Radio Times: Review by:; Emma Sturgess

Cloontykilla Castle, built in 1839, is set in woodland on the shores of Lough Key in County Roscommon, Ireland. It’s a stunning, romantic location for a folly and it’s no wonder that actor Sean Simon, who played there in childhood, wants to turn it into a home and recording studio. But he’s had to borrow 1.2 million euros to realise his ambitious, theatrical medieval-style scheme.

The beginning of the project coincides with the Celtic Tiger’s retreat into recession, and the banks are antsy. It’s difficult to know what would feel worse: the threat of losing all your money, or the incipient disapproval of Kevin McCloud, who is not known for his fondness for pretend baronial halls.

About this programme

1/12. Kevin McCloud meets more people trying to build dream homes, beginning with Sean Simons, who bought the ruins of Cloontykilla Castle in the Irish county of Roscommon with a view to using them to create a spectacular mock-16th-century home. However, the outlandish plans - including jacuzzis in the battlements and water-spouting gargoyles - have Kevin worried the project could become a garish nightmare, and his scepticism increases when he realises Sean has not consulted an architect. Disaster seems to be looming as the contractors get frustrated and planning regulations are ignored, but somehow things begin to slowly take shape - until a national economic crisis plunges everything into chaos.