Banker converted Grand Designs Welsh folly that is for sale for £1.85m 

A banker who grew up on a Welsh council estate sells the converted Welsh folly that appeared on TV’s Grand Designs in 2009 for £1.85 million.

Located on 24 acres of land, the expired property was bought by the couple Dean Berry and his wife – a PR consultant – Sarah.

They have completely restored the folly and expanded it to include a contemporary curved structure with an open plan living space.

Grand Designs followed the pair on their DIY journey as they returned to Wales after work in London.

The couple bought the Newport plot for £1 million but declined to comment on how much they spent on the project, despite presenter Kevin McCloud popping the question.

The couple simply said that they have made sure that the amount spent on the detailed renovation has been kept within limits.

The original folly has been beautifully restored, with Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud describing it as ‘first class’

The converted folly is located in the Welsh hamlet of Kemeys Inferior, Newport, and has an extensive contemporary wraparound extension

The folly has a large open living room with lots of lighting, seating and various storage options

To keep costs down, the owners bought the kitchen from a well-known name rather than a bespoke design

Dean explained, “You could spend an unlimited amount of money here because of the size of the property.

‘We don’t take this for granted. This is something I feel really privileged to live in. It’s something we’ve worked so hard for, it’s something we deserve to be custodians of.’

Kevin said on the show, “They’ve brought new life to a local landmark and the result is first class.”

The unusual property is approached via a sweeping driveway and electronically operated security gates onto a pretty country lane

The property has a large glass extension that curves out from the side of the restored folly providing ample space for a family

While the folly dates back to the 1700s, the contemporary glass extension stands in stark contrast and offers some modern lines

The property has good access to transport links, making it attractive for commuters – as it is less than three miles from the M4

The living space has dedicated areas for relaxing and entertaining – with a dining table that can comfortably seat a dozen or so guests

The converted folly has a total of six bedrooms, five of which are en-suite

This large double bedroom has a four-poster bed, several decorative windows and an original restored ceiling

Originally a stone hunting lodge for the Sheriff of Monmouth, the property sits on a hilltop with views over the Vale of Usk.

In addition to six bedrooms – five of which have a private bathroom – the finished property has a cinema room and a glass extension.

Outside there are formal gardens, several outbuildings and a detached leisure building with an indoor swimming pool.

The property has good access to transport links, being less than three miles from the M4.

Trains to London are available from Newport and Bristol Parkway, just over 20 miles away.

The property is approached via a sweeping driveway and electronically operated security gates onto a country lane in the hamlet of Kemeys Inferior, Newport.

The average price of a property sold in Newport in the last 12 months is £229,443.

It compares to an average of £356,271 for the country as a whole, according to Zoopla.

Outside there are formal gardens with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and some outbuildings and stables

The grounds include landscaped and patio areas, providing space to entertain family and friends throughout the summer

Across the lawn from the main building is a large detached leisure building with an indoor swimming pool and changing facilities

Originally a stone hunting lodge for the Sheriff of Monmouth, the property sits on a hilltop with views over the Vale of Usk

The sale of the property is handled by Fine and Country estate agents.

In the marketing literature for the property it explained: ‘The front gardens are part walled and consist of large lawns with wide stone steps leading up to the impressive front entrance.

‘On the other side of the lawn is a large detached recreation building with an indoor swimming pool and changing rooms.

‘Off the driveway, and back onto a large paddock, is an excellent modern stable with tack room.

‘There is excellent hacking on your doorstep with miles of drives and walks in the surrounding lanes and nearby Wentwood Forest. The remaining terrain consists of a beautiful piece of old forest.’