This is the first video about our journey to restore a 19th Century Georgian Rectory. It's rather long and rambling but decided to publish it anyway because I don't have much time to edit right now! More details and videos to follow!
Hi, I'm a Rector's Wife (although my husband now has a slightly different job) and I'm delighted to see you wanting to rescue and restore this beautiful old home. A lot of these lovely old buildings were sold off a while ago because the church couldn't afford to keep them. Heating costs were huge and without investment in insulation etc. they were BEAUTIFUL in summer, but freezing in winter with the Rector and their family only affording to live in and heat a few rooms. They were also often used for church and community events, especially using the garden in the summer. Pop along to the church nearby and ask about the building for more history and someone there will know. 🙂 Plus, with no servants (a lot has changed in 200 years!) keeping the house and garden in a generally reasonable state would more or less be a full time job in itself. Tread gently in anything you do outside because the gardens are often havens for wildlife and living alongside so many animals is an absolute delight. The brick addition is probably church-related in some way - possibly a study and toilet as in recent decades it has generally been realised that having everyone walking straight through the Rector's home at all hours of the day or night (people in crisis don't often stick to a 9am-5pm!) might not be helpful or appropriate, especially if the Rector has young children. We have found a beautiful sense of peace in these homes... I hope you will too. (On a practical level experts are your friend and the 'measure twice, cut once' mentality of check and double check before you do anything will probably save you a huge amount in the long run.) Enjoy...
As someone who has renovated and lived in old homes here in the U.S. for many years--my present home was built in 1843--let me give you one piece of solid advice. The best money that you will spend will be spent on forging an alliance with an architect whose specialty is historic dwellings. He will provide the needed referrals to builders, restorers, suppliers, etc. that you will need throughout this project. DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS ALONE. That is absolutely a fool's errand and wasted money--and likely disastrous results. It also sounds like you need to think through what you want the finished dwelling to be--a single family home, two large flats...What? So take a deep breath, sit down, start doing research and making lists--and do not raise a hammer until the basics have been ironed out.
An architect will help you understand what the house was originally like and can do plans with you, but I'm glad your putting it back to a home and not flats, I think it will be beautiful when done but you have a lot of hard work in front of you, also get a survey on the roof ect good luck.
@bzuidgeest Nor is my house, sir...Suggest you read my post again, and consider how ill-informed and rude your post is...Perhaps your attitude is the reason for your overwhelming 3 followers on RU-vid?
This restoration is going to hold my attention. Please do NOTHING until you get hold of the original plans. Next to an experienced restoration architect, they will be the best set of guide posts you can possibly get. Please do not be tempted to take on this beautifull house alone. Do not ignore the cellars.They are holding up the whole house.
@@jenniferpearce1052 Possible. The church the rectory was attached to could have plans or even a hand drawn layout. The local Council may also have the original layout as part of the planning process for creating flats. And I wonder if there are more options?
Hi my name is Pierce Wade and I live in Ireland. In regards to your windows the ones with the shutters on you will still have the original sash boxes in place so all you need is new sashes and parting beads staff beads ropes and weights could still be there. Strip the old paint off the boxes do any repairs and fit the sashes. See if there is one of the original windows in the house to match the size of the glazing bars or astragals bars as there known as. You can also double glaze them and still putty point them just like the original windows. If you need any more information get in contact with me I’ve been doing this type of work for 47 years 👍🇮🇪
Yes I too have restored and built many box frame sash windows. Once you get your head arond the construction they really arent as daunting as they first seem. Quite a humble, simple constructon but very elegant in looks. So many towns have had the soul ripped out of them with the loss of these windows and whats replaced is simply hiddious with fat, over sized profiles that let less light into the room. UPVC companys have a lot to answer for in my opinion. (Anyway rant over)...Yes a Pierce said looks like you still have in place ,the original box frames. Looks like 1980's aluminium frames have just been fixed onto them. Scrap the ali windows for some some much needed pennies. Then will be well worth looking into refurbing these original box frames. With a bit of luck they have been protected from the elements by the ali windows. You'll probably find the timber used in these are far better quality, with properly seasoned, lovely tight grain and minimal knots, leages better than anything you will be able to get your hands on today. Probably still have the old weights in the frames too. Just need to have new sash's made. Take up Pierces offer too. Valuable source of knowledge there I would say. The best of luck to you.
You are not an idiot, you are a man with a vision. The other commenters here have left some good advice. Get all the help you can from those who have done this type of work. It will fabulous to see the transformation. I will be watching the progress, thank you!
I grew up in a Victorian mansion and your small steep stairs look like that house's 'back stairs' or servant's stairs. Not saying that's what they are, only what they LOOK like. What a lot of work you've got to do....And how fun!
Yeah, the main stairs in my 1700s house were very comparable to my 1912 servant stairs. I think back then unless the house was a showcase type, the only goal was to get to the next floor. Stairs were also complicated by timber framing
@@pinschrunnerHmmm ...what makes you think so? Servant's stairs generally originate in a servant area like a kitchen. That appeared to be in a central location. I restore old houses and have seen and owned 18th century houses where the only, and original staircase looked like that. Middle class houses had different, cost-related standards. I'd be interested in what makes you seem so certain. Always ready to learn...
Well he already said he wants to do it for a project so your suggestion makes no sense. If he works as the contractor he han hire out any jobs he's not qualified for such as the electric.
@poodlegirl55 As someone who has always done my own remodeling and fixing, I'm gonna stand by my suggestion. A lot of work. A lot of wasted time. A lot of unnecessary purchases. And amateur grade results.
I used to be involved in historic preservation, trained at the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. over 20 years ago as part of their Main Street Program. When I assisted building owners who wanted to renovate their buildings I always recommended getting in touch with your local Historic Preservation Commission/Board or whatever you would call them in the UK. They can help you with guidelines, grants available, etc. Best of luck, I'll be watching for you.
@@deborahlester4018 Gingerbread can be quite lovely; however, it does predate your property by quite a few years. Are there many other buildings surrounding yours with that architectural style?
All similar to mine, early 20th century, simple lines, simple ornamentation, distinguished by different brick work, windows etc.. He said it would make it more interesting. I am rarely speechless, but...I could only conclude he had no interest in the era and had done no homework.
It's horrors like this that make me appreciate planning commissions. No one should ever have been allowed to disrespect this beautiful old building in this way.
You should start with the annex. It is a smaller project that when finished could be used as a living space or break room while you are working on the main house.
This was my first thought as well. Better to learn skills on a small scale and not risk damaging historically significant elements of the main house. I am so looking forward to following this project. It's such a Jane Austen property!
You have 1. Rising Damp , 2. A roof problem with damp on the top floor, maybe flashing or falunching on the chimneys, or pointing or missing tiles, also check the gutters. 3.The single story flat roof has been leaking and has caused damp throughout the extension building. It needs complete investigation, probably taking off and renewal, looks like it has been empty for some time. The plaster will need stripping out to get rid of the mould, what a builder wouold call guttig. 4. A georgian building has no damp course, so that will need to be addressed, a section at a time get someone to assess the outside of the building . The heating and hot water systems are pressurised, I could see at least one pressure vessel. Before anything else I would open up the chimneys and that will let air through the building, helping with the damp problem, then get someone to test the chimneys to see if they are drawing or there is a problem somewhere that needs to be addressed. My opinion is you need a complete structural survey and advice on the first steps to take after opening up the chimneys, get a qualified structural surveyer . Expensive but worth it. there is no way anyone can tell you everything from a video as short as this.
Make sure there is screen on each chimney to keep the birds out, though. I remember starlings or chimney sweep birds coming into the bedroom once while spending the night at my grandparents' house!
Yes, I notice that most comments suggest and architect first, but I think a structural survey should be first thing to do. If you can find an architect with period knowledge and a structural background, so much the better. I'm American, so I'm more familiar with an excellent architect who restores houses in the southern states. I haven't watched his you tube show in a while, but he does high quality work and might have suggestions. I'll try to find the website and pass it on. Best wishes for your project.
This could be true of individual rooms, too, as the work progresses, and the income from period film set rentals could help pay for the restoration as you go along.
Being a lover of Georgian architecture I know that the bay windows aren't original. Georgian buildings were generally built symmetrically. PLEASE consult with a Georgian society for advice. Very good luck with your renovation x
I agree with some of the other comments on the staircase. There's no way that would comply with regulations now, so would be original. You'll be able to tell once you pull the floor coverings up. I would tidy up the red brick granny flat and, once the mould is gone, use that as a base to work from there. It would make a nice place to keep tools and could be comfy for lunch breaks. I've renovated 7 houses and took a microwave, bar fridge and kettle with me to all the jobs. It takes a long time so you might as well be comfortable. Buy yourself a small scaffold that can be taken apart to move around. You'll use it heaps. Start with the roof. If it leaks, there's no point fixing anything inside as it'll be ruined by rain. There's so much I could say, good luck.
You're not an idiot, you're one of the lovely people who want to save old houses. The mold is not likely to be years of condensation - more likely to be either roof problems and/or rising damp. The skirting on one of the narrow staircases to an upper floor looked to be original, and I think you may find hardwood floor under all the carpeting, etc. The windows are absolutely lovely and certainly original. If I owned this house the first things I'd do would be to find a good architectural historian, a structural engineer, and a good builder with experience in working on historic houses. This will be a huge and lengthy project, but you'll end up with a truly gorgeous property. The garden has all kinds of possibilities. The best of luck to you!
It doesn't look anything like rising damp, nor a roofing problem. Also he said he will be doing what he can learn himself. So won't be employing a builder.
Sorry - none of the windows are original, they are all cheap upvc, double glazed replacements. This glazing is already failing, you can see it clearly in the downstairs bay window.
Good luck. Lovely to see someone making a large house back into a family home rather than pulling down and squeezing in as many houses as possible for a quick buck. Need an architect's insight. 👍🏻
I shall add a couple of comments to all of the good advice below. Any rectory had a private side for the Rector (who might hold that title or might have been a Chaplain or other rank) and his family. Then there was the public side where the Rector had his office and where church business was undertaken, rents paid, etc. The public side was also the servants' entrance. There would have been links between the public and private sides. Rectories tended to follow similar building plans and so it would be a good idea to find out what diocese (an area controlled by a bishop) your rectory came under then you should be able to find out about the original architect. You have a stone building and that brings with it a whole host of problems especially where modern materials have been built over the stone. Check with English Heritage as to whether or not this is a Listed Building because if it is then you need a specialist architect who has links to all of the old trades and that includes metal workers for rebuilding your windows. I do not know how much you have paid for the building but I hope that you have very, very deep pockets.
The first thing you need to do before you tear down any walls is find out where the damp is coming from. You have mold in several places and that’s the most important thing to address first..
As a retired builder I think your best speak to local architect to plan this for you. It's not going to be cheap if your turning it back. Scrap copper pipes, wire and tanks. This will get you some money back. Buy a van, big stand in one, you need help though.
Absolutely go for it! Have a crack! We did it, RU-vidd everything, learnt plastering, building, framing, rendering, painting everything for ourselves, did a 4 bedroom, 3 bath beach house and even put in a state of the art theatre room. Anything is possible!!
The second stairway would have been the servants' stairs, and the loft rooms their quarters. They're probably original, so worth saving. The main stairway would have been something more grand. I love the "fire escape" - not quite up to code. ;-) I just ran into this site, so I will subscribe to witness your progress. There's some excellent advice in these comments, and I'm sure there will be more as you progress. Are you an idiot for taking on this project? Of course you are, and we're all so glad! This can be another architectural gem that has been rescued from the developers. Picture the site filled with cookie-cutter apartment blocks, devoid of vegetation and with just enough space for tenants to park their cars, and you'll know you made the right decision.
YES! If it weren't for the idiots, there would be a lot less beauty & a lot more cookie cutter neighborhoods😢!!! It's us idiots who've kept the childlike wonder, imagination & determination into adulthood, causing awe & envy of others! "Wow how did you ever think of doing that? It's amazing!"
If memory serves me correctly, it wasn't until the 20th century that stairs were regulated to specific height and depth. The servants steps didn't look regulation. You might need to consider if they will fit in with current regs.
@@joannebooth640 I don't know what the UK laws are, but sometimes in the US, if you're restoring an historic building, you can request an exemption from the regs if it isn't a threat to health and safety. Sometimes.
Tip; if you haven't already considered it, create a company, open up trade accounts with suppliers hire companies etc, run the job like a business. Re use and reclaim as much as possible, set an area aside to store stuff old and new stock.
So glad to hear you say that you are turning it back into a one house again, your first step is to find maybe from the council records or records office and get a copy of the original house plan,
At first I thought one family home but after going through it, I think maybe a duplex, split down the middle. Rent to cover the mortgage, possibly enough to pay your own utilities too (depending on the monthly mortgage payment. I mean let's be reasonable & not gouge anyone) ❤
There may have been planning records from the conversion to flats. That would at least take it back one stage, to what it was before the flats. Most likely that would be only one stage of many stages.
People put trees too close boundaries for screening. Plant them a little way closer to the house and a smaller tree will provide the same amount of privacy
@@rosehughes599 Tell me about it. My neighbour's disgusting ancient sycamore tree screens 50 per cent of sunlight from my back garden. Horror of horrors he's allowing a seeding from it to flourish half way up the front fenceline, must be 20 feet high by now. Nightmare.
@@lesleyelalami2562 our house was a new build at the end of a neighbours 250 yard garden. When planning was granted, he planted 3 trees to screen our house from view. 20 years on, One has died, the second is OK and the third overhangs our garage roof. He could have planted them 10 metres further from boundary without impacting his garden, but it does affect mine.
I’m 72 an ex pat in oz I worked on lots of these types of buildings that place will look fantastic when finished I’m very envious if I was 20 yrs younger I’d have jumped at that dwelling
Wow, I'm 68 in Dec & I was thinking, if only I was 40 years younger! I think, with the amount of work & time needed, that if you started at 50 you'd be asking for a wrecked body, and not a lot of time to enjoy what you accomplished😢! My husband used to do this kind of work & I helped right along side him. Nothing technical, but just tell me what & sometimes how, I did it. My sister also helped her husband build their home from the ground up but she was more involved technically than I😂! (She has ideas & design savvy) I just got this recommend from RU-vid & Subscribed before the video ended! ❤
I love this place! The staircase you want to remove might be a fire resistant metal or concrete one which was required for the flat conversion. The secret garden in the brick addition contains what appear to be storage rooms for each tenant to use their own padlock on. The brick addition flat could be a candidate to keep as a rental unit, or become a garage (again?). Looking forward to more videos on your progress.
We have renovated and restored many old houses. Go and get the original plans. Don’t waste your money on architects. You will find a lot of information from old records. Strip all of the added rubbish and go back to basics. There are many false walls added when they converted it unsympathetically! You will need to get an electrician and plumber in to go back to the original system. Learn as much as you can as you go along. Only invest in the essential trades as and when you need them. Good luck. It’s going to be stunning when restored. 😊
Couldn't have put it better. I'd also ask around if there are still people around who did maintenance on the house. Must be some crusty old geezers with a wealth of knowledge who'd be happy to give advice. I'd also try to find people who used to live there when it was still a rectory. They could fill in some blanks.
Spending money on an experienced restoration architect that you can get along with (no arrogance allowed) will never be a waste of money. He/she will be priceless.
Please make sure you make the building water tight before attempting interior renovations. If there are roof leaks, repair those first. If there are broken or dysfunctional windows, repair them. Keeping the building safe from the elements will protect the interior from further deterioration, and will protect your renovations as the project continues. Best of luck! I will be following your journey.
Check with your local parish and county offices to see if the building has a listing, they may also have access to the original plans or can point you in the direction of those that might have them. Also you may need planning permission condition changes to put it back to one/two buildings rather than the flats it currently is, again check with your local county offices who should have planning officers who can answer you questions. Historic England/ CADW have good resources on how to go about these things, plus lists of approved tradespeople who specialise in historical reconstruction and repair. You may be able to get grants to help you put it back in a good condition, so it is well worth hunting online to find them. It looks like a fantastic project! Good luck! (Waves from a planning office)
First thing I would do, is to make sure the roof is looked at, repaired or replaced. That way whatever you do later inside at least you know it will not be ruined. Fix the small red brick up for yourself to live in. That way you can take your time working on the bigger structure. You can use the brick house to rent out, or for company or even a mother-in-law suite later down the road. And yes, find yourself and architect and engineer to help with the plans of the house. They are a great team when it comes to bringing your house up to code.
I suggest that you visit as many totally intact Georgian houses in your area to educate yourself as to how yours should look. Also, contact someone who has knowledge of the architectural details and do a walk through. This can be a wonderful restoration.
Lots of birds because of the “wild” condition of the garden. Hope you build on that & add some native wild flowers, butterfly host plants (the plants the caterpillars need) and a few native trees and/or shrubs.
@@billmcdonald3561 Seeds, berries & insects - they especially like caterpillars. Insects don’t like perfectly manicured lawns/gardens. They needs a little mess to shelter in. And caterpillars need specific native plants (or a specific family of plants). Butterflies & moths are picky about which plants they lay eggs on. They’re specialists.
Viewed other renovation shows in UK (wealthy estates and owner needs home renovation and financial help in order to keep estate). With guidance they used college/students in school to learn renovation trade- electric, carpentry, etc. This provided labor for owner and skill time for student (teacher supervised). You have a big job on your hands and I find myself tired just thinking about it. Hats off to you and your dream.
Both those sets of stairs look original to me. I literally gasped when I saw the basement and attic - my dream! You’ve done well, I’d love to know what you paid for it. The land, the old gardens and especially the home is amazing. I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
The out buildings with the courtyard would have been coal bunkers. The house I was born in had a coal bunker which could accommodate 2 tons of coal quite comfortably to serve 8 fire places. The narrow staircase is for servants. If I was in your shoes I’d strip it back to the beginning, removing all mold etc and before you insulate it to the hilt with Rock wool, because rodents do not like it. Fix the roof. Good luck.
They used these red brick additions as meeting rooms for parishioners. I have been in a few Enjoy the creative process. I put all the items I was throwing out in a large skip once when I was renovating and it all disappeared in the morning. Thank you to those who recycled the items
I would consult the Parish council, library and your nearest localised historical society and Georgian historians. They maybe able to determine the orginal layout of the rooms. Its all very exciting love Lynne from Surrey xxxx
Would agree with many, research the history first as the windows don't look authentic to the time.....shutters a puzzle...block built...find out age and visit town planning...good luck.
@@lyndahunter1183 I could see double glazing, certainly not original but better for lower heating costs. Authentic windows would be single glass pane and just stupid to put back in.
Lots of research to find out what the original plans looked like - restore bricked up windows as extra light is desirable, 2 stair cases adds enormous interest historically(and prob added value to the finished house), being access to attic/staff quarters and will be a godsend with a big family, giving the children growing up there fabulous memories as they play/explore and use their imaginations (for me growing up having access to an unusual home with secret stairs and coal holes etc was magical). Look forward to seeing the magic begin.
Oh, what a delight! It literally makes my hands itch wishing I could run in and demolish all of the hideous “kitchens” and help bring the building back to its glory days. It is a lovely, lovely property.
I'll subscribe. I couldn't tell because of the quick tour but it appeared to me as if the ceilings have been lowered. If so there may still be original elements above the ceiling. I dont know what the Georgian ceiling style would have been but even the ceiling around the remaining ceiling medallion appears as if it has been lowered slightly. You might invest in one of the snake cameras with lights. Then you could punch a small hole into the ceilings and walls to see what is behind. Same thing for any dead spaces found.
Exciting project. In the room with the ceiling rose, worth checking if they have overboarded the ceiling at somme point. You might find an original lathe and plaster ceiling under the plasterboard. Would explane the wierd recess around the ceiling rose. No expert but ive seen this "quick fix" done in older buildings before. If your lucky the original coving will be in place 🤞
Try to find and get the original building plans. Maybe they still exist. You surely need them. It’s so interesting. I’m rooting for you. Looking forward to your progress.
Or maybe the names of the original owner and architect. Knowing the original architect means you can find others properties he designed. This will help with researching his intent, motivation, philosophy etc.
You could try Sir Nicolás Pevsner's Architectural guide to buildings of England. As a georgian rector it will have been mentioned. As the conversión to flats look fairy modern it most likely will have been a single family house when Pevsner did his surveys.
Get the original floor plan from the council records. That gives you the best idea of what modern rubbish you can rip out. Original georgian buildings usually have a perfect 4x4 room plan.
If this is going to be a single family home, I would rip out everything except the historical parts. Take it back to the studs and make it all over into a beautiful home. The outside is beautiful and the yard space is big. It's a lovely setting and the house will look beautiful.
Have fun with it. You've already attracted a legion of experts from at least 2 continents, eager to show their expertise, and they are already quarreling over who has better houses! 😅 I heard the horse but didn't see it. This could turn out to be a really great place.😊😊
A large family Wil likely want one contained flat for staff. An Au pair, a household manger, a longterm house sitter, someone of the type is usually attached to a large, well off family. Unlike in days of yore, staff is unwilling to tuck itself under the eaves and suitable private living space is part of the compensation package. It is a truly lovely house. Try and remember you are not making a museum. People like multiple bathrooms , income producing annexed, etc, butvthe certainly can be done sympathetically. Looking forward to that staircase being free! So lucky the shutters are still there. The house is lucky to have you!
It will come up great. My suggestion, having done many such projects like this, is to open every door and window, weather being clement, to air the place out and begin by stripping out all the rubbish; old carpets, kitchen units (unless you're moving in to work on the place when you might keep one) bathrooms etc.
I’d turn the brick addition into a lovely 4 car garage/workshop with access directly into the house. Agree about planting a hedge along the fence line soon, those modern houses are a sad eyesore.
Awesome!! I love to see these old historical places. So peaceful there too! Best of luck on the renovation! Really nice property! Lots of beautiful possibilities!
Looking forward to the renovation of this one. Don’t let the negative nellies In the comments get to you. This is going to be a great project to work on I’m quite envious
You might want to make friends with the neighbours. It's amazing and really helpful what they know about the house and what happened there. It helped us a lot to figure out what was in the past with our cottage. Wonderful house. Keep going.
I agree - something I've noticed more recently is that the red brick extension looks like it might have had one large garage door at the front, so might be an easy change to restore that.
Oh I do LOVE these old buildings. I am so glad you are restoring it. I'm with you in spirit - I have wanted to do this kind of work all my life, and I wish we had more of these in the US. May you be blessed with good health and good sense as you do this important work.
The first thing I paid attention to is the fact that the building seems amazingly structurally sound. I don't know what you paid for it but it seems a really good buy. I'd first start by renovating the red brick extension, live in there and do the renovation while living comfortably on site. Another bonus seems to be the outbuildings of which the first seems to have been a workshop and the second with the desk would be a handy store room. Good luck with the renovation, I will be following your progress.
I hope all the people who used to live there have found safe and healthy alternative housing. All the best with your endeavours. It will be a very interesting project!
@@pm2886 I was thinking the same thing as joyjournal6157 -- wondering if the people who lived in the 6 flats were able to find decent homes elsewhere. It's not odd, it's concern for others. Housing is so expensive and so many people can't afford it.
@@wingthorn Yes, we all have to live somewhere. And it's on each of us to sort out that part of our private lives as we see fit. Thus it has nothing to do with this restoration series.
subscribed! this is a very daunting project, i'm in the process of purchasing a very run down victorian terrace, which also feels a bit scary but not on this scale! i applaud your bravery, and in many ways i do feel our naivety can be our best asset. lots of hoops to jump through, just keep jumping through them one at a time. looking forward to following your journey.
Regarding that piece of wall outside made of brick and flint. That was very likely the end of the original garden before the outdoor utility sheds /rooms began. You are thinking right about keeping the newer extension there. It could be used as a rental, security guard base and visitors flat. Lots of options. Really looking forward to what you find out about the building. Use existing records as someone suggested at libraries, council records, museums and don’t forget asking on a local Facebook page if people have any information/photos, as they often do, especially old folks. RU-vid videos may exist about the local area. Don’t overlook the modern technology.
I'm hooked on this project! As mentioned, I hope that you first obtained ALL original architectural plans and all records of renovations. Looking forward to more
Can't wait to see the progress. I'm jealous. I's a fantastic building. The ceiling my be double boarded for 1hr fire protection. I had to do that in a house with lovely Cornices and mouldings. Cut a hold about 2 feet off the wall and see if they have framed it and over boarded, you may find something interesting.
The ceiling rose in that room I believe may be the inner part suggesting that the ceiling has been battened and reboarded. I think if you’re lucky there may be the original ceiling above hopefully unmolested?? Second flats definitely servants stairs, they probably had the 3rd floor with access in the second for access? Great to hear your turning it back into one, I think you may find a lot of the original features along the way. Very interested to follow good luck!!
First of all check the whole roof. And get it done if there are leaks. Follow all feasible advises step by step after that. Icroas my fingers for your process and progress. Good luck from Germany
I'm no expert but I think those steep stairs are probably original. Defiantly for the servants. I wish you lots of luck, I can't wait to see the house come back to life.
You can learn a lot of things and do a lot of things, but I would suggest that you leave particularly the electricity and probably the plumbing to professionals. But I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to knock down walls and break things and then build things back up. Get somebody who’s experienced to be your consultant. It’s going to be a lovely home and I can’t wait to watch you transform it . One thing I like is there seems to be a lot of really good light throughout the home. When you’re finished with that, I hope I can imagine Jane Austen visiting :) Oooooh! A secret garden❤ lovely!!
I love the thick walls, I believe the narrow staircase is original and the top floor would have been servants' quarters, the secret garden behind the gate is lovely, fixed up it would be a great place for a cup of coffee or tea and a good book.
This video is a real find! Thank you. What potential! A wonderful amount of space both in and out in a beautiful setting. In U.S. but have family in Kent in a house from 1400's. You are getting many very solid comments. Agree, historical analysis/forward plans are crucial; best place to spend extra. Mechanical systems are going to require much considering the use changes planned. Just a thought but consider seeing if there is a trades/vocational school nearby. This is not fool-hardy thinking. You have a fantastic real-life project. Their work is supervised and grade-dependent and you have the advantage of instructors onsite scrutinizing all steps. Best of luck on your endeavors.
I’ll be watching your progress with much interest . Good luck with the restoration. You have a good head on your shoulders. Don’t rush it. Think it through.
Hi! I'm fascinated ! I do agree with others who are suggesting that you get a professional architect with knowledge of Georgian buildings. I'm definitely subscribing because I'm really interested to see how this can be brought back to something resembling its former beauty.
As someone said it would be VERY nice to get hold of the original floor plan , to work out how the house operated originally …the windows are gorgeous !!
Mate, good luck, we have been restoring a Victorian villa, 10 years and we are almost done. You have my utmost respect and admiration, looking forward to following your adventure 😀
What a great project! It is a great idea to start this channel now and take everyone along with you as you progress. Just looking through the comments, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here that will be of great benefit to you as you progress. What would be of interest to me is to get as much history of the building as possible with pictures, drawings, writings of what this building looked like originally and what its use was if your intent is to restore the Rectory back to its original structure. All those internal doors and walls really destroyed this lovely building. Will be so interesting to follow along with you to see what you do. All the best of luck as you take on this exciting project.
Goodness, you will have your work cut out with that property - hope you have access to all the tradespeople you will need (and lots of money!). Good luck. 🍀
It’ll be fun ripping everything out, including those bay windows and plasterboard walls and also replacing all the windows with wooden sash ones. Looking forward to watching the transformation. It must have been gorgeous in the 19th Century.
