Residents near Chesil Cliff House, famously dubbed the ‘saddest ever’ Grand Designs story, have expressed immense relief following the sale of the long-troubled property.
The lighthouse-inspired home, which featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, has finally been sold after a protracted 12-year renovation. Locally known as ‘The Lighthouse,’ the house became infamous when its construction plunged former owner Edward Short into £7 million of debt and fractured his family life.
For the local community, the house has loomed large—both physically and emotionally—since news of the build and its turbulent history first emerged. Many residents are hopeful the new owners, who paid £5.25 million for the property, will restore the building’s appearance and integration into its striking surroundings.
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Several locals have long considered the structure an eyesore overlooking the pristine Saunton Sands. “It’s just been standing there for so long, and I’ve been wondering what they’ll do with it. I don’t like it,” said Grace, a nearby resident. “When Edward left it, it was a mess right on the water. You can see it all the way from Baggy Point, and it’s not nice to look at.”
Currently encased in scaffolding with many windows shattered, the home has suffered from sea spray damage. The community is relieved the property has found a buyer, hopefully preventing further deterioration or collapse into the sea. “It’s good someone’s going to be living in it. It was a ruin on the point. It’s a relief it’s not going to crumble into the sea; it was getting so bad with holes in the wall,” a resident remarked.
Speculation abounds on who the new owner might be, with some locals wary that the home could become another holiday retreat. “I hope it won’t be a holiday home,” said Gillian Byrom from neighboring Georgeham. Jess, an employee at Ralph’s surf shop, added, “It’s just a husk on the side of the cliff. It needs maintenance and doesn’t really fit the scenery.”
The sentiment among residents is one of cautious optimism. One resident expressed hope the building’s new stewards will blend it more thoughtfully into the landscape: “It just looked sad and was wasting away. Now, I hope they soften its impact on the lovely viewpoint.”
Rob Tucker, a member of the Croyde Parish Council when the original planning permission was granted, has a more positive view of the home’s design. “I love it — it’s different and could be iconic. But it was getting dilapidated, and something needed to be done. I’m thrilled someone will care for it and bring out its potential.”
The 2019 Grand Designs episode revealed the toll the project took on Edward Short’s personal life, culminating in his separation from wife Hazel. Locals unanimously view the saga as a tragic chapter. “It was a dreadful shame for all involved,” said Rob Tucker. “I didn’t enjoy watching that sad episode.”
Gillian Byrom agreed, concluding, “It was a very sad story, and I feel for the family. I’m glad something positive will come of it now.”