Restoring Coldwell Tower - The Restoration Man - S02 EP5 - Home Renovation

Join Barry Taylor and Sarah McCombie in their challenging journeys to restore historic towers in Scotland and Kent. Barry faces planning hurdles and vandalism at Coldwell Tower, while Sarah navigates conservation concerns for her Martello Tower. Witness the trials and triumphs as they work to transform these ancient structures into dream homes.
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The Restoration Man features architect George Clarke as he explores the UK, discovering unique buildings being transformed into homes. Each episode highlights a different historical structure, like windmills, churches, and towers, focusing on their restoration, architectural significance, and the personal stories of the homeowners involved. This series blends history, architecture, and inspiring renovation tales.
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Welcome to Banijay Home & Garden, your go-to destination for all things DIY, gardening, and landscaping. 🏠🌲
Banijay Home & Garden features the best shows on home renovation, gardening tips, and stunning landscaping projects. Explore our collection of full episodes from popular series like Location, Location, Location, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and Portrait Artist of the Year. Join us on this exciting journey of transforming houses into dream homes and creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
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[@mutlupb]

That tower is a monstrosity. Truly horrific. And when he talked about painting the inside, holy hell, I felt the blood boiling up to my brain. I feel sorry for all the people who have to look at it now.

[@mutlupb]

Oh, and the PVC windows? Oh god.

[@stacyp1963]

I agree100%!!!😠

[@fredperry523]

Well done to Scotland Heritage & planning - you have approved a lavatory addition !

[@ericgrigorof1509]

The planners turned down the glass extension for "not fitting in" but intead approved blue plastic siding? There's a reason extensions for old buildings are so often made of glass, because you can see the old building through it.

[@packradtpackradt4581]

This is what you get when planners turn down two more visually reasonable requests. Okay; we do it your way. Six years in, as a homeowner, you just want it done.

[@rachelkristine4669]

They have absolutely DESTROYED that wonderful medieval tower! Its just bloody HORRIBLE! And shame on Scotlands planners for not just allowing it, they even encouraged it! 🙄

[@59tante]

Agreed...damn ugly

[@987654321mnbv]

It is very hard to believe that the blue extension and white vinyl windows were approved while more elegant and less intrusive projects were rejected.

[@dawnkytle2284]

That is so sad. Planning really shamed this Scottish castle tower. Heartbreaking.

[@itorapadas]

Should have painted it a dark grey. It's that simple. And the previous owner's proposal for a glass extension would not have been obtrusive from afar compared to the approved plan.

[@kathleenp9643]

Totally agree!

[@me-l-9910]

And the tower fellow says he'll be painting it green? Well there's green and there's green. It could be a vast improvement or something so much worse! Good luck!

[@patmaurer8541]

Any of the previous owner's plans would have been lovely and harmonious. I don't know what planning was thinking; they are responsible for this disappointing and sorry outcome.

[@angrybird9925]

Why. Why that blue turd hanging off the side? Would have looked better if the whole addition was stone.

[@MakeMineaDouble]

That tower deserved better. Blue siding..? What were they thinking?

[@andreaandrea6716]

(That's the problem; they can't. Candy floss for brains).

[@ReviewBoard-uy5nv]

That Scottish tower extension is an EYESORE. The color, the shape of that blue embarrassment can be seen for miles! Scotland really cocked this one up. Inside and out. The previous owner’s designs were MUCH better. TripAdvisor pics from 2020 also show how much it has deteriorated

[@WilldoAldone]

Turned historical into hysterical. Planning commission should be fired.

[@doolie165]

the castle tower is horrendous.

[@Ashitaka255]

The host's face every time he enters a new room just cracks me up. Man's doing all he can to not show his disdain.

[@Mario7p]

44:35 lmao that face says it all

[@nancyn347]

First time I think I've seen George speechless. And there were no "fantastics", "incredibles" or "stunnings" to be heard! Thanks for the upload.

[@saibliss7976]

Sarah lady of the tower what a personality.💖

[@nancyn347]

Well, she is an actress.

[@getin3949]

A new Scottish ballad, "Barry Botched the Tower, Barry Botched the Tower."

[@GeordieBoy1955]

I have always thought that planners and conservation / heritage officials were too demanding as regards the restrictions imposed on owners who want to renovate historic buildings so how the hell did that monstrosity in Scotland receive approval?

[@andreaandrea6716]

I'm gob-smacked. Couldn't agree with you more.

[@WilldoAldone]

Have to agree with the mojority of the consensus here. Complete ruin of an aesthetically beautiful medieval tower. Looks like they stuck a caravan on the side and called it a day. My opinion is to make it work as is, live smaller in a beautiful building. Thats why you bought it after all, was the way it looked. You changed it into something completely different. I feel the same about the orher one too. Leave it alone, just restore it, with kitchen and loo. Then you'll have the building you loved in the first place.

[@getin3949]

I don't think Barry actually liked it the way it was in the first place or he wouldn't have changed it so drastically. How he got away with this mess is beyond me.

[@songs4thesoul]

Definitely appreciated the contrast of a project done right and one that isn't. After watching a few of these shows. I see why the planning commission gives people a hard time. Sometimes things are just better left as they are. Oh well.

[@amyjones8114]

That was frustrating af to watch.

[@benjoyce5853]

Horrific to watch, I don't actually blame Barry on this one, I think after years of planning appeals he was just desperate to get *something* built. The building's blood yet again is on the planning department. Their endless refusals led him down this path and I just cannot believe the final plan for the extension was approved. What a tragic waste of a spectacular building.

[@getin3949]

What a mess, the design is nice but BLUE and SIDING, not stone? This is a true folly and a total mess. How is this tower in keeping with the look of the old tower?

[@MakeMineaDouble]

I agree, it looks dreadful.

[@getin3949]

@@MakeMineaDouble The people that allowed this man to ruin this building should be drawn and quartered.

[@MakeMineaDouble]

@@getin3949 I can't believe there is nobody protecting these beautiful structures. A heritage society or something.

[@alisonoxholm9315]

omg they ruined the castle ..whats the ugly blue shed stuck on the side , it looked beautiful in its original shape

[@naui_diver9290]

Barry's finished product....myyyyyyy gawwwwwwwd!

[@TaytahniTorra]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 Ikr

[@myraandersen9881]

blue siding is not right. Natural wood would have been more in keeping

[@getin3949]

Don't you think stone would have been the obvious choice?

[@myraandersen9881]

@@getin3949 Yes but they the historic planning would not approve it. Because it is a listed building they had to put something completly different for the addition.

[@TaytahniTorra]

@@myraandersen9881 oh that's interesting

[@Saraseeksthompson0211]

I think they should have just enclosed the staircase in some sort of faux stone and then left the exterior as is and then painted the rooms white and bright. A reception room on the first floor, a kitchen/bathroom/utility on the second and a bedroom at the top. And in the future, the roof could have made a beautiful outdoor dining space with a movable glass roof. So many options available.

[@paisley293]

Barry's 'wreckovation' of the tower truly looks as though he piled up a bunch of blue boxes next to it. Methinks Sir Walter Scott must have had a foreboding of it, when he wrote this poem: "'Why sit'st thou by that ruin'd hall, Thou aged carle so stern and grey? Dost thou its former pride recall, Or ponder how it pass'd away?'- Answer: Barry and his girlfriend killed it!! But they will be painting it green lol

[@debrap947]

So after all those attempts to get approved...the planning commission approved that butt ugly "addition". smh George was right, Barrie was not the right man for this job.

[@wandajames6234]

It's time to realize we can re-purpose these buildings or let them crumble to dust. It can be done tastefully and with respect without trying to keep it exactly as it was. NOTHING lasts forever and isn't it better that these structures are at least reincarnated and given a new reason for being than letting them disintegrate?? Life simply cannot be so hidebound that we'd rather let something die than give it a facelift. After all these people have put money into these places and should be granted some concessions as they are willing to keep them going and have to also LIVE IN THEM. Too much interference. You want it restored to original? Then YOU pay for it. At that initial meeting Sarah could have suggested a nice smaller subtle roofed compartment on the top of the tower that wouldn't drastically impact its integrity-- but to just say 'NO' categorically without even entertaining ANY designs smacks of dictatorship. I would have been furious and told him off.

[@TaytahniTorra]

Why the random blue wood panelling. They should've made it all stone outside or something of natural colour. It's weird. I'm surprised he got permission for that. And the other lady's tower, maybe a rail on the roof so not one falls off or make it into roof garden. She could of met them planners half way. There's was so much potential in both buildings.

[@simonlloyd7557]

The tower was an act of vandalism..heartbreaking.

[@andreaandrea6716]

Absolutely.

[@heatherthefireislefairy5469]

it's ugly with the blue sidings that do not look like they go, why did they not match the siding to the door? The stone looks good the rest is trash. The other lady will probably never build if she can't have her roof room.

[@wandajames6234]

Barrie's extension is horrible and they approved that?? Wow!

[@Madfattdeeb]

Wow, Barry has really made a mess of that beautiful old tower.😮😔

[@captainKbobkeeshan]

Well, it's not how I would have liked it. An "eyesore" is a fitting word. But, it's not my tower. And not everyone sees things like I see it. I do think Barry and Sarah have an extremely optimistic viewpoint. I can almost see them falling into a mud puddle and they would say, "well, these clothes needed a wash and look at the beautiful patterns they make on me clothes." I would have liked to see an extension like the Windmill tower one where the poor wife passed away before completition. That was nicely done. But then again, the "planning committee" might have denied that as well.

[@SimonDeBelleme1]

What did Sarah do with her tower when she realised that she couldn't have her penthouse floor?

[@YuzuruHakushaku]

as an archaeologist I have to say it is dreadful & frustrating. you know in Iran, if someone do such thing to a historical building (more than 100years old) the ministry of cultural heritage will rook the building from the owner without any payment as a punishment. I hope that traitor who approved it getting fired.

[@MD-qb1ke]

Errrrrmmmm, maybe a little extreme

[@jordanrelkey]

Barrie "Botched the Tower" Taylor. Good on him for persevering, and preserving the structure, but the design and polish looks trash from my point of view.

[@getin3949]

How in god's name did he get away with putting BLUE siding on it, it looks horrible. The planning commissioner must have been on drugs.

[@jordanrelkey]

@@getin3949 I first thought he must have paid a substantial bribe to someone with enough clout to the planning commissioner. Barrie does seem just wealthy enough.

[@getin3949]

@@jordanrelkey I wouldn't doubt that one bit because no one else gets away with this type of refurb., its just dreadful. And again I say BLUE SIDING???? Good god, have people gone mad?

[@daftlam1510]

I don't often comment, but my god, what an eyesore. This shows planners are totally incompetent. Monty Python could not have come up with a better public toilet.

[@lorrainewhitlock5377]

😱 that square Tower looks awful with that addition. I think they did a terrible job!!!

[@tamaramonster9027]

My god what a depressing episode. Although never seen such brutally honest Brits..

[@rodjomanelle]

I think the reason why their plans are rejected is because of the extension they want to attach to the tower. Maybe they should focus on renovating the inside of the tower and fortifying its foundation.

[@cpalmieri21]

I preferred the previous owners rendering with the glass turret and wood/steel addition. Barry’s is terrible. I can’t believe this was approved. Terrible

[@kcsunnyone]

Planning commission should all be fired for the tower monstrosity

[@me-l-9910]

Oh my!

[@cassandraotroy]

So it's not just me thinking that extension on Barry's tower is hideous

[@andreaandrea6716]

Nope. It's ALL OF US!!

[@dedratiger806]

Why on earth did they paint it blue? A sandy brown or even gray would have been so much more pleasing.

[@marciomatos1975]

I would defo switch for glass breezeways and glass enclosure for the stairs. Why Planning Commission inspectors were so idiot not to allow glasses in exchange for this intrusive alien?

[@skinnysim]

Botched the Tower truly tasteless

[@deannayoung5311]

I adore this charming channel I have always been drawn to Doing something like this... I appreciate all who are stubborn Enough to make there dreams come true! Bravo to yu all 😁👍👑 New subscriber now 😊 Still a bit frustrating to see when Those that dont simply listen to expert advice" an the blue needs to be painted grey!!! To keep with The lovely scenery...

[@getin3949]

I doubt the grey paint would do much to make it blend in. Stone would have been his best choice.

[@deannayoung5311]

@@getin3949 oh, yes I agree with you 👍😁

[@monaarchy2367]

barry tower lovely .

[@Agameda1]

Good grief. The poor tower.😮

[@donniestrickland2213]

Paint the blue closer to the color of the stone

[@andreaandrea6716]

... like THAT would help. It's too hideous. Burning it down might work.

[@donniestrickland2213]

@@andreaandrea6716 beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@donniestrickland2213 Even a cliché won't fix this one.

[@donniestrickland2213]

@@andreaandrea6716 depends on the person doing the work

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@donniestrickland2213 not really. A coat of paint would not fix this horror. The Planning Committee fell down a well on this one as it looks as if a public loo was tacked onto the side of an historic building. Would paint lessen the offense? Only to an a completely untrained eye. Someone was paid off.

[@gregory90211]

I have a Scottish heritage. Not sure I will ever admit it again.

[@SlaterLater]

I would have planted a beautiful garden on the top of the gun tower.

[@ElsieDreamWorld]

You have to wonder how did they manage to have that extension approved. I agree with many of the comments, it is really horrible, damages the building looks and the whole countryside

[@purpleclove1929]

The Heritage commissions sometimes seem to be a tad bit too nitpicky. I recall watching a show about the restoration of Windsor Castle after the fire. They were initially denied approval to remove interior wall coverings (plaster and such) to allow the stone walls to dry. Apparently, they wanted the building to dry naturally - over decades!! WtH!!! You can't rebuild over that! Eventually there was some kind of compromise! Are there fees associated with submissions? As in everytime your plans are rejected, do you have to pay when you resubmit. My opinion: Of course I want to see these buildings repaired and remodeled in a way that reflects it's heritage. But part of that heritage includes the fact that they have been remodeled over time, each person adding their own touches. Adding modern amenities is allowed (electricity, HVAC, indoor plumbing.) Also, the cost of this is already high. As well as stressful. Grade 1 & 2 listings are pointless if no one will take on the project. Eventually the building will be gone.... not to mention all the houses that were bulldozed in the 20th century - heartbreaking. This process should be a bit clear and "user friendly?" Not really sure what I would recommend, without seeing the process.... Anyway, I would love to see a show from the Commissions' perspectives! I'm sure they get many plans that are incredibly off base - like request to turn Gothic Revival into Mid-Century Modern? But I would love to see some real cooperation between commission, homeowners, contractors, etc., to move the process forward with sympathy for the structure, the finances and for the owners who should be allowed to add their mark like so many before them. This is about keeping the legacy alive for future generations! Not just letting it disappear because people are afraid of even trying because the approval process is just too much.

[@aliciapastor8166]

Amazing! I love this restoration proyects!

[@andreaandrea6716]

Seriously???

[@jonarse]

The planning committee rejected so many proposals and THAT is what they approved? Gross.

[@ThisUsernamewastaken004]

She surely is an actress 😂😂

[@JenaTuckerAquariums]

He ruined that beautiful tower!! Now he's going to paint it green oh no!! Poor tower!!

[@mrjakenorris]

Lost for words, how the hell did that get approved. If l lived in that area l'd be gutted. Horrific extension. Even the stone bit looked like a cheap movie set.

[@rockypluto2683]

So if thy care so much about the history of that particular building...don't sell it. And if thy do..let the new owners do as thy please. Those who want to go visit the towers fr historical knowledge can do so at the other numerous towers scattered about.

[@paulomontero12]

That’s what they permitted? They can always used as steps going up to the top?

[@turnupthesun81]

We’re these people the same people who restored that painting of Jesus Christ years ago? What a horror show.

[@RuslanaRovdo]

Всё, как и у нас! Видимо, это уже глобальный тренд - реставрация сайдингом. Приятно знать, что рукожопы везде одинаковы.

[@davilianobostonma7669]

Horrible mess! How did they let him do that to the stone tower. Scotland should reconsider this!

[@getin3949]

The horse it out of the barn.

[@debbie5601]

That blue box looks horrible on that beautiful stone tower....

[@lCaKeSl]

Astronomically disappointed in that paneling edition on the outside LOL

[@mrspoker4637]

wow, that is godawful!

[@irishpiecute]

Sorry Caldwell tower is an eyesore , can’t believe the planning office approved it 🥲

[@jeanneamato8278]

The tower is very unhappy. As it should be.

[@kristinebailey2804]

A shame and a sham. Must have bribed the commission.

[@monaarchy2367]

they can changes the paint colour into brown

[@mellie4174]

omg! i don't get it. if you know you have a classified building why wouldn't the first thing you do is talk to an architect that has positive results with classified buliding's planning!? i do not get it!

[@arianebelanger69]

How could the city reject the glass tower and approve that very ugly add-on to be built?

[@joannagagon6266]

Siding???? What were they thinking??

[@stephenrafter1022]

Any update.

[@lauriefox5350]

seen

[@hurriyetakin1431]

Bu kaleye nasil sahip oldular acaba

[@bevfrench3496]

not keen on that color....maybe dark or light grey to match the stone????

[@naui_diver9290]

Theres no gin&tonic..she needs a good rogering..YEAH BABY!

[@paulhemming159]

Like sticking a set aftermarket shat chinese alloys on an etype Jag.... No accounting for tatse, and clearly someone in the planning department needs sacking and that abortion on the side must be removed immediately!

[@stacyp1963]

I know this is a older show but I am absolutely horrified what those people did to that beautiful historic building. I live in the USA and i am so interested in British history. I am SHOCKED that this building was approved for that restoration. This deeply saddens me. 😥😠

[@joannagagon6266]

Why not stone?

[@dominiqueparisi4618]

I don't like the existent ion it should of been brick . But blue ?please !

[@archy8822]

what happen to sera? did she get her house done?

[@shelleydouglas1263]

That one lady throwing a fit over a glass room seemed like a spoiled child. Her way or no way. I bet the tower ends up in ruins because she didn't get her way.

[@fatpigeonhgg]

You would be correct. Judging by the google maps satellite view, it's abandoned again.

[@shelleydouglas1263]

@@fatpigeonhgg How sad

[@tonymcneil978]

If only I had money to waste like this. Over a hundred grand for that? What do you do with it?

[@monaarchy2367]

Seems Uk has no care in the history . .

[@paulhemming159]

Surely they didn't get the thumbs up from Scottish heritage for what looks like a handful of coucil house extensions stacked upon one another on the side of that beautiful tower. I'd be as sick as a dog if that was in my line of sight. Utterly shocking.... Seriously who in their right mind would have approved that abortion?

[@sun1one1]

Too many stairs, not enough light, worst energy efficiency ever, and if there's ever a fire you're dead! What I'd do with these towers is leave them alone and build a new house elsewhere on the lot.

[@cathhumphreys3113]

The planning officers should hang their head's in shame. The first owners plans were far superior and would have fitted into the landscape better .

[@rutontuton]

The tower extension is hideous! Even painting it green won't help it. Maybe black or dark grey, but the vinyl windows are awful.

[@jaytay8637]

Anyone with taste or style should avoid this one, and anyone with high blood pressure !

[@JoeDirt.WD-40]

Get rid of the boomer twats from the planning and conservation departments, and you'll see more people renovating these old buildings. Otherwise you'll loose whatever old buildings are left. Barry is not at fault here nor is any other person who had bought, renovated and brought lives these old derelicts, which would've disappeared like many before and many more after. Is this the tower from the movie Highlander by any chance?

[@rockypluto2683]

Agreed. That's why so many of those lovely building are falling to ground.

[@zyco706]

please i need subtitle

[@kathleenp9643]

Oh my goodness! No. Just no! That stands out like a sore thumb. If that was the only design they would allow, why that color?? It needs to painted ASAP if it must stay that way.

[@arinetagvor9493]

😮OMG!!!!! That Poor Beautiful Tower!!!! I did 4 different versions of conservation sketch during the show!!!! My god... i blame the permit comity!!!!! Horrrorrrrable job!!!!! Very bad🤦🏼‍♀️

[@cassandraotroy]

It hurts to look at

[@totw7790]

Horrible.