Ep 7. St Peter's Barn

"Restoration Home" is a British television series that follows the journey of homeowners who are restoring historic buildings. In season 3 episode 7, titled "St Peter's Barn," viewers are taken on a journey to the rural hamlet of Tysoe, Warwickshire. The focus of the episode is on a Grade II-listed 17th-century barn that stands on the grounds of an old rectory.

The barn holds a special place in the community's history, having once belonged to the Church of St. Peter. Over time, it fell into disrepair and was left to rot and deteriorate. But in recent years, a new owner has taken on the task of restoring the barn to its former glory, and viewers get to witness this transformation firsthand in the episode.

The new owner, David Snell, is a retired banker who fell in love with the old barn and its idyllic surroundings. He purchased the property with the intention of restoring it and turning it into a comfortable home for himself and his wife. But with no experience in building or restoration work, he quickly found himself in over his head.

Enter the show's team of experts, led by Caroline Quentin, who has a passion for bringing old buildings back to life. They help David with everything from finding a good builder to sourcing authentic materials and even helping with DIY tasks. Along the way, viewers learn about the history of the barn and the challenges of restoring such an old and historically significant building.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project is the roof, which has suffered extensive damage over the years. The team has to carefully remove the old tiles and replace them with new ones that match the style of the original roof. They also have to replace rotting timbers and make repairs to the supporting structure to ensure that the roof is safe and secure.

Another major challenge is the flooring, which is made up of ancient flagstones that have become uneven and cracked over time. The team has to lift each individual stone, level the base, and then carefully replace it to create a new, level surface. This is no easy task, and it takes several weeks of hard work to complete.

Throughout the episode, viewers see a lot of the creative problem-solving and ingenuity that goes into restoring an old building. For example, when it comes to finding authentic materials, the team has to scour reclamation yards, auctions, and even the internet to find the right pieces. They also have to come up with creative solutions for things like plumbing and wiring, which can be difficult to install in a building that was never designed for modern living.

Despite the many challenges, the team and David never lose sight of their goal. They work tirelessly to restore the barn to its former glory, and the finished product is nothing short of breathtaking. The barn is transformed into a stunning home that blends modern conveniences with historic charm, creating a space that's both functional and beautiful.

In the end, "St Peter's Barn" is a testament to the power of restoration and the importance of preserving our heritage. The episode shows that, with the right team of experts, a lot of hard work, and a lot of dedication, any old building can be brought back to life and enjoyed for generations to come.