I went on Grand Designs and it drove me to breaking point – gruelling 72-hour weeks left me exhausted

A GUEST on Grand Designs was driven to breaking point after deciding to build her dream home by herself.

Corinne has big ambitions – to create her perfect home based on her love of cooking, including a stunning view of woodlands near her home.

However, she faces huge obstacles, including a series of tight conservation restrictions, which could put her dreams at risk.

Corinne, who is recently divorced and underwent treatment for cancer in lockdown, explains the huge challenge of tackling the build on her own.

“Doing a build on your own, it’s hard. Sometimes I get in and I just go to bed,” she says.

“With all the travelling and everything, I’m probably doing a 72-hour week, which is exhausting.”

Holding back tears, Corinne went on: “You haven’t got anybody else to rely on. You haven’t got anybody else to say.

“We need more money. What can you do? It’s all down to you.”

Holding back tears, Corinne went on: “You haven’t got anybody else to rely on. You haven’t got anybody else to say, ‘We need more money.’ What can you do? It’s all down to you.”

South Londoner Corinne hopes to build a beautifully crafted, double kitchen home designed around her love of cooking.

It includes a plot to take in sweeping views while enjoying an al fresco dinner with friends – a slither of garden down the side of the house she’s lived in for the last 24 years.

Unusually for London, this wedge-shaped end of terrace plot is on a hill and surrounded by beautiful woodland.

However, things definitely don’t come easily thanks to the tight restrictions she has to abide by.

Grand Designs airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.