earthquake/4140248/10m-for-damaged-heritage-buildings

    Cheers George for providing some great education and entertainment.


  455. Columbus Wiater
    on Sep 23rd, 2010
    @ 12:14 pm: 

    Thanks for posting this awesome article. Visit mine!


  456. Karen
    on Sep 23rd, 2010
    @ 8:27 pm: 

    Hi George

    Just want to say am so pleased to hear that your making a new series of The Restoration Man!!! I would also like to say thank you for saying hello back to me today in the MetroCentre! You must get sick of excited ladies chatting to you. I only wish i had asked if you’d have minded a photo opportunity with me as am a huge fan!

    I live in a house that jack built and if you ever fancy doing an SOS show please let me know.
    Many thanks
    Karen x x


  457. Kat
    on Sep 23rd, 2010
    @ 9:35 pm: 

    Hi,

    This may make me sound like a deranged stalker but I saw you today outside Kings Cross!! Far too starstruck to come over!!
    I love your shows and my partner and I have a shared ambition of one day finding a beautiful old wreck to ‘do -up’ but funds won’t allow that for a while yet!! In the mean time I just redecorate far more often than necessary!!
    Really looking forward to the next series of restoration man!

    Kat
    x


  458. Jacquie from NZ
    on Sep 26th, 2010
    @ 12:09 am: 

    Hey George,

    Hello from New Zealand. We’re part way through the Restoration Man series and we love it to bits. Renovating our 1940′s Bungalow will be a piece of cake compared to those buildings! Do you make house calls to New Zealand? Just kidding :-)

    Take care,
    Jacquie


  459. Lyn Armstrong
    on Sep 29th, 2010
    @ 8:55 pm: 

    Okay George. You’ve seen them before – the win-a-house-competitions offering a trillion tickets and some have failed but some have succeeded.

    However, no-one has ever offered a plot of land as a prize before so my competition is a somewhat different and the odds are certainly a lot better – only 2100 tickets. Now that the lawyers have finalised everything I am able to put my site out there and thought you might want to have a little peek (but maybe you won’t). Why am I offering my plot in this way? The two R’s – redundancy and recession. Sink or swim George.

    Best,

    Lyn


  460. professional resume sample
    on Oct 1st, 2010
    @ 5:58 am: 

    I can appreciate that you took considerable time on this. Super work.


  461. Aurelie
    on Oct 2nd, 2010
    @ 7:28 pm: 

    Hiya George,

    Just been to Waterstones in the Metrocentre and seen that you would be there on the 21st! I’m really hoping to be there with my husband. We both love watching your shows.

    We have recently bought a house in Blaydon and transformed it, we are quite proud now that it’s almost finished (some gloss on the doors and it’s done :) ). I’m already thinking about an out-house to kind of complete the house that would be a spare bedroom/playroom and office and possibly a small bathroom but we’ll have to get some help there, fancy some work on a small budget? ;)

    Take care and see you on the 21st!

    Aurelie


  462. Barbara
    on Oct 9th, 2010
    @ 8:44 am: 

    Hi Goerge
    Just to say that we love watching your programmes. Have just watched the gate house episode on “Restoration Man”. Being in New Zealand & so far away from the Uk it’s good to see some of the old buildings & what can be done with them. We lack the historical buildings over here.

    Cheers
    Barbara


  463. jackie and john reddy
    on Oct 10th, 2010
    @ 8:34 pm: 

    Hi George,
    Thanks for spending time with us at the grand design show on Saturday 9th. The time you took looking at our plans gave us plenty of food for thought, and we will definatelty be using your ideas. Love all your programmes. Keep up the good work, kleenex must make a fortune out of us both.
    Thanks again Jackie and John Swansea


  464. Jhonethon
    on Oct 12th, 2010
    @ 6:49 am: 

    hey george,
    im from new zealand. and every saterday i watch restoration man, and i think its great.
    lol is that house with all the valuble stuff in it your house???
    it looks awsome

    XOXO jhono


  465. Catherine
    on Oct 12th, 2010
    @ 11:28 pm: 

    Hi George :o )

    Just want to say i love your programme Restoration Man, we have it on our screens all the way over here in New Zealand every Saturday night, absolutely brilliant viewing such a pleasure to watch!!!

    Cheers

    Catherine Norris
    NEW ZEALAND


  466. Heather Jayne Sharp
    on Oct 22nd, 2010
    @ 2:31 am: 

    Hi George can I just say that I absolutely love your show, you make it sound kinda romantic to be taking a old ruin or old cow shed an making it into someones dream home.

    The programme is very very interesting I cany pick out a favourite. I’ve watched one tonight where the lady in the Build a New Life in the Country programme Jan said she was” the queen of valley an ridge tiles” she made me laugh. I tape every programme an sit an watch them at unearthly times of the night due to back pain I dont sleep very well.
    Keep up the great work it brill, take care
    H J xx


  467. Tessa
    on Oct 24th, 2010
    @ 12:04 pm: 

    Hi George, just wondering how you think the recession is going to affect peoples attitudes to their homes?


  468. Jo
    on Oct 31st, 2010
    @ 7:54 pm: 

    Hi,
    Huge fan of your shows & looking forward to another series of Restoration Man.
    Saw you at Eurodisney on Friday 29th, thanks for saying Hi after my husband called you, we were there celebrating my 30th birthday & it made my day!!
    Too starstruck to ask for a photo!!!
    Jo x


  469. Elena
    on Nov 4th, 2010
    @ 5:30 pm: 

    Hi George! I am from Russia. On one of Russian TV channels showed your show “Home Show”. Really enjoyed it. You have wonderful ideas, you are very talented and charming


  470. Glenn / Toronto Canada
    on Nov 12th, 2010
    @ 2:03 am: 

    Hey George,

    Have been watching “Build a New Life in the Country” Series on BBC Canada
    Absolutely awe inspired at the beautiful scenery in Europe and the hard work of the owners
    of these dwellings and what they are able to accomplish.
    I find I get so immersed in this hour of this wonderful show.
    Please make BBC Canada get your other shows.
    Would it be possible to revisit some of these homes to see how the owners have developed there
    properties further?
    Big fan of all the U.K. shows!!!
    Can’t wait to visit!!!!


  471. Tallulah
    on Nov 12th, 2010
    @ 5:50 am: 

    Hello George,
    As I type this I am watching Build A New Life In the Country, on BBC Canada. The station doesn’t air any of your other shows… yet.

    Just wanted to say how much I enjoy the show, and find your suggestions and the hard work I see people doing very inspiring. One day I hope to move to the UK and maybe find my own dream home to rennovate.

    All the best with your new book and all your endeavours.

    Warm regards,
    Tallulah


  472. Caroline
    on Nov 30th, 2010
    @ 9:04 pm: 

    Hi,

    I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your programme: ‘The Home Show’ on BBC. This show makes me feel happy and excited. Now i learn in high school and my dream is to be an architect in the future. I have had some second thoughts about this plan, but when i watch your show i feel that it’s the best profession under the son… I really admire you for your attitude to this job. I want to be at least in half so good architect as you..because..oh .. You’re the best ! You love this job and it is easy to see. I don’t know what else can i write here.. I don’t the words to desribe my admiration for you.. ;)

    P.S. I apologise for mistakes in my english..

    Greetings from Poland.


  473. Far-Easter
    on Dec 1st, 2010
    @ 12:14 pm: 

    Hey George,

    Thought you might like to know you are being beamed across Singapore as well – on the beeb (Home Show). Love it! You are quite the man! You almost make me want to go back to England…

    PS: Can’t believe you read all these!


  474. Marcell Esposito
    on Dec 3rd, 2010
    @ 6:52 am: 

    We really like this website. Wewish we could come here everyday\all day.


  475. robot cuisine
    on Dec 3rd, 2010
    @ 6:53 am: 

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  476. martynqa86
    on Dec 3rd, 2010
    @ 6:31 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Im from Poland my name is Martyna I am 24 years old.
    I love your shows but more I love You. You are great man and I love your voice!!

    XXX
    Martyna your biggest fan :)


  477. Nicola
    on Dec 15th, 2010
    @ 4:01 pm: 

    I am a big fan and think you are a genius at what you do.

    I have a home which i would like to make some changes in but need help. Would it be possible for you to help me if i sent you a the plan?? I am not in England but have been watching your shows and you just blow me away with all the designs.

    Hope to hear from you.
    Nicola


  478. Carmen/Rotorua NZ
    on Dec 22nd, 2010
    @ 9:08 am: 

    Hi George,

    Love to watch, every week, people falling in love with their homes.
    So really refreshing to see on tv a show that enables watchers to imagine workable solutions for their home.

    With mastery over spatial dilemmas, what will your next challenge be?
    A problem with affordable housing here is that they do not meet the specific cultural needs of our Polynesian population and so I’m wondering if you have ever redesigned a home that also addresses the cultural needs of the family? I’m sure you have and if there is an episode that highlights this then I look forward to watching it.

    All the best for 2011 and the new office space looks fab.

    Cheers Carmen

    Ps: I know a Duncan family…salt of the earth.


  479. Annie from Canada
    on Dec 27th, 2010
    @ 1:04 am: 

    Hi George!

    I have just discovered your Home Show on the W network in Canada. Very inspirational! I love all the transformations! Looking forward to the other episodes :)


  480. Polin
    on Jan 8th, 2011
    @ 7:36 pm: 

    ПРИВЕТ from Russia =)
    I’m shocked your work!
    Of course it is hardly possible to reproduce here in Russia all that has created your team, but it’s really a masterpiece! Just so much emotion after only one viewing the program “your home”! Tell me where are all these ideas? You’ve seen a lot, traveled, or a natural talent! General fantastic, even want to finish their technical work and do freestyle creativity!
    Nice to talk with you and let’s go to visit Russia, I’d be happy to show our beauty)
    I’m sorry for my english)


  481. Polinka
    on Jan 8th, 2011
    @ 8:52 pm: 

    so sorry for my english)and
    And if possible I would like to work with you!!
    so my mail is (polinka38@rambler. ru)


  482. Rachel
    on Jan 10th, 2011
    @ 3:42 am: 

    Hi George

    I’m in Wellington, NZ, and I absolutely love The Home Show and Restoration Man that are on Sky TV here in New Zealand. You communicate so well with your clients, and still manage to have a sense of humour while there’s a bit of renovation chaos all around you! Your shows are also very inspirational. Well done! My favourite episode was when you went into the elderly care facility and gave it a face lift on a very limited budget – I’m sure you made the world of difference to the people that live there. Long may we continue to get your shows this way!!
    All the best for 2011!
    x Rachel


  483. Eddie Vaclavik
    on Jan 14th, 2011
    @ 8:39 am: 

    Somebody essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible. Fantastic job!


  484. Gina
    on Jan 16th, 2011
    @ 8:20 pm: 

    Hi George

    Love your shows and the advice you give is amazing. Just wondering if you’ve got any views on karndean flooring??? We’ve eventually started our 2 storey extension (something we’ve been wanting to do for years) can’t wait for it to be finished (footings are done!) So, being the girl i’ve started thinking about flooring and soft furnishings. We’ve got 3 young kids and the flooring will go through the whole of downstairs apart from the lounge. Any ideas??? I think my hubby will be throwing a party when we have two bathrooms (the 3 kids are girls!!) ha ha

    kind regards

    Gina


  485. Nicholas Emmanuel
    on Jan 21st, 2011
    @ 6:40 pm: 

    I usually do not post in Blogs but your blog compelled me to, incredible perform.. stunning …


  486. andrea ellis
    on Jan 28th, 2011
    @ 12:43 pm: 

    hi George,
    Emailed you today but am aware you must b a very busy man!! – forgot to ask when restoration man will be back in 2011 – pls tell its soon??????? kind regards, a Ellis family of fans x


  487. elvi munk
    on Jan 30th, 2011
    @ 11:57 pm: 

    i love you and your show.
    your are a genial man.
    good test.
    love Elvi denmark


  488. Dawn Mole
    on Feb 3rd, 2011
    @ 5:31 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I was sitting watching a re-run of your Build a New Life in the country and said to my Husband I know this chap.I dont know if you remember me but I ran the Architectural Library at Newcastle University whilst you were there (I was Dawn Nichol then) and remember you very well.Im so glad you have done so well.’Im now married and a full time Mum with two little ones and back in the North East in Heddon on the Wall after 10 years of living in the Dorset countryside.
    Keep up the good work as a fantastic ambassador for the North East.
    Love Dawn


  489. helen56
    on Mar 8th, 2011
    @ 9:16 pm: 

    Hey George,

    You probably might not know me as well as the others but i think just last year or so i have ben watching ‘The Home show’ and i was reallly fascinating. Im a student at a local secondary school in tottenham and i loved seeing u rebuild and develop houses and i really wanted to do that when im older but i feel that i wont be any good at it, i was wandering if you could tell me how you got to this stage because that would really help on my career choices.


  490. lisa perrulli
    on Mar 18th, 2011
    @ 11:44 pm: 

    Hi George, I’m not sure if your still reading comments but I thought I’d give it a go. I live in Westbrooke House formerly known as West Hendon House in Sunderland. The house belonged to Thomas William Backhouse. His family had made their money as owners of the Backhouse Bank before being taken over by Barclays in the 1820s. It’s now converted into 9 apartments of which mine is the largest. I occupy all 3 ages of this beautiful building (I think spanning 300+yrs) ,and you can see these throughout. I’ve been working on it for 4 years but need advice on exposing the original exterior wall as a feature in the kitchen, oh i could go on forever with ideas but I want to get it right. I have lots of photos old and new both of the building and my flat. Please let me know if you can give advice or are just plain curious!

    Cheers
    Lisa


  491. vince albanese
    on Mar 23rd, 2011
    @ 8:42 am: 

    Watching your old shows in Australia and love your genuine Passion in build a new life,Charlie good your even better cheers vince from geelong Victoria


  492. TJ
    on Apr 24th, 2011
    @ 3:59 pm: 

    Hey George, really enjoyed your home show series (watching from Australia). Are there plans for a third series?


  493. Evelien
    on Apr 27th, 2011
    @ 10:29 pm: 

    Hallo George,

    Just got to know you, ’cause they are broadcasting “Building a new life in the country” and “The Home Show” nowadays in Belgium! Great shows, love it! Makes me more aware about how beautifull the UK really is! I hope “Restoration Man” will be following soon! I like your spontanity and I can see you care about the people, especially when there are kids involved. Think you’re a fantastic dad!

    Dag!
    Evelien from Belgium


  494. R. Kennedy
    on May 7th, 2011
    @ 2:51 am: 

    Hi George,
    just wanted to say how much i enjoyed the restoration man series and wondered when the next series will be on?
    Please check out my face book page as i have noticed you have not recommended any decorators maybe you could give us a try???
    Bit cheeky i know but you dont get anywhere these days without a bit of cheek!!!
    Thanks

    R. Kennedy Decorating


  495. Suze
    on May 19th, 2011
    @ 9:07 pm: 

    Think your gorgeous lol


  496. Jennifer
    on May 21st, 2011
    @ 11:05 pm: 

    I love the show, and love the way you express yourself to the people working on their projects/homes! I don’t own one myself, but when I was married, my former husband and I , when I lived in the states, were always finding ourselves at very unique, older properties with the idea of changing them but keeping their essence in tact. Ended up becoming friends before we ever purchased a property, but if I do end up with the opportunity to, I will be so happy to restore a piece of history. Glad to see a show, and a professional doing this on tv with compassion! Thanks George!


  497. denise
    on May 25th, 2011
    @ 2:14 am: 

    Bonjours a toi je suis canadienne et je regarde tes émissions et j’adore surtout ceux que tu fait avec des ancienne tours .Ce que je voudrais savoir ou elle ce trouves. je te remercie de me lire et je vais continuer a les regarde


  498. Anne Vernal
    on May 29th, 2011
    @ 9:16 pm: 

    Hi George

    Just been to the Ideal Home Show art SECC, Glasgow and listened to your talk – I live in a modern build and your comments about the doors were very interesting and very true – they open the wrong way and afford no privacy. Is there going to be another new production of the Home Show – hopefully there is, and when?
    Many thanks for your enthusiasm and just wish I could afford you.

    Anne


  499. Laura
    on May 29th, 2011
    @ 10:48 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Saw you at the ideal home show at the SECC Glasgow today. I love all the things you have done to your house! GENIUS! When I got home I ordered your book straight away! If I had the money I would get you to re-vamp my home! In the meantime I will keep saving! When are you back on the telly? X


  500. Bob Saget
    on May 31st, 2011
    @ 12:21 pm: 

    You are ruddy gorgeous, I say!


  501. N .J. T
    on Jun 5th, 2011
    @ 12:19 pm: 

    HEYYY GEORGE ; ]

    I think that you’re an amazing Architect and a sick presenter. I love your shows.
    you’re seriously fitttt. erm and I just wanted to say that you have inspired me to become a
    successful architect or and interior designer.

    LOVE YOU.


  502. Patricia
    on Jun 5th, 2011
    @ 1:04 pm: 

    Hello George, excuse me for my silencethese days, but i was in the middle of moving, because as i write to you earlier, i have to purchase a house, which requires some renovation and j would have liked to hear your opinion on certain travaux that l undertake in this house…To tell you the previous owner had started to renovate it and leave it as such, were mute when it elsewhere…I took some pictures, tring to give you an overview of the situation…The renovation the previous owner did was really pretty, but l would expand to other parts and know what are the walls bearing…The house consists of several apparttements all l’d like to link up just to make more than a very large house, which will include a master suite downstairs,(she already has three large bedrooms upstairs, and a very large kichen down), l would enlarge the flat bottom, in order to make a nice dining room/longe, which, by a pretty staircase, join the apparttement re for shoes…I do not know not so with the photos, you can go to realize the potential of my house, but l’ll send them and l will also, as you’d advise me, subscribe to your show, l know you did your program in your, l know you made your show in your country, but l really want you to come to France and help me in my project (the English(es) were really lucky to have you)…Thank you in advance for you George for your reply, i love your show “Home Show” and i know if it is said, but you have very beautiful eyes…Very quickly you read Patricia.


  503. Suzie Douglas
    on Jun 11th, 2011
    @ 8:24 pm: 

    Hi there George.
    I have just read somewhere that you have renovated your own house, which is an Edwardian Semi.
    I have just exchanged on our new house – a large Edwardian Semi just outside London, and we are due to move in in the first week of July. I love it, because it has had practically nothing done to it for about 60 years.. but the flip side of this is that, erm.. it has had nothing done to it for 60 years! It’s definitely a project.
    I would love to see what you have done with yours – is there anywhere that I can read the details of your project? Any photos anywhere that I could take a peek at?

    Very cheeky, I know, but i can’t get enough of looking at Edwardian renovations at the moment, and would love to know what you’ve done.

    Many thanks – all the best.

    Suzie Douglas (Buckinghamshire)


  504. Andrea
    on Jun 25th, 2011
    @ 5:23 pm: 

    Hi George, absolutely love the home show on channel 4and was wondering if you are doing another series. Thank you x


  505. Anita
    on Jun 30th, 2011
    @ 4:29 pm: 

    Hi George, I am a new fan of yours (American expat living in Abu Dhabi). I get to watch your show on BBC Lifestyle and it is a wonderful hour of entertainment. You seem very talented and not bad eye candy either…. I wish I had a project for you to take on!


  506. Haitham Haji
    on Jul 5th, 2011
    @ 9:37 pm: 

    Dear George,

    Thank you for the wonderful shows! You have established yourself as a member of the family as we all gather round to watch your show here in Bahrain! Yes indeed, you have fans all the way in little Bahrain!

    Best of luck to ya and give us a shout if you ever find yourself in this part of the woods! We’d love to host you, and perhaps get some tips on our little home too!

    Best of luck to you. Cheeers.

    Haitham Haji & family from BAHRAIN


  507. kazrussell2002
    on Jul 27th, 2011
    @ 11:41 am: 

    George, good morning hope you are well! I saw you at the Ideal Homes Exhibition in London and picked up a leaflet for your new show. I sent an email off to the producers back in April/May 11 time and as yet have heard nothing. I’ve no doubt that you have been unindated with requests but do you know if the producers have made their decisions on what properties you will help? I am an optimist and I remain hopeful that they may consider my very small flat but as I am also a realist I think they may go elsewhere :) . Anyhow worth a shot to see if you know anything otherwise I will need to try and find a reputable builder and architect on my own and in these times that is proving very difficult! All the best with the show anyhow. Best regards Karen.


  508. Brandy
    on Aug 17th, 2011
    @ 10:49 pm: 

    Hello George,
    Will your Home Show ever be coming to the US? We have just purchased a house – very traditional American taste and not very “green.” We are from Sweden and would love to update it to our taste – how does one apply to be on the show?


  509. Alla Wilson
    on Aug 19th, 2011
    @ 6:18 pm: 

    Hello George!
    just been watching your program on TV one of the earlies (we are currently in Singapore) we love it, the way you have done a small terrased house in to a proper family home ., my son asks if we can try to contact you and maybe get help or advise. we moved in to 4 bed. house almost two years ago, trying to renovate downstairs, but we don’t realy know where to start. 1. integrated garage is small for car, no idea how to get doorway to it, as it surounded by cloack room, staircase and kinchen,2. living room is norrow and dark, dining room is far away from kitchen, and there is conservatory….and not very good previous expirience with builders. It is a big family home , but so uncomfortable to use. we need your help!!!! where can I find a form to fill to try to get you help with you next Home show?

    thank you very much for attention and your time

    Alla


  510. Rebecca (from Canada)
    on Aug 23rd, 2011
    @ 5:45 am: 

    Hi George!
    As a young interior designer I love watching your show and seeing all your innovative and great ideas. I am originally from England, moved to Canada when I was young, so it’s nice to see what goes on in the world of architecture and design in England!
    Thanks for the great shows! Hope to see more of you and your wonderful smile!


  511. Nina Lusby-Dixon
    on Aug 24th, 2011
    @ 9:16 pm: 

    Bonsoir,
    We are re-locating from the North-East to the south of France avec famille, purchasing a business and property which need renovation……if you’re interested? Lol! x


  512. Ricky
    on Aug 26th, 2011
    @ 3:48 am: 

    I just wanted to say what a thrill it was to ( finally) see the episode about the Tower houses and the associated heritage listing proceedures. I have long campained here in australia for small footprint tower houses to be adopted a common sense designs suitable to out warm and tropical climates here in Australia. Living on the rooftop affords privacy and views which cannot be achieved on ground level. I know we are very late getting this series from the UK- but like Grand Designs there are design oriented professionals who enjoy every moment watching other designers deal with the rigors of the various authorities, clients and the environment. Wonderful program grewatly enjoyed. Ricky


  513. Ricky
    on Aug 26th, 2011
    @ 3:51 am: 

    spell check…. spell check……. spell check……..sorry about that..


  514. make money online
    on Sep 6th, 2011
    @ 9:59 am: 

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  515. Riane
    on Sep 8th, 2011
    @ 12:55 pm: 

    Hi George. I just wanted to say we really enjoy your show (Dream Home Abroad) here in Melbourne, Australia, especially me as a Northumbrian immigrant to hear your accent again! I hope you come down here sometime and do something special as Melbourne has some incredibly stunning local architecture :) Check us out! Regards from DownUnder.


  516. Mark
    on Sep 10th, 2011
    @ 3:04 am: 

    Hello George,

    I am a big fan of your show, so i was wondering if you could find your episodes on a dvd or something.

    Rergars Mark


  517. Margaret Perrin
    on Sep 17th, 2011
    @ 1:25 am: 

    Dear George: At first I was a bit sceptical of “another offshoot from Grand Designs” but have been more than converted to the restoration of wonderful, however difficult, buildings in Britain. Just loved the ice house, and really interested that houses in England and Europe had such sophisticated methods of keeping food fresh ‘way back then. Love the history part, and the presentation of the book. All good so far. Congratulations and keep up the great work!


  518. David
    on Sep 22nd, 2011
    @ 12:16 pm: 

    Hi George

    I recently watched an episode of A Dream Home Abroad, I live in Australia so we got the show very late, about the Banks family. They bought a property in Italy and were renovating. As I have limited viewing time I like to record shows and watch them when I have time. Unfortunately with this particualr episode my recorder stopped recording before the end of the show and I have no idea how it turned out.
    I was amazed at their apathy towards their project and am curious what happened in the end.
    I am trying to find a copy of the episode to watch but to no avail. Can you help?
    Enjoy your shows very much…keep up the good work.
    Regards
    David


  519. Colin (now in Oz)
    on Oct 3rd, 2011
    @ 1:49 am: 

    Hello Geroge,

    Kept meaning to “look you up”.
    I knew you were from north east! Kept telling the wife here in Australia (who loves your shows by the way) that your accent was from “up my way” (I’m originally from Middlesbrough).

    Keep up the good work!


  520. Mackem
    on Oct 11th, 2011
    @ 11:21 am: 

    Just watched the episode where you did the Reno and then ran
    out of Money for the ensuite and built-in wardrobes. The look on the poor mans face was terrible and he looked so upset.

    They stretched themselves to pay the 123,000 pounds which they wrongly believed should have included everything.

    Perhaps in future you should quote a price including a
    contingency to allow for any unforeseen expenses.


  521. Ross Berry
    on Oct 23rd, 2011
    @ 9:20 am: 

    Hi George,

    I wish you would come here to Sydney Australia. I am on a committee to restore some of our historical buildings – sure could do with your help !

    Best regards

    Ross


  522. Alya
    on Oct 24th, 2011
    @ 11:07 am: 

    Hi,

    We watch your show in Saudi Arabia and we adore it!!
    Just wondering if you would travel abroad and work on houses? Would you even go to Europe? like Portugal ?
    We would love you to work on old house in the mountains if that’s possible please :)

    Alya xo


  523. Effie
    on Dec 5th, 2011
    @ 10:14 pm: 

    Hi George, Just to say I thought your programme tonight about housing shortage was fab, I can’t believe it has taken so long for this problem to be highlighted. I can’t wait for tomorrow night now. Keep up the fantastic work and I hope you make a full series about it. Effie


  524. rob
    on Dec 6th, 2011
    @ 1:06 am: 

    Hi George. Re. The Great British Property Scandal.

    Signed the petition.
    Excellent programme.

    If you want an unemployed handy person also with artistic skills (and ex Army) to help with any practical and labour work let me know.


  525. Hils
    on Dec 6th, 2011
    @ 2:03 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I signed the petition but didn’t receive an email – did it again and still nothing – so thought would let you know in case there is a problem and you aren’t getting as many signatures as you should coming through. Fantastic programme about an absolutely scandalous and ridiculous situation. Having a home is the startpoint for everything as you so clearly demonstrated. Apart from signing a form on a website I wish there was something else that I could do – I feel so cross! What about community working parties – a bit like the local Wildlife Trusts have to clear habitats for animals but this would be clearing habitats for people. It might bring the costs down if people were willing to get together to do the less skilled jobs and would certainly be a way of contributing the society we live in. Am looking forward to seeing the programme tonight.


  526. ali
    on Dec 6th, 2011
    @ 7:51 pm: 

    Thankyou for yr programme highlighting empty homes. Self help is good and in groups it is better. I have been in Housing Co-op since the 70,s. We were able to buy up, modernise and let out empty houses, for reasonable rents, until Thatcher came along and changed the way the funding worked. A reform in housing legislation and funding arrangements would enable self help groups like Housing Co-ops to make a big contribution here


  527. Tracie
    on Dec 6th, 2011
    @ 9:37 pm: 

    Hi George,
    As well as stating the obvious that you are an excellent passionate presenter which really comes across. I sat agog at the homes unoccupied and felt my blood boil when we hear of our heroes fighting in Afghanistan and many other theatres around the world only to find themselves begging practically for a home which they and others should be entitled to. It’s absolutely scandalous the empty property situation when the expansion of the EU has expanded the thirst for new homes which are popping up in every town and city and threatening our very communities when the empties as you highlight if they were occupied more businesses and communities would thrive.
    Your programme should have been made mandatory to watch for every person and minister alike. Thank you for highlighting a very thought provoking topic and good luck with your campaign, i’m behind you all the way. Best regards Tracie


  528. Maria
    on Dec 6th, 2011
    @ 11:50 pm: 

    Brilliant show that’s highlighting such a heartbreaking and mindless situation.How can all those beautiful old properties be left to rot. So glad someone is taking control of this and giving it a voice that people can relate to.

    Good luck and if you require the services of a family run construuction/renovations company in the south east / anglia region then please give us a shout.


  529. Louise
    on Dec 6th, 2011
    @ 11:56 pm: 

    Well done on the programme George! Always best to tackle the root cause of community issues such as housing. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, food and shelter being the basic requirement of every person. Govermnent / local council effectively using tax payers money to put back into the community will be a dream come true for many. Fantastic that you have the support of the politicians and you have demonstrated how to regenerate empty flats/houses economically. There is no need for anyone to live in damp conditions nowadays if everyone works together to help their neighbour. Well done again. You have done a great job. I signed the petiton and shared the link via facebook. At some stage it would be good if you could look at the property scandal in Bangor, Co Down. We got No 1 in the worst eyesore list of Northern Ireland! This was because the local council bought all the properties six years ago and now they’re derelict! This effectively killed of an entire area in the town. Seminars on town planning please!! Many thanks Louise


  530. Gary
    on Dec 7th, 2011
    @ 12:15 am: 

    George,

    I am a recent graduate in Building Surveying and I have a huge interest in solving the UK housing shortage. My dissertation was related to social housing and I have researched the problems in depth
    I saw your program tonight and I think what you are doing is exactly right. I am in full support of what you are trying to achieve and agree entirely with the principles of the whole scheme.
    City/town centres are the areas which need to be tackled first, I am from Middlesbrough which provides a perfect example of this. Our housing estate closest to the centre itself is boarded up and left derelict following the collapse of a scheme to redevelop the area.
    Apparently there are over 12,000 households on the waiting list in the Teesside area…. This figure is ridiculous when you see the number of houses, and whole estates, which are boarded up. So many perfect opportunities to provide housing that are just ignored….
    I wish you all the success, and wish that I had a way of helping! I have signed the petition though which is a start…
    Kind regards,

    Gary


  531. John Gamlin
    on Dec 7th, 2011
    @ 2:49 pm: 

    Thanks George for the Campaign, if we had had more Architects like you 30 years ago, I wouldnt have had to leave my country homeless.


  532. Rachel Oddie
    on Dec 7th, 2011
    @ 7:10 pm: 

    Thank you so much for property scandal campaign. Its great that you are sticking up for all those people on the waiting lists. Its such a waste. In my area there are nearly 6000 empty home and 28,000 people waiting. Councillors and housing association staff should be ashamed. Well done for raising awareness. Please keep us updated as to how we can all help.


  533. Pam
    on Dec 7th, 2011
    @ 10:01 pm: 

    Hello George, really impressed with what you are all doing to hightlight this issue. I worked with homeless people in Bristol for 10 years and know how important it is to get empty homes back into use. I just wanted to say that with regard to your Loan Fund idea – it’s great – but essential that rents are somehow capped so that they are affordable (and stay affordable!) for tenants who are in housing need.
    If the rents aren’t capped then the properties will just go into the general housing stock and stay out of reach for those in the greatest need.
    Best regards and good luck, Pam


  534. Jean Goldsmith
    on Dec 8th, 2011
    @ 12:02 am: 

    Wonderful that someone is at last doing something about empty properties.We have a house we bought in South Wales as an investment for our pension. we have owned this house for about 6 years now and it has been vandalised 3 times. It has now been boarded up for the last 18 months as we just do not have the money to do it up again. We have asked the local council for help and they are totally disinterested. Most of the house on the street are now boarded up. It is just disgraceful because people in that area do need homes.Just don’t see a way out of our problem.


  535. Emil
    on Dec 8th, 2011
    @ 12:16 pm: 

    Hi There

    I hope you get a chance to read this?

    I live in Eccleston village in Chorley near Preston, and i have been fighting some developments over the past few years with my wife, in a bid to make developers consider more creative and sustainable solutions…Simple ones really. At least simple to designers that is!
    If the following is of interest to you George please get in contact with me we could do with the help. If not, then I hope what I have written is of interest to all.

    This is more about keeping work environments open and not using the (supposed.) short fall in housing as an excuse to demolish viable and sustainable work hubs, in rural areas, which as you know are a very delicate ecology for the locals, and surrounding small communities but, could have a change of use into residential development. I think this abuse of the many old mill factories in the country side (more so in the historical industrial areas of the north.) is a massive off shoot due to this housing target required by government, and is most certainly compounding the empty homes issue!!!

    We live in Eccleston village which unfortunately has a near completely encompassing ring of beautiful Green belt and green field land around it, which Trevor Hemmings Pretty much owns, and has the monopoly on. You can imagine what is happening here!

    After seeing your program adverts, I felt it may be of interest to you and in turn be of help to us!
    We recently lost a battle, not to stop the development but to make it more feasible with what was currently in place. A plot of land which was formally the Pontins HQ. It had a great piece of 60′s architecture and a stunning swedish cantilevered spiral staircase. Which you couldn’t get built today, due to building regulations etc.
    The building had been neglected over the years, with no maintenance or up keep of any kind. The building became conveniently…..”Unsuitable for habitants.” No doubt this rings bells for you.
    They could have very easily converted it into cracking apartments, suitable to the small families and young new buyers, in an already contrasting building to it’s surroundings. They did not submit a suitable feasibility study to prove the NON Viability of the building. (Even though being an existing work site, which Local and national PPG requires it.) No, they knocked it down and placed detached over priced houses in place. The real casualty to this story was the countryside.
    This development was won through a misleading application of land boundaries. They ripped out an ancient hedgerow, over 150 years old and covered the stumps of ancient oaks with lawn, all to make a larger plot of land fall into the brown field category. But, it was half Green field! Half brown field. They won the application and are placing 72 houses on the land. They managed this as Chorley council said. “The process can not go on any longer, due to the already incurred costs, the Green field plot cannot be dealt with now under it’s own Specific regulatory requirements.” They threw National planning policy out of the window, Amazing.

    I know this is long winded but your program hits a nerve which is surrounded by a larger more brutal monster which im sure you have already mentioned about in your series.
    This brings me to the following which may be of interest to you for future programs.
    “ I hope”? As it shows that councils are near powerless to stop private developers.

    We are currently opposing a similar application by the same developers. Where by they are trying to acquire safeguarded land to build on and remove a recognized nature spot. They are also trying to demolish a great building which has been up for I think over 100 years. An old mill with huge chimney stack. This building houses lots of small business for trade. Joiners etc, and has the only shopping center to the village attached to the front for village access.
    Once again the same landlord of the 60’s building I mention earlier has done the same with this building, pretty much no maintenance, and the tenants are in some pretty dire units.
    We have opposed the application with very strong valid policies at national and adopted local level and managed to have the committee refuse application. But as with all private development they have the funding for good planning lawyers and it has gone to appeal and it seams they will win it, but not because our objection points are not valid….It’s because the council has researched it will cost them to much to oppose the application.

    This fantastic building could be renovated into some wonderful properties. And yes with some cost attached to it, but if you include the cost of demolition and site prep would probably come to the same, also it has the Retail aspect which if considered carefully, planned and designed, would make for a unique in keeping development to a historical building at the heart of our village.

    We have quite a few houses empty in Chorley town and masses of houses trying to be sold in Eccleston village itself and surrounding villages. So, it’s pretty obvious we don’t need housing for the immediate locality and no houses ever given to the housing authority are ever in perpetuity to the immediate local need. They go into the borough pot and not distributed according to policy. So it’s all about the developer knowing the law to make it benefit them and the government have given them the capability, due to the points you have already made in your programs.

    I’m sorry for the length of this blog, but these things are not simple by far as you well know being an Architect. I could not find another way to get hold of you so I felt this may be of use to others interested as well as to see if you may be interested in getting in contact, for some content for future series and more importantly… Help. To try and make this development see real justice, as The EC3 group of villagers ( Which I am one of them.) Opposing, have a huge amount of knowledge and valid objection. Which the council has agreed, will stop this development.

    General info on these developments are on the web if you type these in!
    -Facebook Carrington center
    -EC3 eccleston village

    Thanks for taking the time to read this and well done for going public with the issue.

    Best regards

    Emil


  536. Maddie Mings
    on Dec 8th, 2011
    @ 3:01 pm: 

    Hi George
    Well done on a fabulous show! Enjoyable, informative and entertaining! Will be joining your campaign and wish you all the best!
    One other thing completely unrelated though – my 18 year daughter has just started studying architecture at the University of Nottingham. It’s been a long first term, and she has been getting very dispondent at the lack of direction and the ‘rubbishing’ of her designs so far! I’m sick of telling her that she is only in her first year! I’m sure that you found the same when first starting out. It would be great if you could ‘rubber stamp’ my comments!!
    Lots of love, Maddie


  537. Cliff
    on Dec 8th, 2011
    @ 7:08 pm: 

    With so many millionaires now in Britain how about campaigning to get funding from them to set up a banking organisation to provide funding at extremely low rates to purchase/do-up vacant properties.


  538. stephen
    on Dec 10th, 2011
    @ 10:53 am: 

    George, I watched the ‘Property Scandal’ show on channel 4. A very worthwhile cause but I would also question the RICS. The RICS has been unrealistically hiking rents and property prices for years and should be redressed for this. RICS valuers ALWAYS base their valuations on local property prices and if well decorated hike the price more to give the seller an unrealistic ‘feel good factor’. This in turn sets a chain reaction with the market and hey presto – prices go up! Then mix this with a clutch of financial ‘professionals’ (I use the word loosely) who lend money to individuals who never have a hope of servicing the debt and there you have it a property crash!! As 2007/08. The RICS should be made to realise they have a moral professional duty to correctly advise the public rather than fleecing them for all they can get.
    I am not convinced of your proposals for a loan guarantee scheme as the ‘tenants’ may not be able to afford the rents until they ‘get on their feet’. Prior to that I assume benefits will pay for rents? I can’t yet see how such a proposal can be sustainable? The way to solve this problem is to have ‘professional’ bodies that are exactly that – professional; and encourage the professionals to have good morals that fit with honesty and integrity. I’m not convinced this will ever happen as everybody needs to earn a crust but some want substantially more than they need so they can buy the best car on the road and have the best image etc. I would encourage CPD events for professional institutions (CIOB, RIBA, RICS etc) where good morals, integrity and honesty are debated and also encourage financial and construction sustainability. Only when this is achieved will the property market start an upturn. I have been lobbying John Prescott for years concerning his proposal of ‘the pathfinder’ scheme and a good organisation on this trail is ‘SAVE’; but governments look for votes and very seldom look for common sense. I have stated many many times these terraced housed should be given a little TLC; new roofs, kitchens and bathrooms and perhaps redesign of layout etc. John Prescott (sorry LORD Prescott) is as blind today concerning this issue as he was when he started on this road. Sorry for going on but good Social Housing delivery is a passion of mine.


  539. Rowena Ross
    on Dec 10th, 2011
    @ 7:14 pm: 

    Hi George,
    Thought the programmes were fantastic and inspiational.
    I want to point out that I have read many comments on many websites and am a bit concerned about the negative feedback concerning the family that was rehoused. Unfortunately it was not stressed enough that you are not responsible for this as you re working for the council and in doing so trying to show the councils that it works. I think people need to wake up to the scandalous way some councils work, for instance, does the council want it to work? If not how good it would be if they could get everyone angry against the programme!!! How to do this? Cause race hate!!!!!??
    I urge people to see the bigger picture of what you are trying to do and give their support and not react to one incident which was outwith your control.
    Good Luck


  540. Dionne
    on Dec 12th, 2011
    @ 6:19 pm: 

    Hi George really enjoyed The Great British Property Scandel its about time something was done about this, has you stated it is a waste a big waste in fact. I would like to know how and who these house will go to. Has me and my family would really gain from this. Thank you.


  541. Barb C
    on Dec 13th, 2011
    @ 9:36 pm: 

    Hiya,

    I’ve seen a couple of the Property Scandal show’s. Good work. The Empty Property Fund is a great idea. What’s the story on Credit Unions over there now? (I’ve lived in Ireland for 8 years) I know they have them in Scotland. They offer affordable loans based on how much you have saved. It could be another way forward. I also think that rental properties need stricter regulations. That dump that that poor woman in Manchester had to live in should prove that. Keep up the pressure :) and I’ll certainly share info to my friends on FB.


  542. j k
    on Jan 5th, 2012
    @ 11:00 pm: 

    Hi George,
    I have often watched your programs with interest and like the insight you give and your passion for your work but watching Restoration Man this evening was something else altogether. Very rarely do i watch tv and come away feeling the way i feel now. The story of the building and delving into its history was fascinating in itself but put alongside the drive of the family in devastating circumstances, just incredible. I’m sure i wasn’t alone praying Nikki would make it through to see her dream home, which just happened to be the most spectacular transformation i have seen. An amazing building put into the shade by a truly amazing woman.


  543. Caroline E
    on Jan 6th, 2012
    @ 5:33 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Your shows have inspired me. Now I have a dream to find a old building
    and resore to its original beauty. Just will not be for now until i develop the funds to make this a reality.

    Thank you and all those people who have shared their dreams with us.


  544. PAUL DIMITRIS KYRIOU
    on Jan 10th, 2012
    @ 12:05 am: 

    Hi George,

    We met briefly back in May last year at the Ideal Home Show on the Glasgow leg of the tour.
    My name is Paul Kyriou and I am in the 3rd year of architecture school studying at The Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow School of Art and will be receiving my BA this year – so I am currently searching for internship and/or experience opportunities.

    I asked you if there would be an opportunity to gain work experience of any kind with yourself and you advised me to email you my details which I have done a few times over the months, however, have had no correspondence – which to be honest is absolutely fine I understand you are an extremely busy person especially with your television work of which I am addicted to ha ha. I am very keen to know if there would be any chance of gaining experience under your wing.

    It was a real pleasure to meet you back in May last year. It was quite surreal and wonderful.
    Thanks for signing my copy of your home bible it has been very useful this year for my design work.

    I patiently await your reply. Thank you very much for your time and consideration in advance.

    Kindest regards,
    Paul Dimitris Kyriou


  545. Dave Macdonald
    on Jan 15th, 2012
    @ 3:37 pm: 

    Hi George
    I’m thoroughly enjoying the first series of Restoration Man, courtesy of BBC Lifestyle Channel available here in South Africa. First met you in the Home Show a year or so back, and really appreciate your sensitivity to the preservation, restoration and refurbishment of the built environment. As one peripherally involved in the world of houses and homes (furniture), and with an abiding interest in all that this involves, it’s great to experience and share your empathy with both homeowners and their homes and aspirations. How refreshing to have a presenter who knows when to help and when to stand back and let things go. I always thought Kevin McCloud was king of this realm, so – you’re a more than worthy crown prince. Best wishes with the empty homes project, and I hope the old Beeb doesn’t hold back on your new RM series for too long before releasing it to this culturally hungry part of the old empire.

    Regards
    Dave (South Africa)


  546. Leanne
    on Jan 15th, 2012
    @ 3:42 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I really hope you get to read this as i am in a situation that is shocking and althought not directly about empty homes it surely is going to link and make this hole issue allot worse!

    As from April this year the government are bringing in a law to up the age of help they give to single people under the age of 35!? why that age i do not know.

    I was left very ill after a drug given to me by a ginocologist and with other health problems ai am off work at this time, therefore rely on housing benefit to help me with my rent. As from April myself and properly many others are going to be left homeless or have to find a room in a house becasue the 200 a month will not cover anything, not even a house share.

    Due to my health issues is not possible for me and without going into all the details of my problems i could not share a house with strangers. I have worked all my life and not out of work due to anything but illness at this time, yet i will be homeless come April and do not get any help with a council house. I also had to give up my degree due to not being able to afford to live alone. All these homes standing empty and yet they are doing this also?

    They have given me only 20 points and then an extra 2 points for my medical conditions, this will not win any bid for a council place.

    There is allot more to this and have not included everything, however i am trying to make awareness that there are allot more areas where this whole problem is going to get worse. I have never felt so cheated by my own country. We need to stand together on this!


  547. Ryan Simpson
    on Jan 18th, 2012
    @ 12:32 am: 

    Hi George

    What chances has an architecture student from Belfast of gaining a little experience with your practice?

    If you don’t ask you don’t get as they say!


  548. Caroline
    on Feb 1st, 2012
    @ 9:24 am: 

    Hi George, I have only just come across your show online, and I have to say after watching the first episode of season 2 I’m hooked, I can’t wait to catch up with the rest of the episodes. I live in Poland but I am originally from England, I have always had a great passion for old buildings, my own home in the UK is 150 year old cottage which I love very much. I now own a beautiful 200 year old 500sqm farm house in Poland on the border with the Czech Republic, it is a restoration project and a huge one at that, so watching your show has already started to give me ideas, and with further episodes to come I am sure I will find a lot of useful tips and advice. Great work, it’s also really good to see someone with real emotion and getting involved with the people who are taking on these huge and wonderful restoration projects. Like yourself, if anyone starts crying (good or bad tears) it starts me off so I cried through all of those devastating scenes, I really admired the couple who showed great courage and positivity throughout it was inspiring.
    I will also be watching your show regarding the housing crisis across Britain (if I can get it online here in Poland), I come from Bradford West Yorkshire which has numerous abandoned and derelict mills, some of which are so beautiful so its something that really annoys me when developers are throwing up cheap match box houses that don’t blend in with their surroundings, when there are these wonderful buildings that could be put to better use.

    Thanks again for great viewing


  549. April jones
    on Feb 4th, 2012
    @ 11:52 am: 

    Hi George
    Stumbled across your show here in Australia and it’s a big hit here- enjoying it lots:) the accent struck me as familiar: I have been here around 15 years and went to oxclose – think you must have been year above. Parents still in blackfell after a stint here. Gave me a giggle tonite when you did the kiss on both cheeks to greet someone ( multiple cultural in oz we all do it!) but such a far cry from washy!
    Glad to see such a great show and a familiar accent. Well done and good luck with your future work:)
    April Jones ( Glendenning)
    Gold coast
    Australia


  550. sarah
    on Feb 5th, 2012
    @ 8:36 pm: 

    Hi George,
    Always loving the programmes you do, but have to pretend to my husband I’m watching to get the low down rather than gazing at you!

    Love your biggest fan, Sarah x


  551. Caius Colfer
    on Feb 9th, 2012
    @ 3:01 pm: 

    Hi George, love “restoration man” watch it every week without fail and catch ups. im currently studying architecture in chelmsford, in my first year and just want to firstly say that i love your work and the way your so passionate in both your tv shows and in getting stuck into the work involved with the people developing the abandoned or derelict buildings. However, would really appreciate it if you could give me an email, with any tips or ideas for success in the architectural industry, i am really passionate and would love to be able to talk with someone like yourself with such a passion and lots of experience.

    regards

    caius


  552. Carl wager
    on Feb 9th, 2012
    @ 9:04 pm: 

    Hi George
    I have met u at blackfell primary because u judge my design work and your parents live a street up from me I like your restoration man show very historical watching it now Your great


  553. Jacinta
    on Feb 16th, 2012
    @ 10:01 pm: 

    I am completely in love your brain! I love that you see things practically as well as aesthetically. In my perfect world I would have you design my house start to finish. I’d show you my site, give you the budget then pretty much see what you come up with. I’ve watched quite a few of your television series at this stage that I can say with 100% confidence that I’d love whatever you came up with. We seem to be on a shared wave lenght. So if you are ever in Ireland and looking for something to pass the time you let you know okay! ;)

    Great to see someone share their passion with others but then again it’s difficult to hide honest passion and enthusiasm, long may it continue. Looking forward to seeing what you share with us next.


  554. margaret
    on Feb 17th, 2012
    @ 12:09 am: 

    Dear George,
    Just watched the 4th episode of Restoration Man which has just started here. Loving it. If you come here dont just go to Sydney. Beautiful architecture here in Melbourne and very like England. Keep up the good work, it is such a shame to see these beautiful old buildings knocked down or falling to bits. Congratulations to all the builders who put time and much money into restoring them to their former glory- they deserve a medal.
    Margaret


  555. andypandy
    on Feb 17th, 2012
    @ 1:30 am: 

    hi george,
    i have been watching your series restoration man and there are some amazing building that were being restored, the waterworks building was amazing but the ones two weks before with the old tower and the one by the sea were fantastic.

    i have been involved in interioer design and restoring old buildings since i was 17
    professionally by myself and working for a property developer 13 years and have had some amazing buildings to work on

    i would like to work on some old houses buildings and ruins.how would i go about this?

    i have asked about but since i am a girl i cant seem to get headway

    thanks for the advice in advance

    andy ;)


  556. Sara warrilow
    on Feb 17th, 2012
    @ 11:51 pm: 

    Hi George,

    I have stumbled across your programme “restoration man” on channel 4 on demand – I am addicted. I am a 24 year old that lives in a new build town house in the west midlands yet I have a passion for architecture and I am an artist with my favourite subject being historic buildings. Your programme has inspired me and I hope to be able to participate in a restoration project of my own when I am older and wiser.
    Just wanted to thank you for your inspirational programmes and i hope we have many more to come.

    Kind regards
    Sara j. Warrilow


  557. Alison
    on Feb 18th, 2012
    @ 3:04 pm: 

    Hi George

    Just wanted to say what an enthusiastic and inspirational person you are. Through watching your programmes over the years my 15 year old son decided a few years back that this is the career path he wished to follow. He’s now taking his GCSE’s at Oxclose Comp (of all places) and has enrolled in a course at Hylton Compus for 2 years. The lecturers there too were very enthusiastic about their subject. My son commented “Mam maybe George will pay a visit and I’ll get some tips”.
    Keep up doing the great programmes and keep inspiring the younger generation – you’re good at it :-)


  558. Joff
    on Feb 19th, 2012
    @ 6:11 pm: 

    George hi,
    I really enjoy The Restoration Man but, as a conservation officer (and part way through my PhD in architectural history) I must say I’m a bit disappointed about your view and comments on planners and conservtion types. I mailed the forum, but have had no bites so thought I should try you here…. :)
    Could you perhaps give a fairer representation of what we do and how we are guided in decision making…? It’s not a case of ‘I don’t like that so you can’t have it…..’ And strangely enough, we are generally quite welll trained, though it doesn’t come across that way on screen.
    Pickles hates the public sector enough for everyone; do you really want to join his jingoistic, opportunistic and rather pathetic little bandwagon too…? I thought you would be above all that….
    Joff


  559. lisa
    on Mar 6th, 2012
    @ 10:09 pm: 

    hi george, I really look forward to watching your shows, you get really involved with the people whose property they are restoring and can see the passion you have for the job, no-one could do it better! when will you be doing any new shows??


  560. lisa
    on Mar 6th, 2012
    @ 10:16 pm: 

    hi george, just a quick mail to ask when you will be doing more shows? ive watched all of them the projects are truly inspirational and its nice to see your passion coming through as you share the ups and downs of watching and helping people to restore homes, pity the decent homes project wasnt something that wasnt done years ago, thankfully its come to your attention and hope to see more of your programmes in the future.


  561. lynda burns
    on Mar 18th, 2012
    @ 5:54 pm: 

    hi george,we are from stockton…so not far from where you where born.in fact i’m a mackem born..pennywell no less !!i have just aquired an old barn in the village where we currently live and am soo excited .its not worth saving ,but we have loads of ideas and would like it to be as eco friendly as possible.would appreciate your feedback…thanks,lynda.


  562. Jo
    on Mar 24th, 2012
    @ 8:45 pm: 

    Hi George,

    Just wanted to say what a great talk you gave today at the Ideal Home exhibition today, really inspiring about how to transform a house and also signed up to your empty houses campaign as soon as I got home. It’s a scandel
    Thanks again
    Jo


  563. Bronwyn
    on Apr 8th, 2012
    @ 10:11 am: 

    I am sending you this message all the way from Australia and just wanted to let you know that I am currently watching your Restoration Man show which featured Mark and his restoration of the Folly/Bath House. I have watched all series of Build a New Life and Restoration Man that have been shown on Lifestyle Channel which is part of our pay-per-view television. I am in great admiration of all who go and restore old buildings as I feel that they are so much a part of any country’s history that to see them fall into disrepair and become a derelict piece of history is a crime. Here in Australia, I was born in New Zealand, they seem to neglect their history and many old buildings are torn down to put up new housing estates. My dream is to one day visit the United Kingdom and see where my grandparents and father came from and to see some of the great buildings that I have seen on television. I would like to thank you and all those like you who have a love of our history and are brave enough to take them in hand and lovingly restore them back to their best.

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