Ep 1. Bath Lodge

The Restoration Man is a show that focuses on restoring old and forgotten buildings all across the UK. In season 1's opening episode titled 'Bath Lodge', the presenter George Clarke takes on a magnificent restoration project involving a 200-year-old derelict gatehouse that lies in the outskirts of the beautiful city of Bath.

As the episode opens, viewers get a glimpse of Bath Lodge in its current state; a gatehouse that served as a private road leading to a grand mansion. The structure is in a state of disrepair, with broken windows, a leaky roof, and crumbling walls. But George sees a potential masterpiece.

He meets with Alex and Cheryl, the couple that bought the property with over an acre of land. Alex, with a strong interest in architecture and design, saw the potential of the gatehouse when they first came to view the property. They have already started the process of gutting the building to begin the restoration.

Although the couple has a passion for renovations, they have never done anything at this scale before. George takes a tour of the property, and it becomes clear that the restoration project will be much more extensive than what the couple initially envisioned.

The master builder and presenter show the couple the potential for turning the gatehouse into an impressive modern home while retaining the original features of the building. The unique Victorian Gothic architecture features within the building are not commonly seen, so it is an exciting project for both the couple and George.

The presenter goes through plans with the couple in the original main building, which was once used as an entrance for a grand mansion. They discuss how the room could be used and what the final outcome for the room should look like. Although the couple is initially nervous about taking on such a project, George shares his excitement and demonstrates the benefits of preserving historic architecture. He inspires them to look at the renovation as an incredible opportunity to create something meaningful.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the history of the building and the surroundings. George points out different stylistic features like the stone masonry, the carved woodwork, and the stained glass windows that make this project unique.

There is more to the project than just restoring the building itself. A significant part of the land is overgrown and will need clearing. The couple also wants to build a pool on the property, so proper drainage needs consideration.

Every challenge is met with safety, precision, and a bit of improvisation. The overall project takes up to 11 months, and George comes back at different stages to track the progress. Viewers see the transformation of the property from a derelict gatehouse to a stunning modern home, culminating the final reveal. It is a proud moment for the couple, who can now live in their dream home, a piece of history brought back to life.

In summary, the first episode of The Restoration Man, titled Bath Lodge, is an inspiring tale of how a neglected historic structure can be given new life. The episode provides a detailed and insightful look at the restoration process, including the challenges faced, the technical aspects, and the final outcome. Viewers are given an appreciation of the importance of preserving old and unique architecture and the satisfaction and pride in restoring them.