Ep 5. Cassillis House

Restoration Home is a British television series that follows the journeys of people who have embarked on ambitious restorations of historically significant buildings. In season 3 episode 5, titled Cassillis House, viewers are taken on a tour of a stunning Scottish mansion that has fallen into disrepair.

Cassillis House, located near Maybole in Ayrshire, Scotland, was built in the 18th century and is a classic example of Scottish baronial architecture. The building was originally owned by the Kennedy family, a prominent Scottish clan, but has been largely unused for decades and has fallen into disrepair. The current owners, film director Robin Hardy and his partner Victoria, are determined to restore the building to its former glory.

The episode begins with presenter Caroline Quentin meeting with Robin and Victoria to learn more about their plans for Cassillis House. They explain that while the mansion has a rich and fascinating history, it has been severely damaged by water and neglect. The roof has leaked for years, causing extensive damage to the upper floors and threatening to reduce the building to ruins.

Robin and Victoria have already spent over £2 million on the restoration project, and the work has been ongoing for four years. They have faced numerous challenges, including disputes with contractors and difficulties obtaining planning permission, but have persevered in their quest to save the historic home.

Caroline Quentin is then given a tour of Cassillis House, and viewers are introduced to some of its stunning features. The mansion boasts grand reception rooms, ornate ceilings, and period fireplaces. The upper floors have been damaged by water, but the team is working hard to repair and restore these areas.

Viewers also meet some of the expert craftspeople who are working on the restoration project. These include stonemasons, joiners, and roofers, who are all putting their skills to use in the restoration of this beautiful building.

Throughout the episode, the challenges faced by Robin and Victoria are highlighted. These include a lack of historical records about the building, meaning that many elements of the restoration have had to be based on guesswork or close examination of existing features. The costs of the restoration have also been a concern, with Robin investing his life savings into the project.

Despite these challenges, Robin and Victoria remain determined to complete the restoration of Cassillis House. They explain that they want to leave a lasting legacy that future generations can enjoy and appreciate. They are also committed to respecting the historic significance of the building and ensuring that it is preserved for years to come.

The episode concludes with Caroline Quentin reflecting on the progress that Robin and Victoria have made with the restoration of Cassillis House. While there is still much work to be done, viewers are left with a sense of hope and excitement about the future of this historic mansion. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the restoration team, Cassillis House is once again a building of great beauty and significance.