Ep 9. Bath Lodge Revisit

In season 2 episode 9 of The Restoration Man, entitled "Bath Lodge Revisit," host George Clarke returns to a project from a previous series to see how the restoration has progressed. The project in question is Bath Lodge, a Grade II-listed hunting lodge located in the Wiltshire countryside.

George first visited Bath Lodge several years ago, when it was in a state of disrepair and desperate need of restoration. The lodge had been in the same family for generations, but had fallen into disuse and was suffering from damp, rot, and neglect. Despite the challenges, the owners were passionate about preserving the lodge's history and character, and were determined to bring it back to life.

In this episode, George catches up with the owners to see how their restoration project has progressed. He begins by revisiting the lodge's impressive Great Hall, which was originally used for entertaining huntsmen and guests. The owners have painstakingly restored the room to its former glory, removing layers of wallpaper to reveal the original wall paintings and repairing the intricate plasterwork. The room now serves as a stunning living space that showcases the lodge's history and heritage.

Next, George heads to the lodge's kitchen, which was initially in a sorry state. The owners have transformed the space into a modern, functional kitchen, while still retaining some of the period features, such as the fireplace and the original flagstone flooring. George is impressed with how they have managed to strike the balance between modern convenience and historical authenticity.

George then visits some of the lodge's guest bedrooms, which were previously unused and abandoned. The owners have transformed these spaces into comfortable and stylish guest rooms, while still retaining the original features, such as the fireplaces and wooden beams. George is impressed with how the owners have managed to create modern, livable spaces within a historical building.

Finally, George meets with the owners to reflect on their journey and discuss the challenges they faced during the restoration. The owners talk about the difficulties they faced in finding skilled craftsmen and sourcing traditional materials, as well as the financial and emotional toll that the project took. However, they also express their pride and satisfaction in preserving a part of history and creating a home that they love.

Overall, "Bath Lodge Revisit" is a fascinating look at the highs and lows of restoring a historical property. The owners' love and dedication to the lodge shines through in every detail, and it's heartwarming to see how they have managed to create a beautiful home that honours its past while still being a comfortable, livable space for modern living.