Ep 1. Resourceful Ratcliffes

Nick Knowles: Original Home Restoration season 1 episode 1, Resourceful Ratcliffes, takes viewers on a journey to the countryside of Berkshire where an old Victorian house is in desperate need of restoration. The Ratcliffe family has lived in the house for generations and the current owners, Mike and Val, are determined to bring it back to its former glory.

Nick Knowles, a renowned home restoration expert, arrives at the house to assess the damage and plan out the restoration process. He is joined by a team of builders and craftsmen who will help him bring his vision to life. The first task at hand is to clear out the house, which is full of clutter and debris. This task proves to be a challenge as the house has four floors and is in a state of disrepair.

As Nick and the team begin their work, they uncover some interesting features of the house that have been hidden away for decades. They discover an original tiled fireplace in the kitchen, a stunning stained glass window in the hallway, and a hidden doorway behind a bookshelf that leads to a secret room.

The team also faces some unexpected challenges along the way as they remove plaster from the walls and uncover structural issues that need to be addressed. However, they remain resolute and determined to overcome these obstacles and bring the house back to life.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an insight into the restoration process, from the initial planning stages to the final touches. Nick and his team work tirelessly to restore the house to its original state, using traditional building methods and materials wherever possible.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is the use of salvaged materials and resources. The Ratcliffe family had saved almost everything that came their way, and so the team was able to reuse old doors, windows, and floorboards that would have otherwise been discarded.

As the project nears completion, the transformation of the house is astounding. The once dilapidated and cluttered home has been turned into a stunning Victorian masterpiece, complete with restored fireplaces, period features, and a beautiful new kitchen.

The Resourceful Ratcliffes episode of Nick Knowles: Original Home Restoration season 1 showcases the incredible skill and craftsmanship that goes into restoring a period property. It is inspiring to see the team's dedication to preserving the original character of the house, whilst also making it a comfortable and livable space for the Ratcliffe family.

Overall, this episode is an enjoyable and insightful watch for anyone interested in home renovation, DIY, or historic buildings. It is a testament to the importance of preserving our architectural heritage and the creative ways in which we can use salvaged materials.