The Restoration Man Season 3 Episode 10 Foxholes Farm
- March 12, 2014
- 46 min
In this episode of The Restoration Man season 3, viewers are taken on a journey to Foxholes Farm, a stunning 17th-century farmhouse located in rural Norfolk. When the farmhouse was first built, it was at the height of agriculture and was initially part of a large estate. However, as time went on, the estate was sold, and the house fell into disrepair. When current owners Jan and Mark bought the property, it had been abandoned for ten years and was in a state of complete disrepair.
Mark and Jan were determined to bring this magnificent home back to its former glory, but the task was no small feat. With approval of English Heritage and the help of historical architectural experts, the couple begins the difficult process of restoring the farmhouse to its original grandeur.
The first challenge? Restoring the exterior. The roof has completely deteriorated, leaving the farmhouse vulnerable to the elements. A new roof must be built by hand, as the materials used in the past are no longer available. Next, the team turns their attention to restoring the original brickwork, using a technique called lime pointing which is historically accurate for the time period. The stone masonry is also inspected and restored.
Inside the house, the couple has big plans for each room. The original layout was changed, and the team must move walls and floors back in order to restore the space to its original design. A large living room and dining space becomes the focus, and the team creates a beautiful double-sided fireplace made from local brick, connecting the two room. The kitchen, which was originally a separate building from the farmhouse, is brought into the house and restored.
One of the most challenging tasks is restoring the original staircase. It has been completely removed, and the team must carefully research and recreate it from scratch, using evidence of where the original would have been.
As work on the farmhouse continues, Mark and Jan also work on restoring the two barns and stables that come with the property. The buildings had been used for storage over the years and had no running water or electricity. The team installs modern amenities while still honoring the historical architecture of the buildings. The barn and stables become a guest house and workspace, respectively.
Throughout the restoration process, Mark and Jan face challenges, but their love for the home never falters. They are determined to restore the farmhouse and keep its original integrity while making it a comfortable home for modern living.
In the end, the restoration team successfully reconstructs a magnificent home that has stood the test of time. The property has been given new life, and the beauty of its original features has been preserved for generations to come. Viewers will be left in awe of the restoration experts, who have worked so hard to return this historic home to its former glory.