Restoration Home

Restoration Home documented the stories of six historic buildings at risk of being lost forever. Six new owners made a commitment to transform them into their dream homes. But there was more to rescuing these buildings than anyone imagined. Caroline Quentin followed the challenges faced by the new owners and architectural expert, Kieran Long, and historian, Dr. Kate Williams, dug into the history of the properties to uncover their extraordinary pasts. Now, RESTORATION HOME – ONE YEAR ON returns to find out what’s happened. The first episode revisits the grandest and most expensive restoration project, Stoke Hall, and the one that caused the most controversy, Nutbourne Pumping Station. Stoke Hall is Grade II* listed, 30-room Georgian mansion in Derbyshire. Saving this 18th century building would be difficult and expensive but Steve and Natalie were convinced it would make their perfect family home. When Caroline last visited, the couple still had a lot to do. There’s still a team of craftsmen on site but the transformation makes viewing highly recommended. Nutbourne Pumping Station in West Sussex underwent a radical renovation made easier because it was not listed. In its day the 1930s pumping station supplied clean water but by the 1970s it was a wreck. Nick and Brigitte’s ambitious plans to turn it into a modern, carbon efficient home succeeded but it divided opinion. How did they weather the criticism and is it true that their dream home is now up for sale?