Build A New Life In The Country Season 3 Episode 1 Norfolk Water Tower
- July 16, 2010
- 45 min
As our favorite couple, Dick and Angel Strawbridge, return for a brand-new season of "Build A New Life In The Country", they are off to Norfolk for their latest project. This premiere episode sees the couple tackling a mammoth task- the restoration of a 100-year-old water tower.
The Norfolk Water Tower sits majestically on a 6-acre plot of land, surrounded by beautiful, rolling countryside. This once vital local structure had lost its purpose and left to deteriorate until its current owners, ex-Londoner's Tina and her son Jimmy, purchased it on a whim 18 months ago.
While Tina and Jimmy fell in love with the tower's unique charm, the structure presented a massive challenge for them, with no experience in renovation or construction. It didn't take long for them to realize that they were in over their heads with the restoration project. That's where the Strawbridges come in to save the day, with their years of experience and passion for restoring historic properties.
The challenge they face is monumental, with the tower having been abandoned for over a decade, and subject to nature’s elements and time. The rusting water tank at the top of the tower needs replacement, and the steel stairway leading to the top is rusted and unstable.
The couple got to work, bringing in experts to assess the tower's structural integrity and design a workable plan to bring back its former glory. The renovation proves to be a massive undertaking, with workers endured frigid conditions while restoring the steel structure of the tower and revamping the interiors.
In addition to the technical work, the couple brings their signature design style to this Norfolk project, working to create stunning living spaces that reflect the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the tower's unique architecture. They must work within the confines of the tower's unusual shape, adding new rooms, bathroom, and kitchen facilities.
One of the unique features of the Norfolk Water Tower is the 360-degree, panoramic views of the stunning Norfolk countryside. The Strawbridges take advantage of this unique feature by building a roof terrace at the top of the tower accessible by climbing the restored steel staircase. From this vantage point, visitors get a breathtaking view of the property, the rolling fields, and the tower itself.
The project is not without its challenges, and the Strawbridges face some unexpected setbacks, such as finding a secret concrete slurry at the bottom of the water tank. With time ticking away and budget constraints, they must come up with a workable solution to move forward with the project.
Despite these hurdles, the couple perseveres, breathing new life into the Norfolk Water Tower, giving it a new purpose, restoring its beauty, and creating a unique space for future generations to enjoy. They unfold their vision to the family, and the reaction to the restoration work is nothing short of awe-inspiring, highlighting the magic of this project.
This episode is an excellent opener to a new season of Build A New Life In The Country, with the Strawbridges showing what can be accomplished with vision, expertise, and a love for restoring historic buildings. Viewers can expect stunning transformations and some challenges along the way. It's heartwarming and inspiring to watch the family come together and build their dream home with love and dedication. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes in this exciting new season!