Ep 5. Towers Revisit

The Restoration Man is a British television series that follows the restoration of historic properties across the country. Each episode sees host and conservation expert George Clarke as he travels around Britain to help owners transform derelict buildings into beautiful homes. In season 2, episode 5, titled "Towers Revisit," Clarke returns to a couple he helped in a previous episode.

In "Towers Revisit," Clarke returns to the Towers, a medieval tower-house in Northumberland that was once used as a farmstead. In a previous episode, the current owners, Martin and Judith, were just beginning to tackle the restoration of the property. In this episode, Clarke returns to see the progress and offer his expertise on the remaining work that needs to be done.

Martin and Judith have been working tirelessly on the restoration for over five years, and in that time they have transformed what was once a crumbling ruin into a beautiful family home. However, there is still much work to be done, and they are struggling to decide how to proceed with some of the remaining challenges.

The first challenge is the tower's roof, which is in desperate need of repair. Martin and Judith have to decide whether to rebuild the roof to its original specifications or use a modern, lightweight material. Clarke offers his opinion on the best course of action, taking into account the historical significance of the property.

The second challenge is the tower's external facade. Martin and Judith have used a lime mortar to repoint the stonework, but the mortar is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. They are unsure whether to use a hydraulic lime mortar or a traditional lime putty mortar, and again, Clarke offers his advice on the correct approach.

The third challenge is the tower's interior. Martin and Judith have stripped the tower of all modern additions, but they are unsure how to reinstate some of the original features, such as the fireplace. Clarke offers some insights into how to replicate the original features using traditional materials and techniques.

Throughout the episode, the beauty and history of the Towers are highlighted, with Clarke providing insights into the significance of the building and its place in British history. The show is a celebration of the passion and dedication that goes into restoring historic properties and the importance of preserving the country's heritage for future generations.

Overall, "Towers Revisit" is a fascinating and informative episode that showcases the incredible work that Martin and Judith have done in restoring this historic property. Clarke provides valuable advice and insights into the restoration process, making the episode a compelling watch for anyone interested in the restoration of historic buildings.