Ep 4. Fortified Towers

The Restoration Man season 1 episode 4, titled Fortified Towers, takes viewers on a journey to Wales as host George Clarke meets David Llwyd, a man who has taken on the daunting task of restoring two medieval towers on his property. These towers once served as part of a larger fortification that was built in 1284 by Edward I of England to control the Welsh people.

As the episode begins, viewers are introduced to Llwyd and given a glimpse into his plans for the towers. He hopes to transform them into a unique holiday accommodation that will allow guests to experience what it's like to live like a medieval prince or princess. However, before he can begin creating his dream accommodation, Llwyd must first tackle the daunting task of restoring the towers.

The show then takes viewers through the various challenges that Llwyd faces as he attempts to restore the towers to their former glory. The first challenge is sourcing the right materials and skilled labor to undertake the job. Llwyd enlists the help of a team of local builders, but quickly realizes that many of their modern techniques are not suitable for working with ancient stone. Undeterred, Llwyd perseveres and eventually finds a team that is able to work with the unique demands of the project.

As the restoration work begins, the show highlights the intricate work involved in restoring the towers. The team must work with scaffolding that is specially designed to protect the towers while allowing access to every nook and cranny that needs work. They also use a variety of techniques to carefully remove and replace the old stone, including using traditional lime mortar and hand-carving replacement blocks to match the originals.

Throughout the process, Llwyd is faced with a number of setbacks, including unexpected issues with structural stability and a difficult planning process as he tries to gain permission to turn the towers into holiday accommodation. However, despite these challenges, Llwyd remains determined to see the project through to completion.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are given a glimpse into the finished product, as the restored towers are shown in all their glory. The end result is a stunning combination of medieval architecture and modern design, with each tower boasting its own unique features and amenities. From the stunning views of the surrounding countryside to the handcrafted furniture and fixtures, the towers truly are a one-of-a-kind holiday accommodation.

Overall, The Restoration Man season 1 episode 4 is an inspiring and informative look at one man's incredible journey to restore two ancient towers to their former glory. From the challenges of sourcing materials and skilled labor to the intricacies of restoring ancient stone, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of medieval restoration. For fans of history, architecture, and DIY restoration projects, this is a must-watch episode of The Restoration Man.