Ep 2. Flint Mill

The Restoration Man is an English television series where host George Clarke travels across the UK to follow people who are restoring old and derelict buildings, in hopes of bringing them back to their former glory. In season 3 episode 2, Clarke visits Flint Mill, a Grade II listed watermill located in Staffordshire that has been abandoned for over 50 years.

The Flint Mill was built in the early 1800s and was used to grind corn. At its prime, it was a bustling hub of activity, with the sound of the water wheel filling the valley below. However, after the advent of electricity, the mill fell out of use and was left to deteriorate over time. By the time Clarke visited the site, the mill was in a dilapidated state, with trees growing through the roof and the machinery covered in rust.

The mill was purchased by a couple, Ian and Jayne, who were determined to bring it back to life. They saw the mill's potential to be converted into a family home, while still retaining its original features. Clarke was impressed by the couple's ambition and dedication, and looked forward to seeing the transformation take place.

The first challenge for Ian and Jayne was to clear the mill of all the debris that had accumulated over the years. This was no small feat, as the mill was filled with over 50 years worth of rubbish. They had to use a variety of tools and equipment to do this, including a crane to remove the old machinery. In addition to clearing the mill, they also needed to make it structurally sound, and carried out extensive repairs to the walls and roof.

As the restoration work progressed, the couple faced a number of challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was to get the water wheel back into working order. The water wheel was the heart of the mill and getting it to work properly would be crucial to the success of the project. Ian and Jayne worked tirelessly to repair and refurbish the water wheel, finally succeeding after a lot of hard work.

Another big challenge was to convert the mill into a family home while still preserving its character. They wanted to create an open-plan living space where the mill's original features could be on display, while still providing all the modern amenities that a family would need. To achieve this, they had to be creative in their use of space, making sure that the living area was both functional and comfortable.

Throughout the restoration process, Clarke provided advice and feedback to Ian and Jayne, helping them to make the best possible decisions. He provided them with tips on how to source the right materials, and showed them how to incorporate the mill's original features into the design.

By the end of the episode, the mill had been transformed into a beautiful family home that retained its original charm and character. The water wheel was working again, and the sound of it turning could be heard throughout the valley below. Clarke was impressed with the final result, and praised Ian and Jayne for their hard work and dedication.

Overall, season 3 episode 2 of The Restoration Man was an inspiring story of how an old and derelict building can be given a new lease on life with the right combination of vision, hard work, and dedication. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving our architectural heritage and the value that old buildings can bring to our communities.