Rural hot spots will be snapped up, says Grand Designs star
Rural areas in the West Midlands are becoming hotspots for the next generation of ‘grand designs’, Insider has learnt. Bridgnorth-based architect Johnson Design Partnership (JDP) said the proximity to commercial centres and the countryside was proving popular with developers.
Vic Johnson, managing director of JDP, said the combination of nearby city centres and countryside would mean available land would be snapped up soon.
JDP employs six people at its Station Lane head office and has appeared on the Channel Four TV show Grand Designs show.
Johnson said the show led to several new projects for JDP.
The company recently completed the ‘West Midlands House’ in Norton, which comprised a large extension to the rear of 1950’s family home, underfloor heating, open plan kitchen and dining area and bedroom terrace balcony.
Johnson said: "People are now inspired to create their own properties and rural West Midlands is ideally placed to benefit. Its large open spaces provide plentiful land opportunities and being able to live in the countryside yet within easy reach of the centres is proving a big draw with business leaders and retired professionals. We’ve even had people relocating here from Bermuda.
"Another advantage is that the region has a proven track record for delivering ‘grand designs’ so there is no need to bring in expensive architects from Manchester or London."
