Ep 9. Medieval Hall and Mansion

The Restoration Man season 1 episode 9 features the restoration of a medieval hall and mansion in Essex, England. The episode follows the journey of owners Tim and Deborah who have been living in the property for over ten years and have decided to undertake a major restoration project to bring the historic buildings back to their former glory.

The medieval hall, which dates back to the 16th century, has a long and fascinating history. Originally built as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII, it later became a residence for the wealthy Sir William Capel, and was even converted into a brewery at one point. Over time, the hall fell into disrepair and was eventually used as a farm before being bought by Tim and Deborah.

Given the rich history of the property, Tim and Deborah are keen to ensure that the restoration of the hall and mansion is done in a way that is sympathetic to its heritage. They work closely with architect Dipa Joshi to come up with a plan that both honours the building's past and brings it up to modern standards.

One of the key challenges that the team face is the size of the property. With over 10,000 square feet of space to be restored, they must carefully consider how to allocate the different rooms and living spaces. They also need to ensure that the restoration is done in a way that is both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the painstaking work that goes into the restoration process. From sourcing antique slate for the roof to carefully restoring the original windows, Tim and Deborah spare no expense in their efforts to revive the property.

There are also some unexpected challenges along the way, including a well that needs to be dug out and an ancient bread oven that is discovered hidden ian old fireplace. However, despite these setbacks, the restoration team soldiers on, determined to do justice to this historic property.

As the restoration nears completion, Tim and Deborah's vision for their new home begins to take shape. From the beautiful medieval courtyard to the grand dining hall, every detail has been considered to create a stunning and unique living space.

Overall, this episode of The Restoration Man is a fascinating insight into the world of historic restoration. From the challenges of working with a listed building to the excitement of uncovering hidden historical treasures, viewers are sure to be captivated by Tim and Deborah's story.