Ep 1. Thrill of the Mill

In this thrilling episode of Restoration Wild season 1, we are taken on a journey with animal expert Jay Chaikin as he sets out to transform an abandoned 18th century grist mill into a modern, sustainable home for a family of four. Nicknamed the “Thrill of the Mill,” this project is sure to challenge Jay in ways he’s never been challenged before.

The mill, which has sat untouched for over a century, is located in a picturesque valley in Pennsylvania. The first step in the restoration process is to clear out all the debris and overgrown vegetation so that Jay can assess the structural integrity of the mill. Once the site is cleared, Jay and his team begin to hammer away at the old mill, carefully chipping away at the crumbling bricks and weathered woodwork.

As the team excavates the site, they discover some surprising artifacts that shed light on the mill’s rich history. Among the finds are old tools, machinery, and even an old grain chute that once transported grain from the road above the mill to the grindstones below.

One of the biggest challenges the team faces is figuring out how to maximize the space inside the mill while still preserving its historic charm. The solution is to create two levels inside the mill, with a mezzanine floor partitioned off for the sleeping quarters. To create this level, Jay and his team have to do some serious heavy lifting, hoisting beams and inserting metal brackets to hold everything in place.

As the restoration process continues, the team encounters a horde of critters that have made their home inside the mill. Rats, snakes, and even a family of raccoons must be removed before they can begin laying the new flooring. Fortunately, Jay is more than up to the task, having spent years dealing with all manner of animals in his line of work.

With the foundation and flooring in place, the team begins to focus on the mill’s exterior. The old roof, which has long since collapsed, needs to be replaced with something that can withstand the harsh Pennsylvania winters. Jay decides to install a metal roof, which will not only be more durable, but will also give the mill a modern edge.

The final challenge is to restore the mill’s waterwheel, which has been missing for over a century. Jay and his team scour the area for any remnants of the original waterwheel, but come up empty-handed. Instead, they decide to build a new waterwheel from scratch, using traditional techniques and modern materials. It’s a daunting task, but after months of hard work, the new waterwheel is finally ready to be installed.

As the sun sets on the final day of the restoration, Jay reflects on the challenges and triumphs of the project. It’s been a long, grueling process, but the end result is a breathtaking, modern home that still retains its historic charm. The family who will be moving in shortly is sure to be blown away by the transformation. And for Jay, this project has been a truly thrilling ride.