I bought a neglected Georgian Rectory - First walk through
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.พ. 2025
- 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!
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.
You think there might be plans for a Georgian house still floating around somewhere
@@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?
I suggest the bay windows are not original. I would very definitely try to get plans and find an a Georgian house authority BEFORE you touch a thing.
Yes also restoration pepple are extremely helpful with their information. I was able to get a period restorer out to take a look. He was honest and told me what it would cost and he knew it was out of my reach so he gave me lots of information instead. About lime plaster about tricks to keep the ceilings from collapsing and things like that. More conservation than restoration because conservation of ehat is there and not touching it too much was going to be the easiest way to have a livable house... he told me how to dry up the walls and clean the brick and tiles and all sorts. And when i got stuck he said ring me and he would ring me back and tell me what mushrooms to get for the ceiling and things like that which was great. I also rang other people like window restorers and floor restorers for advice and they were all super helpful with information ..they're very passionate and seem to like sharing the information ..compared to a normal plumber who wont usually tell you the 3 pound washer you can get to diy it but will charge you to come out and change the washer.😂
*I RENOVATED A HOUSE IN GOOLE* - a 4 story townhouse - I reinstated all the plaster cornices and picture rails, lincrusta in the hall stairs and landing. Fully back to its original glory.
Wonderfully when I had to sell it I found a buyer in 2 hours who wanted a perfectly restored Victorian townhouse, they have not changed a single thing in 22 years
My father in law at the time was an architect specialising in the renovation of listed buildings. It was INCREDABLY helpful.
Those are the original staircases. We girls slept in the attic. Probably they were servants rooms before our family. (We lived there 1945 to !970s). Yes, we were the rector's family, the rector Richard Taylor, our Mum Margaret and six children.
God bless people who rescue old houses and renovate them with care for the original concept.
*I RENOVATED A HOUSE IN GOOLE* - a 4 story townhouse - I reinstated all the plaster cornices and picture rails, lincrusta in the hall stairs and landing. Fully back to its original glory.
Wonderfully when I had to sell it I found a buyer in 2 hours who wanted a perfectly restored Victorian townhouse, they have not changed a single thing in 22 years
My father in law at the time was an architect specialising in the renovation of listed buildings. It was INCREDABLY helpful.
As someone who has renovated a 1789 house my advice is spend the money on an architect. It will save you money in the end.
🎯
Or at least an engineer.
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...
That's really useful to know! Thank you for taking the time to comment 🙂
@@TheRectory1812 You're most welcome 😊
@@EventDogs,I enjoyed your comment. Living in Texas the history and uses of this lovely place is interesting. Thank you.
So sorry .... You were lied to. The "church" was not POOR. They are worth BILLIONS and your communities were suckered into lining the pockets of some of the most EVIL corporations. Please do your own research into how nefarious your church leaders were.
Exciting things to come,look forward to following you on this journey it will have its ups and downs but keep going the end result will be fantastic I'm sure
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 👍🇮🇪
How nice if you ! Cheers !
That was so kind!
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.
Looks like he's going to need all the help he can get 😂 plus very deep pockets 😉
Yes, double-glazing would be a necessity.
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.
Absolutely. Provides a residence on site, reduces travel. Adds security. Practice on annex and learn your skills. Ya hoo
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!
Plus that mould needs dealing with!!
If that is a 3 phase supply make sure you balance the loads as you plan your electric installation
A great idea to use whilst you renovate the main rectory.
I foresee a blossoming relationship with your local skip hire firm. The ripout is going to be epic.
🤣
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!
The small staircase is so that the servants are able to move about the house without being seen. The small rooms in the attic are the bedrooms and possibly a sitting room for the staff. I look forward to seeing how you get on with the renovation. The kitchen and pantry would have been in area at the base of the stairs or even in the cellar.
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
Those clearly are the servants stairs
@@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...
@@deborahlester4018 maybe back in the day the kitchen was in that area. Also the basement/cellar acces is close to those narrow stairs
@@KaySan666 You could well be right. My point was, it's all a "maybe" until you can investigate further. A lot of what seems obvious isn't obvious at all. That's part of the fun. 😉
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.
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.
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.
Lol, the Main Street architect sent to advise me on my 1910 downtown commercial building suggested I apply some gingerbread. No thanks!
@@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.
Take the advice from the comments on finding a reliable excellent architect. This is too big to do on your own with no expertise as you said on everything.
Wow! This will be a beautiful house rather than 6 dingy flats. Look forward to following this.
I thought a duplex, let the rental pay the mortgage❤...
I would make the brick part as a rental
That little brick annex would be a great small apt for a parent/in-law with back courtyard/terrace. Love that!
Get rid of the brick monstrosity! It is an eyesore attached to this beautiful but neglected building.
Bolllllocks.... It could be painted/ rendered in keeping with the rest of the building. Why waste money ripping it out.
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.
@@cynthiasmith5425 Bet that cured your constipation Cynthia!
@@cynthiasmith5425 and
Absolutely go for it! Have a crack! We did it, TH-camd 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!!
That's so amazing, how did you find time to learn all these skills???
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!
The mold is extremely likely to be years of condensation
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.
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)
Thank you for not rushing through when showing us your old rectory. I subscribed and now looking forward to follow the renovation.
Think I will too.❤
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.
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.
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.
Maybe the church whose rectory it originally was has preserved old records about the place and its construction.
The guy is probably an architect
What a great opportunity! The first thing I would be tempted to do is get some planting going against that fence to block out those hideous 1970s houses overlooking your garden.
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.
Q@@Bobrogers99
If this has never been used as a period movie setting, it should be. Once restored, oh my!!!!
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.
Or even now!
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.
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!
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
It has a lovely backyard and you could always put a gate for security along that brick wall...looking forward to seeing your journey...
I think even Stevie Wonder could tell all of. the windows aren't original 😅
Admiration for anyone who rescues beautiful old homes. This indeed looks like an enormous amount of work, and I imagine how eager you must be to start tearing the ugly parts away. Thanks for inviting everyone along for the ride. No matter how long it takes, one step at a time will get you there.
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 TH-cam & 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.
I love the video , beautiful house and it's going to be wonderful 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
You only need 3 things:
1. An architect
2. A builder with restoration experience.
3. Deep pockets.
Done and dusted. 🤷♀️
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.
Don't need an architect if you can find the original floor plan and take it back to that.
He'll need very deep pockets !!
Why would you not have UNLOCKED the house before you started filming!
@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.
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 🤞
I agree!
The taller window on the first side may have been added. The blank windows may always have been like that as the Georgians loved symmetry.
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.
You can also claim the VAT back if you set up as a limited company saving 20% on all your costs.
@@ruzziasht349 beware the taxman and his IR35 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.😊😊
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.
The front entrance definitely needs improvement.
Studs? It’s a stone block building.
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.
I'm here for the ride! Good luck as you navigate your way through this huge project. It's an admiral undertaking.
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
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..
Intrigued by your purchase. Subscribed.
I can't wait to see what comes of this building!! It is absolutely gorgeous!! So much potential!!
I'm looking forward to seeing the layers being peeled away! You've got this!☺
Wow, what a fantastic sized property! Can't wait to see it progress!
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. 👍🏻
Yes!!!
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.
Thank you! I've been trying to find original floorplans but no success yet.
@@TheRectory1812being a rectory, would the church have any records of floor plans
@@munchkinheaven that’s a great idea! If not plans, at least they’ll have a history on who lived there etc.
@@TheRectory1812 wished the ‘ house detectives ‘ still existed. It was a BBC programme a long time ago with professionals who knew what to look for. It must be in some archive you’d think. It’s a substantial building with an important history for the local community. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
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.
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!
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.
I thought that about the ceilings as well, for precisely the same observation about the ceiling rose.
Looks like a huge project. You are courageous!
I love to see the word 'restore' rather than 'renovate'. I've subscribed and look forward to joining you on this journey!
15 minutes in & I've Subscribed too! I would have loved to have been able to have this chance❤!!! At my age I'll just have to watch😢!!!
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.
True, but if it was owned by the local council ...
Please, please, please take her back to original. This rectory is crying out for love and care. I will most definitely be watching to see this beauty come back to original.
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
Thank you for sharing this lovely home.
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.
Sooooo happy that someone is getting this back into its old shape! I so look forward to see the light flowing through the house again! I am sure you will find a lot of nice things under the modern stuff. I think the small staircase is for the servents indeed. It's gonna be very interesting to try to find out where the original kitchen is, from there you can find out a few things. Look forward to following your journey! ❤
Oh.... trees please along the fenceline to screen off the more modern houses. Good luck.
First thing I thought when he panned along that area at the beginning! Dude, cover that fence & view with some trees❤!!!
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.
@@marshawargo7238 Me too. 😊
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.
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. TH-cam videos may exist about the local area. Don’t overlook the modern technology.
Hello from Perth, Western Australia. I don't know why, but I've always wanted to live in an old rectory in England. I'm looking forward to seeing your house's transformation.
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. 😊
Doubt there will be original plans?
Original plans are a must. Their may be pix at your local historical society or seniors in the community.
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.
@@carlyoung6111 Or an engineer who can stamp building/permit plans and make sure renovations are up to code. Usually cheaper than architects.
I'm so happy I found this. I'm looking forward to watching all the renovations.
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!!
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!
What an odd thing to say :D
@@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.
@@pm2886 Why odd? I looks like it was five "affordable" flats at some point, and people lived in them. Unless they died, they have to live somewhere.
@@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.
Wonderful. There'll be good days and bad but, I don't think you'll regret the purchase for a moment.
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.
Are the birds seeking seeds?
@@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.
@@katiecannon8186 The caterpillars can fend for themselves.
@@laurastuart3814
Butterflies are specialists: They lay their eggs on specific native plants (or plants of the same family).
They can’t just fend for themselves. We need to provide natural habitat for our wildlife.
@@katiecannon8186 We are here for the house. Personally, I don't care about caterpillars.
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
What a find. Such a beautiful house and grounds. It will be fun watching you do it up. A big job ahead. ❤
Hi I’m watching from Australia came across your new channel by chance I have subscribed.
what a beautiful building for a home I can’t wait to watch your journey from apartments to a beautiful liveable home.
Oh, Oh, Oh, what a charming property. I'd love to see your vision come to life.
Thank you, it's going to be a long journey, please keep watching 🙂
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.
This was a fun channel to find. Love the building, but not so much the bay windows, and the rather institutional feeling flat and stairway conversions. It's going to be an incredible renovation, can't wait to see what happens!
I love it. Especially the birds singing. Best of luck with it all
The stairs you’re wondering when they were put in, look original. The banisters & railings are too ornate. Probably backstairs to servants quarters. What an amazing project. I’m so anxious to see what you do. Thank you!
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.
Watching from Reno, Nevada, USA. This video popped as recommended. I watched in its entirety. The grounds are absolutely beautiful. O love very old homes. I look forward to following the changes to this rectory.
Great house, the original shutters are great and the staircase! It’s going to look great when you have done the renovation. Looking forward to following you 👍🤗
What a fabulous house, full of character ( and work). ,!, but I’m sure it will turn out to be a stunning home.
So glad you bought it! Looking forward to the renovation.😊
Not renovation but restoration!
@joannahatton99 oops! I stand corrected. Glad you're not renovating it. I knew you were restoring it but got the words and meanings confused! All the best with it
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.
Definitely following this renovation! I hope you won't get discouraged or overwhelmed, that will be one huge project. Good luck!
Look after your health during the restoration and renovation process. Employ a top architect and builder; and a top quality electrician and plumber. All good wishes to you.
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.
Oh my gosh you’ve got a lot of work to do! Those dreadful UPVC windows and doors. I hope you can restore it to its original glory. Wishing you lots of luck!
Lovely property.Thank you for the tour!
Subbed - what a lovely old house. Looking forward to you documenting its restoration.
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. 🍀
Lots of work here. I’d love to see this when completed. Love listening to all of the birds in the trees!
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.
Those windows are what makes this place!😊
@@poodlegirl55 As several people have commented, they're in no way original.
It is so exciting to watch you and your wife bring this back to life
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.
How exciting. It makes me wish I were 40 years younger and a few hundred thousand pound richer. Have subscribed
What a wonderful project, will subscribe and watch the progress.
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’m so glad I was recommended your channel by the TH-cam ethos. I’m here for the journey now
Oh honey you are NOT an idiot! - Your brave thats for sure. I wish I could do something like this, I'd love to turn an old property back into its former glory.