Ep 1. 1902 Queen Anne Victorian

In the season 4 opener of Restored, host Brett Waterman takes on a challenging restoration project in Redlands, California. The home he is tasked with restoring is a remarkably well-preserved 1902 Queen Anne Victorian with plenty of unique character and history.

The exterior of the home greets us with elegant decorative elements, such as the ornate balustrade that decorates the front porch, as well as the detailed woodwork on the gables and eaves. The home's bright blue paint is an eye-catching feature that brings attention to the home's historic exterior and stands out against the lush greenery.

Inside, there are a number of impressive features that Brett is keen to restore. The home has a remarkable amount of original woodwork, such as the stunning staircase with intricate balusters that leads to the second floor. The living room has original oak paneling and coffered ceilings, providing an authentic period feel that Brett is excited to accentuate.

However, the house also has a number of oddities that Brett will need to work around in order to preserve the Victorian charm. The kitchen, for instance, has clearly been updated over the years and now boasts laminate countertops and a lackluster design that doesn't blend well with the home's period aesthetic. Additionally, there is a door to nowhere in the dining room that appears to have been added after the home was originally built.

Throughout the episode, Brett works closely with the homeowners to determine their vision for the home and which features they want to preserve or update. The couple, who are artists themselves, want to retain some artistic elements in the home, such as a custom stained glass window that showcases a hummingbird feeding on a California poppy.

Over the course of the episode, we see Brett and his team work painstakingly to restore the home's unique elements, such as the original wood-framed windows and intricate door frames. They also expertly blend modern conveniences into the home's design, including a custom-designed breakfast nook in the kitchen that retains the vintage style, while adding a functional element to the space.

As with any Victorian-era home, surprises lurk behind every door. During the renovation, Brett discovered an original built-in safe that had been covered up over time. Instead of hiding it away, Brett expertly restored the safe and made it a fully functional centerpiece in the home's upstairs family room.

By the end of the episode, the transformed home is a masterpiece. Unique antique lighting fixtures, such as a kerosene chandelier and classic sconces, expertly blend into the home's interior design. The team's expert work on original elements such as the staircase has helped to make the entire home feel like a time capsule of Victorian-era charm.

Overall, this is a fascinating episode that showcases Brett's expert restoration skills and thorough attention to detail. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates historic homes and the beauty of Victorian-era architecture and design.