Architecture & design documentaries

Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the British civil engineer, is considered one of the most ingenious and prolific figures in engineering history. He was responsible for such astonishing feats as steamship travel across the Atlantic, building the first tunnel under a major river and constructing docks, harbors and bridges. His designs helped Britain to expand and grow as the powerhouse of the world.

EP 1: Building to Success

Charting the early years of the engineer described as ‘the man who built Britain’. Isambard Kingdom Brunel was just 19 when his father appointed him his assistant and chief engineer on the Thames Tunnel running beneath London’s famous river. This fascinating history documentary charts his early years as a civil engineer. His private journal reveals his intimate thoughts and feelings as he risked serious injury and possible death in his building endeavors.

Ep 2: Building the Future

Brunel initiates audacious plans that will revolutionize travel and communication. The Great Western Railway was one of the most ambitious engineering projects of its day. An audacious attempt to connect two cities hundreds of miles apart. As this engrossing history documentary reveals, Brunel’s grand vision went beyond the railways, including an integrated transport network extending across the Atlantic that would revolutionize engineering, travel and communication.

Across Britain, over 600,000 buildings lie unused and unloved. Nearly a third of them are commercial. Shops, post offices, bars and banks are closing down as towns and cities enter a new era. Architect George Clarke meets the brave people trying to breathe new life into these overlooked properties, transforming local landmarks into unique and extraordinary family homes.

Ep 1: Victorian Bank, Cornwall
Do Richard and Sarah have enough cash to turn their local bank into a unique family home? In picturesque Cornwall, Richard and Sarah, purchased an old bank for £50,000. Now they face the challenge of converting this Victorian building into a unique family home. Ace renovator George Clarke follows their progress as they turn an imposing commercial property into a unique place to live. But do they have the budget to realize their ambitious plans?

Ep 2: Coach House, Tamworth
A couple fall in love with a 19th-century coach house. But will it love them back? Laura and Adrian have fallen in love with a derelict 19th-century coach house. They’ve sold their home and used up all their savings in order to buy it. But with a tight budget, they go to extremes to realize their dreams. How will they cope living in a caravan on-site with their children while the
renovation takes place? George Clarke tries to lend a hand as the project hits trouble.

Ep 3: Police Station, West Yorkshire
Rachel and Mike plan to turn an oldpolice station into a home–but can they do it justice? In beautiful Yorkshire, Rachel and Mike think it would be criminal to allow a former police station to sit empty. It comes complete with original holding cells and a 1980s reception area, but can it be transformed into a spectacular home? George Clarke follows the project as timelines stretch and budgets dwindle. Can they do this formercop shop justice?

Ep 4: Barn, Harrogate
Can Erin and Oliver turn a shoddy, smelly old barn into a stunning family home? Erin and Oliver have spent their inheritance on a barn in glorious North Yorkshire. The newlyweds’ dream is to turn the 200-year-old building into a stunning country home. Unfortunately, it’s dilapidated and full of dung. George Clarke follows their progress as they try to turn this smelly shack into a spectacular residence. But soon the budget and the Yorkshire weather interfere with their plans.

Ep 5: Farm, Stockport
In an emotional renovation, Gordon tries to turn an old cattle shed into his home. Three Ways Farm has been in Gordon’s family since the 1950s. His late mother’s dream was for Gordon to turn the 120-year-old cattle shed and milking parlor into a home for himself. George Clarke charts his progress as he tries to turn this fantasy build into a reality. But, as the money starts to run out, will the finished result be something his mother would have been proud of?

Ep 6: Stable, Humber
Can Bernie turn a set of old horse stables into the perfect place for his retirement? Bernie has fallen in love with a ramshackle stable block and plans to turn it into the perfect retirement retreat. But can he covert a building that’s only ever housed horses into a livable home? George Clarke follows his progress and attempts to steer him away from some of his more eccentric ideas. But will Bernie’s ambitious plans saddle him with unexpected, runaway costs?

Since Queen Victoria first acquired it in 1852, the British royal family have found solace at Balmoral. This enormous private estate in the Scottish Highlands is where monarchs have holidayed, hidden, plotted, and played.

The inside view of this secretive sanctuary reveals some of the extraordinary features found at Balmoral and the tales of intrigue involve the figures who have resided there.