Series 12, Episode 4
In Ashford Co. Wicklow stands the house of Nigel and Frances Coffey. Frances’s parents live next door. Several years ago her father built a private road and gave seven plots of land to his seven children.
The house is a typical 1990’s bungalow, built from a handbook. It was perfect for them 20 years ago, but with 5 children ranging in ages from 9 to 26 and with girlfriends, friends, a dog and family living near by, the house is just too cramped and they struggle for space.
Frances and Nigel have worked hard, he is a VP of a pharmaceutical company and she is a nurse.
They want to build their dream home and their budget is €450,000.
Dermot has an opportunity to create one of the most breath taking designs ever seen on Room To Improve.
For the first time, Dermot comes under budget. However, things begin to take a turn when the couple start adding to what they originally wanted.
Frances loves yoga and Dermot suggests a space where she can practise her moves. Nigel loves pool so that too is added into the mix. With a double height space in the kitchen and views from many of the rooms to the surrounding hills, the house begins to take shape.
For an architect, this is like a dream come true. However, Dermot notices that Nigel and Frances are drawn to hotel-like design features, and a bit of ‘bling’. He wants to show them that style doesn’t have to cost a fortune and he tries to reel them in.