Ep 4. 1901 Victorian Bungalow

In season 1 episode 4 of Restored, host Brett Waterman takes on the daunting task of renovating a deteriorating 1901 Victorian bungalow located in a historic neighborhood in Redlands, California. The home has been neglected for years and suffers from serious water damage, structural issues, outdated plumbing, and electrical problems. The challenge that lies ahead for Brett is to restore the house to its former glory while preserving its historical charm and character.

As Brett begins the restoration process, he discovers hidden treasures in the home that give him insight into the history of the family who once lived there. For example, he finds an old newspaper from 1903 that shows the home's original owners as well as historical photographs of the house from an early 1900s postcard. With these discoveries, Brett gains a deeper appreciation for the history of the home and is motivated to do a thorough restoration.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the step-by-step process of the renovation. Brett and his team start by assessing the structural problems and replacing damaged beams and rotted wood. They update the plumbing and electrical systems and then focus on restoring the home's original details. Brett works to preserve the home's unique features such as its stained glass windows, built-in cabinetry, and intricate woodwork.

One of the biggest challenges in this restoration is the home's damaged exterior. Over the years, the original wood shingles had been covered up with multiple layers of stucco and paint. Brett spends a considerable amount of time removing layers of stucco and resurfacing the exterior of the home to its original state. He also removes a 1970s addition to the home that was not in keeping with the home's Victorian style.

As the restoration progresses, Brett discovers that there are even more hidden treasures in the home. Behind a wall in the dining room, he finds a hidden elevator shaft that was used to transport food and items between the first and second floors. In the kitchen, he uncovers an old fireplace that had been covered up with cabinetry. Brett chooses to restore both of these features, adding to the historical significance and unique charm of the home.

Throughout the episode, Brett works closely with the homeowners, who are passionate about restoring their home to its original grandeur. They are excited to see the transformation take place and are eager to contribute by painting and installing fixtures.

Overall, this episode of Restored showcases the dedication and hard work that goes into restoring an aging historical home. Brett's passion for preserving the character and charm of these unique homes shines through in his attention to detail and his respect for the home's history. The end result is a stunning Victorian bungalow that has been transformed into a beautiful and functional family home while still maintaining its original character.