Ep 4. 1928 English Cottage

In Restored's season 5 episode 4 entitled "1928 English Cottage," host Brett Waterman visits a vintage cottage in Glendora, California. The 1928 English Cottage had fallen into disrepair and was in desperate need of attention. Brett discovers that the homeowners, a couple who had recently been married, were hoping to combine their belongings and start fresh in a newly renovated home.

As he does in every episode, Brett is eager to learn about the house's history and origins. In this episode, he finds out that the house was originally built by an English immigrant who wanted to recreate the feeling of an authentic British cottage. From the exterior's steeply pitched rooflines to the lush English-style gardens, it's clear that the original owner was successful in his endeavor.

Brett's first order of business is to restore the home's curb appeal. The front yard is overgrown with weeds and bushes, and the front porch is in need of serious repair. Brett repairs and repaints the porch to give it a fresh look, and he adds new landscaping and hardscaping to the front yard to make it more inviting.

Inside the house, Brett is faced with a mishmash of styles that don't quite work together. The living room has an old brick fireplace that dominates the space, and the kitchen is cramped and outdated. However, Brett is determined to find a way to make it all work while still honoring the home's vintage charm.

Brett decides to focus on the kitchen first, knowing that it's an important gathering place for the couple. He completely tears out the old kitchen and starts from scratch, adding custom cabinets, a farmhouse sink, and vintage-style tile. He even finds an old-fashioned stove that fits perfectly with the home's historical design.

The living room is next on Brett's list, and he knows that he'll have to work around the large fireplace. He decides to create a cozy seating area around the fireplace, reusing much of the existing furniture. In addition, Brett installs new lighting and adds custom built-in storage to make the room more functional.

The bedroom is another challenge for Brett, as it's too small to fit the couple's belongings comfortably. He reconfigures the layout of the room, moving the bed to a different wall and adding custom closets to make the most of the space. He also replaces the windows with ones that match the original design.

Throughout the renovation process, Brett is careful to keep the home's history and character in mind. He works with local artisans to create custom pieces that fit with the home's vintage style, such as a wrought-iron railing for the staircase and vintage-style light fixtures.

In the end, Brett's hard work pays off. The 1928 English Cottage has been transformed into a cozy, charming home that reflects the couple's combined tastes and personalities. The vintage details that make the home so special have been preserved and celebrated, while the updates have made it more livable and functional for modern living. Restored's season 5 episode 4 is a testament to the power of restoration and the magic of old homes.