Ep 2. Llanreithan Church

The Restoration Man season 1 episode 2 is called "Llanreithan Church." This episode features a stunning church in the heart of rural Wales that is in dire need of restoration. The main focus of this episode is on the unique and challenging process of restoring an old, historic building.

Presenter George Clarke visits the church and meets the owners, Richard and Sheryl Cottrill. The Cottrills bought the church over 10 years ago with the hope of transforming it into a loving and comfortable family home. However, they quickly realized that restoring the church would be a monumental task.

George gets a tour of the church from Richard and Sheryl and sees the beautiful stained-glass windows, the original floors, and the stunning roof trusses. Richard and Sheryl also show George a fascinating historical artifact they found in the churchyard – a stone that dates back to the time of the Knights Templar.

George discusses the challenges of restoring the church with Richard and Sheryl. He worries about the cost, the time, and the expertise required to complete such a unique project. But Richard and Sheryl are determined to see it through.

The first step in the renovation process is to clear out the church and take care of the damp that has taken over. The Cottrills bring in a team of specialists who carefully remove the pews and other debris from the church. They then need to figure out the source of the damp and repair it before proceeding with the restoration work.

Next, the Cottrills need to address the heating and insulation problems. Since the church was not originally designed as a home, it lacks insulation and modern heating systems. George helps them explore different options and they eventually settle on an underfloor heating system that will keep the bottom of the church warm without interfering with the beauty of the original interior design.

Other challenges include finding modern solutions to the church's lighting, plumbing, and kitchen layout. George helps the couple navigate these challenges and brainstorm solutions.

As the renovation work starts to take shape, the Cottrills begin to see their dream of a beautiful family home within the church become reality. And when the restoration is finally complete, the finished product is truly breathtaking.

Overall, this episode of The Restoration Man is a fascinating look at the process of restoring an iconic landmark and transforming it into a comfortable and functional home. The challenges are significant, but the payoff is a beautiful and unique living space that continues to honor the history and legacy of the church.