Ep 3. Church, Gamblesby Cumbria

In season 2 episode 3 of The Restoration Man, we get to witness the miraculous transformation of a historic church in Gamblesby, Cumbria. The show follows the journey of a couple, Karen and Richard, as they work tirelessly to restore the church to its former glory while also making some modern upgrades to make it their family home.

The episode starts off with a historical overview of the church. Built in the 1860s, the church played a central role in the community for over a century before falling into disrepair due to lack of funds and maintenance. The roof was leaking, the walls were crumbling, and the beautiful stained glass windows were in desperate need of restoration.

Enter Karen and Richard, a couple with a passion for restoring historic buildings. They undertake the challenging task of turning the neglected church into their family home, and the show documents their progress every step of the way.

The first few weeks are spent on basic repairs, such as fixing the roof and repairing the walls. However, the real challenge comes in when Karen and Richard need to figure out how to turn a large open-plan space into a functional living area. They decide to use the original church pews as the base for their family dining table, and they also repurpose the old oak floorboards into a stunning kitchen island.

Another challenge is the vast amount of natural light that pours into the church through the beautiful stained glass windows. Karen and Richard need to find a way to create privacy without obstructing the light. They eventually decide to install sheer curtains that complement the color of the stained glass and offer a beautiful ethereal effect.

One of the most impressive aspects of the renovation is the introduction of modern features into the historic building. Karen and Richard install underfloor heating throughout the church to make it warm and cozy during the harsh Cumbrian winters. They also install a state-of-the-art sound system that allows them to pipe music throughout the building.

Throughout the episode, we witness the transformation of the church from a crumbling, neglected building to a stunning family home that retains all the beauty and history of its past. Karen and Richard have certainly put in countless hours of hard work, but the end result is absolutely breathtaking.

Overall, season 2 episode 3 of The Restoration Man is a wonderful showcase of the transformative power of restoration. Karen and Richard's passion for preserving the past while embracing the present is truly inspiring.