Big Hallway Transformation - The Rectory

In this video we finish opening up the main hallway in the first half of the house.

[@nancyleedaws7736]

Never apologise for having a vacation you both deserve to have fun. I so sorry for your loss of your dog. I love watching your reservations of the Rectory.

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you! ❤️

[@SirHeinzbond]

health (also the mental one) and Family comes first, for me also no apologies needed... i guess your dog had the best possible life, and now he is on the eternal hunting ground for the good ones...

[@libbyworkman3459]

@nancyleedaws7736. AutoCorrect has struck again. *renovations, not reservations

[@diannehardwick950]

The slender line of the Georgian handrail looks magnificent. Whatever you do, don’t remove it. With all those walls in, it didn’t stand out but now it does. Wonderful.

[@jackb7705]

You can see in the handrail at 16:17 where it’s been cut to rotate it 90°. Would be easy to cut it and rotate it back

[@austin12ascot]

I think that the stairs in their current configuration look quite elegant.

[@louyeo6571]

I agree!

[@drogna3905]

If they change the stairs, they'll lose that lovely rail.

[@youpicoolstar]

I agree, I love the shape of the stars and the rail, I would not change it. You can use the corner behind the wood beams to hang coats that would be hidden from.the entrance.

[@wendysinclair-smith984]

​@drogna3905 no need to destroy the handrail, just reposition it back to its original configuration. While watching, I noticed there is a different wood just at the elbow turn of the handrail. That told me they had to add some wood for the reconfiguration but did not match the original wood.

[@jorunnchristophersen9797]

I agree 😊

[@user-uf8td3ln7i]

The stairway looks so much better without those walls. Very light and airy. Brilliant!

[@marshawargo7238]

Being there is an entrance door right there, I would not worry about the crown molding gaps, I'd put in a hall coat & boot/shoe closet! I mean, who doesn't take these off when coming inside & then, where to put them suddenly becomes a problem... A tall skinny tree would look great there! Personally I'd have a live Norfolk Pine in a pot! It could be decorated with each different season! They grow tall without a lot of width & have delicate branches & needles❤!!! And there looks to be plenty of light😊!!! Mom had a small one that she got miniature decorations for. Birds in spring & added eggs & rabbits for Easter then changed to fireworks for the 4th of July, on & on each holiday or just season...

[@cathiefinch6659]

I’d like to see the stairs returned to their original configuration. It would look so welcoming to see the staircase opening up to greet you as you enter through your front door. And there is plenty of room for that grand Christmas tree!

[@sara-5124]

I think the stairs look far more grand the way they are, I love the curved handrail. I wouldn't change it. it's beautiful as it is 😊

[@Sheim-b4k]

The upstairs landing now is beautiful with those walls removed. It has given the building its elegance back already. Really enjoy your videos x

[@cynthiabruns7178]

The stairs and hall look so much better without being closed in. It’s a lovely space. Dogs can be heart breakers, they just never hang around as long as we’d like.

[@SaffronHammer]

I love the old staircase just as it is .

[@barnstar2077]

So sorry to hear about the passing of your little dog. I was one of the people that commented about wanting to see more of him in the future. I am glad that he lived to a good age and got to run around the grounds there. Love what you are doing to the house, and enjoying the videos. Keep up the good work!

[@terrym8824]

A tip from somebody who learnt the hard way. When removing anything with sticking out nails, either remove the nails or bend them flat. If you do not do this, you will probably end up standing on one like I did. Nails in one's foot are painful.

[@applemac100100]

Sorry for the loss of your wee dog. It’s lovely to see this place being restored to its former glory. You work well together as a couple.

[@amyferguson6573]

It went from looking like a commercial building to a home with just a few walls taken down. The stairs will be amazing going back to the original way they were. I wasn’t sure how the railing would work but I saw there’s just a curved piece that makes the bend. Remove that and the railing is straight. Can’t wait to watch this building become a home. Going to be epic.

[@nigelhardy7218]

Good to see the partition walls that boxed in the stairs removed. The dogleg in the stairs gives the hallway character and presence. It should be that way. If the stairs were straightened it might create mishaps if someone's running down the stairs just as someone's coming out of one of the doorways opposite the foot of the stairs.

[@Brap-pl2me]

You have to give the people who divided the house credit for retaining quite a bit of the original fabric of the house.

[@Liz-zu6sc]

Leave the stairs. They are gorgeous!! Looks good.

[@albertsmyth9616]

Goodness me, what an incredible transformation. It looks a million times better now. Bravo!

[@Britbabe53]

I actually love the shape of the stairs and the curved railing is beautiful.

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

Glad to see a Reno channel where sledgehammers aren't flying into sheetrock creating dust and debris everywhere. Let's call your method, intelligent sheetrock removal. 😇 👍👍👍

[@TheRectory1812]

Thanks, I think that method scares us too much 😁

[@HensOnly]

@@TheRectory1812 You did just fine in that method, unlike the Petherick's Yanis method lololol! Both methods are fine but just pick one that suits you the best!

[@davidcohen3998]

Love watching the progress. Your channel is now my favorite. I can’t wait to watch you tackle the rest of the building

[@Edie_Fox]

Opening it up makes it look like a home now. Beautiful big old space and doors/door frames all visible again :) I'm so sorry you lost your dog. It IS lovely that he got to at least see it, he wasn't left behind.

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you 🥰

[@loraineriddell7157]

🎶 What a difference a day makes 🎶 I can't believe that someone thought that it was okay to turn a beautiful old home into a rabbit warren of pokey little shoddily built flats 🙄. You're doing a fantastic job bringing the grand old lady home.

[@HensOnly]

LOVE that comment "rabbit warren of pokey little shoddily built flats"!!! That describe it to the "T"!

[@princessadora]

they all do that. it costs them to upkeep the building vs renting out as flats and collecting money. new zealand is full of them. i wish we would return them to their original beauty and glamour

[@annematten7218]

Getting back to the bare bones of the building and you can see what an elegant house it originaly was.

[@judyrosey]

OH the LIGHT in that home. So happy for you. I'm glad you got a holiday....and I'm sorry for your loss. ❥

[@carolavant3778]

Oh, my!! It's so open and inviting with those walls down! If you ever have any doubt at all, just know that you will have a beautiful home when you've finished your renovation! Thank you for bringing us along on your journey!

[@caroletomlinson5480]

I actually like that last turn of the stairs. Enjoying the transformation 🎉

[@dottiebaker6623]

I'm so glad to hear you two took a vacation - what a wise decision! And what satisfying work taking out all that drywall must be! The whole area now looks like it can breathe, and the light is fabulous. I hope your hand is OK, Charlie. And I'm sorry to hear your dog passed away - I lost mine in January, and I still miss him terribly. I'm sure the discovery about the original position of the stairs will be the first of many. Restoring The Rectory to it's original layout is a wonderful thing - if ever a house needed rescuing, it's this one.

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you so much - sorry to hear of the recent passing of your dear one 🐾

[@HaddronCollider]

Thanks for sharing the nitty gritty details. So often on TV it goes from neglected to show house in a wave of a magic wand. We’ve done similar conversions and it’s seeing progress day after day that we love.

[@reginacline897]

That looks so much better now, it looked so boxed in before.

[@daftfish99]

Nice discovery with the original layout of the stairs. You can see how they reused the original rail and positioned them at 90 degrees with the extra piece infilled at the right angle of the handrail. Different colour.

[@TheRectory1812]

We noticed the different colour in the wood too after we were done with the video 🙂

[@nelltaylor8171]

So sorry for the loss of Mutley, lovely that he got to see the house and he will always be with you. x

[@olgav708]

Сколько в этом доме сюрпризов ! Без всех этих перегородок пространство становится воздушным . Представляю, какая будет красота, когда закончится ремонт !

[@kevsterman]

I'd leave the staircase as it is. I think the return is quite elegant.

[@OrshaOrsha1]

Sorry you’ve lost your friend Mutley. 😢 Love to see the walls gone and open back up to Georgian proportions. Already transformed the space. Enjoying watching your journey.

[@yankeedoodledarling9232]

Retired interior designer here! From a visual and practical standpoint, I'd leave the front stairs where they are. For moving anything up and down the stairs the present placement is more spacious and easy - very functional. The stairs are also elegant where they're presently placed with the curved banister. Moving stairs to their earlier placement will cause a bottleneck in that part of the entrance and will look cramped. A straight banister at the bottom will also break up the space whereas a curved banister does not. The stairs were moved for a reason; please consider that! Save decorative ideas such as a Christmas tree dreams for AFTER the more important functionality of the house has been achieved. As to today's work: the removal of the walls really opens up the space and allows light and air to flow - well done! I wouldn't worry about the moulding - that can be fixed, replaced or left alone - it's minor! Best wishes from the USA.

[@jillfoster6369]

So sorry about your loss. Doesn’t matter how old our pets are it is heartbreaking when they leave us. Love the hallway now it has been opened up. You now have room for a huge Christmas tree there 🙈

[@ivylasangrienta6093]

I'm SO happy the stairs actually went straight down originally. It'll looks SO much better once they're re-positioned to the correct way!

[@user-mv1kd8pm9i]

Sorry you lost your dog but happy you were able to go on holiday. Looks so much better with those walls removed.

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you ❤️

[@gailtrowbridge3660]

The Rectory staircase has such a beautiful sweep now that it's been released from all those pokey walls. Love your channel.

[@the_oslovian]

Ohhhh... That is so beautiful to see the hallway open up to light and air!!

[@amandahumphrey9923]

It's amazing how different the hallway looks. It's looking more like a house and less like a nasty conversion. Huge condolences on the loss of your pupper. ❤

[@Ponkelina]

Don't move the stairs - the curve on the wood at the return it superb and it gives such character to the hallway. Don't have a boring stairway.

[@justsayin1958]

Oooh - I was looking for your next drop! Thank you for sharing with us. So sorry about your doggie. You can have a silicone cast made using the existing molding and use plaster to replace the missing pieces.

[@slowly_radish8374]

Keep stairs "as-is" for now. Handrail & spindles are nice & you have MANY other projects more critical to move-in. Good progress! 👍👍

[@moribundi27]

you should leave the stairs like this. The line is elegant and very inviting. If I imagine the stairs in the way they were before, it would remind me of a secondary stair, like a maidens staircase. Like it is now, it is really a hallway staircase! Leave it like that! (you have enough space in the house for your christmas tree, I am sure!)

[@BrigidC]

Sorry to hear about your little pup’s passing. Sorry for your loss 🥺 Thanks for sharing your journey on the renovation of the rectory. I understand completely that doing a remodel can be stressful.

[@CharlenePink-Dufresne]

Great progress! 😊 I think if you return the stairs in the original direction, it would look fabulous! 😉

[@margarethastings3332]

Amazing to see the light flooding back into the house! I agree that you should return the stairs to their original position. Will look great with an extended bottom step and that little curl of the banister, and will open up your hallway even more. Always wanted a giant Christmas tree in a hallway! Hope that finger is on the mend. And so sorry to hear about wee Mutley. ❤

[@czgator9000]

Very restrained and genteel demolition! I would just slam a sledgehammer into the wall. Great stress reliever (except when you hit yourself)! The foyer area and staircase look great. It is amazing in what good shape everything seems to be. They have acrylic or rubber like material you can use to make a mold of the cornice and fill with resin to make a replacement. Most hobby or DIY stores will have it. So sorry you lost your pup but he was happy "helping" at your new place. Glad you two were able to relax a bit.

[@apace903]

So very sorry that your fur baby passed away. Its so sad to lose a family member. S hard as you're working, a holiday was differently needed. Love everything you've done to save that beautiful houses. 😊

[@lozinozz7567]

Sorry to hear about Mutley, he was a little cutie ❤ never apologize for the lack of videos. How you manage to renovate and become KZbinrs is beyond me. Grateful that you are sharing what you can. The hallway looks so much better. Hugs 😊

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you! 😊

[@CQuinnLady]

Its wonderful to see ur becoming more relaxed with filming and being on film. Watching the 2 of you work together gives me a better idea of who u are as opposed to the "stiff" new youtuber starting reno's. Removing those walls really opens it up and adds so much light back. I cant wait to see where it goes from here.

[@HensOnly]

I love the stairway hallway!!!!!! So vast and open! I agree the stairs needs to go back where it was originally and if those bottom stairs are the same as the upper part of the stairs, recycle it by re connecting the pieces together! The water tank and pipes, I know you will find a place for the new water heater and pipe access somewhere else. I'm loving this project and hope you continue doing it during the summer months tearing out and demo'ing the rooms as quickly as you can before winter gets here. Good job and keep going and keep filming, even in speed mode lol.

[@HensOnly]

@@andymccabe6712 Good to have more than one opinion and the homeowners can make the final decision after reading the comments we shared. All we have to do is wait and see what they will plan for the staircase, their money, their decisions, their home.

[@lindajennens9033]

no guys leave the stairs where they are, they are lovely

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

I like the graceful turn in the stairs also.

[@HouseWinchester1874]

It looks good, but it's also taking up too much space in the room.

[@suemount6042]

It’s a hallway And a lovely space if it were mine I would think twice about moving the stairs. There are plenty of places in the U.K. where traditional plaster mouldings are still being made I know of at least one in thanet kent. Or you could cut a template and use plaster of Paris and draw the Template across like my neighbours did when they had the same issue you can’t tell there were gaps now

[@karenm3822]

I feel the same, those balustrades & handrail would be ruined if the stairs were altered, it's so beautiful right now 😍

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

@@HouseWinchester1874 It's a good big hallway as it is now, I don't think they need worry about space.

[@aletverster]

What a gorgeous entrance. The symmetry of the two doors at the back is beautiful.

[@garyrebholz4139]

Bravo on your opened front hall; looks the start of a proper Georgian residence entryway.

[@robinzaleski5]

Wow, what a difference in the hallway. You now have a proper entrance hall and the rest of it is starting to look like a home instead of a rabbit warren of rooms. It must be so gratifying and motivating with that bit taken out. So sorry about Mutley. They do steal our hearts. 🐶💔

[@stepps511]

You are doing wonderful work, and it's now possible to envisage what this wonderful rectory will look like once you have completed this monumental task. Thanks for taking us along on this journey with you - it is work for you, and a treat for us.

[@maryoregan6770]

The loss of those walls really shows up the elegance of the hallway. The curve of the stairs is lovely. Please keep them as they are.

[@user-qi2in5iy3d]

The hallway looks amazing, really looking forward to seeing more transformations. I actually like the bend in the stairs as it is currently, I think the curl and the banister looks very elegant.

[@jackb7705]

They’re right it’s not original, though. Can very visibly see the cut in the handrail at 16:17. If they’re gonna keep it they’ll need to get someone in to fix that and make up a matching handrail for the other side

[@KrisFlint]

In regards to the cornicing, you could possible make a mould of the existing cornice using Pinkysil (orsimilar). You could then make a plaster cast from the mould, add some fibre into the mix and it will give the plaster patch some strength. All the best, you are both doing so well..

[@galevandervort6468]

WOW!!! What a difference it makes. It is so very nice with the open view!

[@mrsmiggins6435]

Everyone needs a break. 👍. I'd leave the stairs where they are for now, give yourselves some thinking time. We can all make rash decisions and sometimes regret them. You're very tidy wreckers lol. Stay safe🤗

[@LennaWinther-Saxe]

Congratulations, the window over the stairwell can now flood the lower lever with amazing light! You two deserved a bit of a holiday with so much work having already progressed at breakneck speeds. Thank you so much for sharing your renovation journey with the rest of us. Can't wait to see what will be done next. Best to you from a very hot Central California... it will be over 110 degrees Fahrenheit here next week, so enjoy your British weather, we are quite envious.

[@TheRectory1812]

Thanks so much! It's uncharacteristically hot here today but I think we're back to rain shortly 😅

[@beezig]

Fantastic work, you are a great team. The difference between before and after is literally night and day. Such an exciting project, Christmas tree, swags on the bannister, it's going to be beautiful

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you!

[@dalebeach7337]

What an amazing transformation with your hallway and staircase. Great work! So sorry for your loss of your dear dog.

[@user-tl8zp2vs3e]

The spacial difference is so very open and inviting … looks amazing.

[@mauraricketts2769]

A thought about the staircase … if you reorient the direction of the stairs back to the original, isn’t it worth thinking about where you want to go every time you use the stairs?.. if entering via the door behind you, you would have to walk a long way to use the stairs, similarly, imagine coming down the stairs with the intention of going out … you’d have to walk the length of the staircase hallway. The way it is now is more natural for the use of the stairs, and curved stairs are very elegant!

[@TheRectory1812]

Good food for thought thank you! The stairs layout is definitely not set in stone at the moment :)

[@user-fs6ou3fk9p]

So sorry about the loss of your sweet pet. I love the idea of returning the stairs to the original design.

[@elizabethturel78]

If you go straight down with the stairs; there’s not enough room where they would end. The lovely curve on the banister is so nice. So sorry about Mutley. Our dogs just don’t live long enough.

[@elizabethalderete731]

Think you've both done quite a lot in the month since I watched the videos. Watching this just makes my mind race back to my aunt gutting a 500 year old thatched cottage in Somerset. The amount of work is mind boggling. Thank goodness for pubs. Looking quite lovely and makes me miss Dorset even more. Cannot wait to get back home in October.

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you! We really need to take ourselves off to the pub more when we're there 😊

[@janl8683]

So sorry to hear about Mutley 😢. Doesn't matter what age it is still heartbreaking when you lose them 💔 Loving the openness of the hall and landing. You can just see what a wonderful house it is 😊

[@christinefong3678]

Beautiful stairway and original doors and doorways! So lovely. Thanks for sharing!

[@barbaramassey3787]

Thank you for showing us how you are restoring this beautiful home. Wonderful! ❤❤❤

[@janeb3024]

I can hear that stairwell breathing a sigh of relief!

[@exhibitdesign901]

The original beauty is starting to return, thanks to your hard work and diligence. I can't wait to see what is next. You have great vision. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you so much 😊

[@NetherfieldHall]

I love the curved stairs as they are!!! Keep up the good work!

[@donneverae3050]

The entry hall has such gracious proportions now those walls have been removed.

[@iwasfloyd]

It's a beautiful staircase. With the walls gone it looks so bright and inviting. Love it.

[@goptools]

So sorry for the loss of your pup. He was a cute little fellow. Good that you got away for a bit. Everyone needs vacation time. The hallway area looks much better opened up. Maybe you can return the stairs to where they used to go, if that fits into the floor plan you want. It's hard to reproduce the craftsmanship that went into buildings a century ago.

[@flowers1-2-1]

You’re all doing a bang up job with the renovations🎉 Sorry about the loss of your dog, your hearts must ache😢 Whatever you decide to do with the stairs is up to you but make sure it will suit your needs long term👍🏾 Remember, a Christmas tree is for Christmas - not for life! I ❤ watching your videos🤗

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@wendysinclair-smith984]

Super to see you back. Great progress. I noticed on the handrail of the stairs, at the spot where they changed the direction of the bannister; it's different wood right at the turn. To me that means the current handrail could adequately be reused for the repositioned stairs. Also, think about this idea. On another vlog, the people decided to live in a trailer while the house got remodeled. With that in mind, having a good working bathroom would make that a much better situation. It would save a lot of money and after selling your current home, it would release plenty of money for the build and accessories. Good work 👍 So glad you freed up that dynamic staircase

[@susanashton6608]

What a difference! You can practically hear the house breathing a sigh of relief... BTW garden is looking lovely.

[@emilymanning2606]

Such a great choice! The red is significant. Farrow and Ball actually have a paint colour called Rectory Red. I think your hall needs a light modern colour, but one of the other rooms perhaps. Cheers!

[@katjagirnus9573]

Hope you had a fantastic vacation! So sorry for the loss of your little dog! You are doing amazing work on the rectory! Those walls made a really big difference! ❤

[@patgrimes298]

You needed a holiday, though much work to get back to, but feeling refreshed. Wonderful the hallways are opened up more again. I love the current stairway, but sure it will be lovely back where it was originally located. It was obeservant of Mr. Charlie to realize the original location of the staircase. I am like your mother-in-law, a Christmas tree in the foyer. It will be just beautiful, and beautiful. (I like the precautions you both take in restoring.) I look forward to seeing the other videos.

[@cathyroberts7032]

Don’t forget eye protection! Love your progress.

[@user-bl3fw2cx7c]

I also really like that you have that lovely panelling in the doorways to your main rooms, so elegant matching the doors. Sadly our grand house had had all its original features ripped out before our time. 😢

[@caroline9777]

So sorry to read you had to say goodbye to your pet. They are part of the family. Trust you feel refreshed, energised after your much needed break. Always nice to recharge batteries. Entrance will look ever so open once the stairs are referred. You are both making such progress. Any plasterer will be able to repair cornice, restore it how it would be originally. My property built 1896. One room had a cupboard removed. I had the area replanted 12 years ago, cornice still looking great. Cannot wait to watch your next update. 😊 you must be thrilled 😊

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you 🥰

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

I like the curve of the stairs gives it character

[@arabellacameron7620]

Now the house is looking free from all those walls. It feels normal again.

[@wendystewart9008]

Wow - what a difference! I'm glad to see you back, I've been looking forward to seeing that hallway come alive again. It's so refreshing to see an old and beautiful house being brought back to it's former glory and not be wrecked in the process! Sorry to hear about Mutley, but I'm glad he got to spend a little time in your new home (to be). Dogs are such heartbreakers ❤

[@TheRectory1812]

Thank you! They certainly are 🐾

[@timdoyle3434]

Looking great, it will be worth keeping all that wood you are stripping out. It will come in handy later on for a range of tasks or in a log burner.

[@randyboglisch137]

Wow! What an incredible difference it made! Great job. Sorry to hear of your dog

[@lissyadams6497]

Some of use knew that about the stairs before you started taking the wall out. It never made sense for the stairs to be in that position as a house so I thought right away I’d but the stairs back to original configuration for a house. ;-) It’s going to look gorgeous! Looks fab already with what you’ve managed to get through x

[@twin_o7m.364]

I love the new look 😊the house will look amazing when it’s finished. I also like the “neat demolition” you guys keep it orderly and clean. 😅 Sorry for loosing your dog, I’m sure he had a great life with you both of you. Have a wonderful day and take care. 😊 🇺🇸🇬🇧❤

[@Cincinnatus-q4i]

It's more than twenty years now since my wife and I embarked on a project like yours and we loved every minute (tip: you never really finish!). We're watching your progress and learning with fascination. Keep up the good work and please keep these updates coming. Here's another tip: the best tribute you can pay to Mutley is to get another little dog asap. Life is empty without dogs

[@HensOnly]

I agree they can get another dog but hold off on getting a puppy until they are half way thru the renovations due to the time constraints and pup won't have to walk into all that mess. Veterinarian bills and pet food are getting so expensive nowadays and people are either not getting any more pets after their last one passed on or going smaller breeds of dogs.

[@kflan3342]

Opening up looks so amazing. I agree with moving the stairs to the original placement. So exciting.

[@charmees6637]

It’s opened the area up now. Well done

[@divaden47]

Much love for little Mutley. The hallway is looking really good!! Although the sweet of the stairs does look good, it will totally depend if you think the hallway will look better. I think the extra space will be a good thing.