Transforming a Neglected 18th Century English Cottage - DIY Restoration Reveal | My Tiny Estate

When we first laid eyes on the 18th-century Dower House, we fell in love with the gorgeous English countryside, but over the years, the home itself had lost all its historic charm. Old wooden beams? Gone. Brick fireplaces? Plastered over. Stunning windows, all but forgotten. This place was begging for a rescue, especially the snug (sitting room) with its modern fireplace and crumbling walls.
We’ve always dreamed of having a cozy room to read in or relax by the fire. Join us as we transform this sadly neglected room back into a stunning English cottage sitting room! With tons of old beams, lime plaster, DIY paneling, secret doors, and months of hard work, we uncover hidden architectural gems, restore a huge brick fireplace and craft DIY furnishings that bring new life to this old home. For those who are joining us for the first time, watch our early progress on the sitting room at • CREEPIEST Discovery Ye... and • Restoring our British ... and enjoy the full transformative reveal!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join us on our DIY restoration journey!
#restoration #DIY #renovation #englishheritage #historicestate #architecture #heritagepreservation #oldbuildings #historichome #conservation #traditionalcraftsmanship #historicpreservation #statelyhome #restorationproject #listedbuilding

[@mytinyestate]

Thankfully we didn't have birds in the chimney but we could just hear them as they were singing away at the top of the chimney pot!

[@nikkiearl5107]

Are you going to put a cowl on the chimney to stop jackdaws nesting in the chimney pot? We have had them and once the nest is built you can't remove it until they have vacated. You will then have to get the chimney swept. We have had cowls put on all of our chimneys. 😊

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

I can almost hear the Dower House sighing with pleasure at being so well loved. No wonder the birds are singing. I'm surprised there's no angelic choir! Beautiful room, and the candles are genius!

[@mytinyestate]

Aww I love that ! 🥰

[@user-op9vy2wm6p]

Love the innovative way you turned the inexpensive candleholder into a designer project🤗❤️

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you! We are super pleased ☺️☺️

[@bea6987]

The snug turned out so snuggly, love it! And the candleholder turned out great as well!

[@mytinyestate]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Love the candleholder. Thank goodness you had the chimney fixed. Love the heated floor 😍😘

[@CecilliaDB]

The funny part about learning those annoying quirks is that our spouses ACT like they don’t know we know that they do those behaviors over and over. But they know we know they know what they’re doing…and we’re playing along. I swear it’s a form of foreplay in long term relationships. Intentionally I infuriating or being infuriated by our partner really keeps the 🔥 alive 🤣 Beautiful reno and what a cozy room!

[@susanm.3029]

The candle in stone is beautiful. Now I want one.

[@mytinyestate]

It was not difficult! Go for it ☺️

[@sandykoenig1666]

The room is turning out to be so beautiful.

[@mytinyestate]

It’s slowly getting there 😀😀

[@sarahweston5948]

We had a pigeon fall into.out chimney and it was a nightmare to rescue it! Living room looks amazing as always. Very much looking forward to the full tours now!!!borja I'm so with you on the tidying up dissappearing plan!!

[@clarencehershberger2058]

That wooden flooring is very beautiful!

[@mytinyestate]

I think so too!🤎

[@ClareCC0902]

This room is so lovely. I think the blue sofas work well.

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you! 😊

[@LoriPhelan-je1ge]

What a lovely room....I love the sofas. The planter turned out great, it should fill in beautifully. You are so lucky to have a greenhouse to help your plants along. I'd start another one that is similar and rotate the two between the greenhouse and house to keep them looking strong.

[@mytinyestate]

That’s a good idea! A backup incase they fail 😜😆🥰

[@calvindavis2054]

This is the most interesting house renovation I’ve seen in a long time. And I’ve seen many. The challenges you have. And more importantly, your design taste which is exquisite. The candle-rock (I call it) is definitely a unique design. You took a 5£ candelabra and rock from outside and made it worth at least 125-50£. Maybe more. Beautiful. ❤

[@mytinyestate]

Awww thanks!! Honestly when we have spare time in our hands we tend to be quite creative!

[@DrapersDoingRenos]

I think you blue sofas are stunning!! Great choice! Such a beautiful room❤

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you!! 😊

[@janetstewart6977]

Love learning some of your little quirks…..Borja not liking to tidying up….😂 Another beautiful transformation ❤️

[@mytinyestate]

Hahaha who likes to tidy up? 😜

[@ChristineKelly1000]

Borja, you are such a handsome man! ❤❤❤You both do brilliant work. Turned out fabulous.

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you so much! I am blushing 😊

[@ChristineKelly1000]

@@mytinyestate ah go on. You should own your good looks 😊 ❤️.

[@lovelyskull3483]

A beautiful room. It just makes me happy looking at it.

[@mytinyestate]

Aww thank you 🥰

[@mcbryson08]

I'm also crap at houseplant care, yet my outdoor garden is lush 😅

[@mytinyestate]

Hahaha I think we are just outdoor gardeners

[@debrap947]

I have just the right book to read when I snuggle up on your sofa, when would be a good time to pop by? 😆

[@mytinyestate]

😆😜🥰

[@aussieanne6812]

Love your creativity and the care you take with every detail.

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you so much! That is very much appreciated ☺️

[@bigboy77dk]

I love it! It looks really good! I would personally go a little more traditional, or even "cottage", and add some antiques 😁 I love antique clocks, because they just instantly add interest. Old, beautiful crystal chandeliers and other light fittings would look reslly nice, too 😊 Oh, and paintings!😂

[@mytinyestate]

Oh totally we are missing some old vintage artwork in here and side tables and lamps… it’s still a work in progress but the base layer we have got now 🥰😁

[@kathib3796]

In love with the blue sofas! They look so good! I like the color green, just like you do, but I think blue is a good contrast with the wall color. Love, love, love the rock candle holder! Great job you two!😊

[@karenryder6317]

maybe there needs to be a rug or a piece of wall art that combines the blue and the greenish (to me) wall color.

[@mytinyestate]

We think it just wokrs and is a different choice that we would have made naturally ☺️

[@mytinyestate]

The blue sofa really works with the entrance hall tiles ☺️

[@clarebowers4060]

It’s so fabulous, loving the candelabra 😉❤. I’m going to steal this design and do this for the outside seating area, aka the Prosecco Pit… i can see those comfy sofas being a great height for the balancing/walking aid for the pitta patta of tiny feet !

[@mytinyestate]

Yesss do it! And I bet the rooms are not going to look like this when we have a tiny human taking over 😂

[@biblianabovery4092]

ok. Had to subscribe because I have been enjoying every bit of renovation you have done. Inspiring me as I start one of my own in a tropical location, two houses on one lot. Getting great ideas and having fun on your adventure!

[@mytinyestate]

A renovation in the tropic?! That sounds like a lot of fun!!

[@wildreeds]

I know how much of a headache renovations are but I do love seeing spaces transformed. I love watching your videos so I can vicariously enjoy renovations without lifting a finger (well maybe just to press the play button).

[@mytinyestate]

Hahaha love that! Well make sure you also press the like button then 😜💙

[@hispid1]

Note to self "Send Dean picture books" ... maybe about a family of birds that live in a chimney.

[@mytinyestate]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jillgardner1363]

What a legacy you have added to the history of your estate. Your little one will be SO very proud!! xxx

[@mytinyestate]

Aww thank you 🥰

[@lindagage7315]

Love your videos! Looking fantastic as usual!

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you so much!!☺️

[@nikkiearl5107]

Another beautiful room. Watching that video has got me planning a complete makeover of mine! I am debating about whether to get rid of the carpet to expose the original oak floors. We have done that in all the other downstairs rooms. I love your attention to detail. It is so satisfying to watch it all come together. Do you find yourself going into the room and just staring at it?! Or is that just me 😂

[@mytinyestate]

You should! Although sometimes carpet is super nice for comfort we are always the ones that prefer solid floor with a large rug! Yes even after years of finishing a room sometimes we go in the room and we are omg I can’t belive we did all this work!

[@katiethornton-stocks6093]

Congratulations! Your nursery is beautiful! Do you have plans for a changing station? You could probably convert the toy chest by placing a changing pad on top.

[@mytinyestate]

Honestly we did plan on having the chest as a changing station, but after all the comment We think we will need to get a higher one to not bend over so much, but that was the idea

[@joanmacdowell4457]

This all came out so good, you guys are too good👍

[@mytinyestate]

Ahh thanks 🥰

[@user-yo2qf3yb4n]

Love you guys ❤ the attention to details 🙌🏿 chefs kiss 💋

[@mytinyestate]

🤎🤎

[@johnbarnes794]

Thanks 👍

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you too☺️

[@catherinemunds4887]

You two have fabulous taste

[@mytinyestate]

🥰🥰

[@micheleyoung9292]

It is always a pleasure to watch your videos! I admire your creativity and the loving way you work together. It was delightful to see Dean laugh about looking at the pictures in books instead of reading rhem. 😊 Can't wait for next week! ❤

[@mytinyestate]

Ahh thank you 😜 we just have no time to read anymore 😆

[@martamanfrin5675]

So welcoming and calming 👏🤩

[@mytinyestate]

☺️☺️

[@elizamccarthy9876]

That was a good one. Cheers

[@mytinyestate]

Ahh thanks 🥰

[@user-jx8pv3dw2i]

Lovely.

[@mytinyestate]

Thanks 🥰

[@goddessqueen6610]

Beautiful

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you

[@lagringa7518]

Looks lovely, but you need some pattern in the throw pillows that pulls the walls and sofa colors together..

[@mytinyestate]

Omg we did say that! We definitely are still working on finishing touches!

[@AlidaLloyd]

I love all of your rooms - you certainly have a unique eye for design - I hope you add child friendly into your designs - you may need to review each room x

[@mytinyestate]

I know! We are going to have to start to think differently from Now on when it comes to design 😅

[@bkrerin]

Love the blue couches. Very soft and calming.

[@mytinyestate]

Thanks! They are also very comfortable ☺️

[@frankbriley4706]

Outstanding video 🎉

[@mytinyestate]

Thanks 🤗

[@dianebaker5243]

Lovely video.🥰🥰

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you 🤗

[@adelinefinlay1582]

Absolutely fantastic!

[@mytinyestate]

So pleased with it 🥹

[@michaelwilkinson9382]

Just beyond beautiful ❤

[@mytinyestate]

You are so kind

[@Keepthepeacesharethelove]

Hurra, another interesting vlog.

[@mytinyestate]

More to come!☺️

[@Jane-3229]

Absolutely gorgeous ❤ love all the panelling and the fireplace and beautiful blue couches 💙💙💙 dreamy 😊 xx

[@mytinyestate]

We just felt it worked great with the blue tiles ☺️

[@shamrock-mj9fd]

Great job ! I look forward to seeing all the next ones. ❤❤❤

[@mytinyestate]

💙

[@Timhey0912]

Love Love Love your new Snug!!!!

[@mytinyestate]

We are very pleased with it 😀

[@wendyironside1637]

Omg The sitting room is amazing. The rock candle is fab❤

[@mytinyestate]

Aww thanks! 🤎

[@Brenda4Rock]

I looooove this room! So beautiful! I think the couch needs more classic floral cushions (like the one in the nursery). And in manwithahammer style! You can bring a little bit more colors into the room ❤

[@mytinyestate]

Aww thanks! We are slightly different vibe than manwiththehammer when it comes to interiors, as much as we love busy pattern on buys patterns on someone else’s house is not something we like for ours! But certainly over time if we find the perfect pattern we will definitely add ☺️

[@JoopKamstra-cl6vv]

A Lovely room!! The blue color off the sofa's is amazing! ❤

[@mytinyestate]

We really liked it and really picked up on the tiles ☺️

[@user-wn2gh1qu7h]

Love the room and the blue sofas great job as usual see you next week ❤❤

[@mytinyestate]

Aww thank you! 💙

[@darcy7965]

Hello Lovelys. That sitting Room is Just Beautiful!! I however can't believe you didn't do a mantle - made from the same wood as the beams. Think Christmas ETC...Stockings ETC... Ha and watching the two of you argue - OMG too Cute hahaha

[@mytinyestate]

Don’t you worry I will come up with something! Unfortunately we just liked this design to make it more seamless, however we made sure that not only we had the perfect spot for a Christmas tree but we made sure we had a socket close by for Christmas lights ☺️

[@judithlauron2856]

Gentlemen: Very fine work indeed❗️

[@mytinyestate]

Thank you so much ☺️☺️

[@marionhill769]

❤❤👏👏👏👏 well done, love the colour choice of the sofas, I haven’t seen your kitchen as yet, is it done 🤔🙁

[@mytinyestate]

We have not put a kitchen in yet, we do have a functional kitchen, but it’s not in the location or the one that we want ☺️

[@receccagreen3115]

Absolutely love what you’ve with this room 😍 Can I ask what the dimensions are please? Hoping this same layout will work in my living room which looks of similar size. Also, is it awkward watching TV from this angle? 😬

[@user-nj4ni8yz9w]

What colour is your panels. It is amazing

[@mytinyestate]

It’s a bespoke colour that we had made called Soft Parchment and it’s from a family run business British company called Fenwick and a Tilbrook

[@sandraweston9019]

I love everything you do - my taste - can I move in? 😆 🤣 😂

[@mytinyestate]

Hahaha must get a spare bedroom then

[@johnbarnes794]

What’s the paint color on the paneled area? Love it!!

[@mytinyestate]

Of course it’s a colour that we created called “soft parchment “ from Fenwick and Tilbrook ☺️

[@liljellybean14]

Interesting I wouldn’t have thought that Borja kills indoor plants. I guess I was under the wrongful assumption that people who are good at gardening are good with all plants. I myself can kill a cactus 😆 so I clearly don’t know much. Oh my gosh I couldn’t live in the house knowing there are birds in the chimney. I’m terrified of them. That floor is gorgeous and the pop of blue from the sofa is stunning. I love watching your rooms come together!

[@mytinyestate]

Aww thank you so much! Yes he is very good gardening when the weather does the watering 😂😂

[@swingingdaniel]

What a beautiful room! Beautiful colors, beautiful design and details. Where did you source the sofas, if I am allowed toa sk?

[@mytinyestate]

Of course they are from Loaf sofas ☺️

[@davidanstey7438]

It looks amazing! Can I ask is it safe to have the Tv above the log burner? It’s something we wanted to do but didn’t think it was possible.

[@mytinyestate]

It is safe, the log burner is lined with an insulted flue which goes inside the chimney breast, the walls do not get hot ☺️

[@dinomite078]

What colors did you use on walls ?

[@mytinyestate]

That is just raw lime plaster

[@jacquelinehorne6485]

I love all of it - except the picture over the fire - it just doesn’t seem to fit. Or maybe it’s just the placement? Sorry guys. 😊 Maybe you’ve just got to be there. 😂

[@mytinyestate]

Noooo you are quite right actually! The picture is the tv frame… we haven’t come up with an idea yet to make it more seamless however we need to find more artwork for the walls etc to offset it as at the moment is very much a focal point 😊

[@jacquelinehorne6485]

@@mytinyestate Ah haaaaaa! Now it makes sense. Good luck working it all out.

[@sansone12]

Are you feeling a little bit "Help! We bought a village?"

[@mytinyestate]

😂

[@Keepthepeacesharethelove]

Hm, l learned you start with the flooring from the middle of the room.

[@mytinyestate]

That is for tiling ☺️

[@Keepthepeacesharethelove]

@@mytinyestate Okay. I learned it the way l described for all floor.

[@eileencronk7520]

Fahhhhh-buloso!

[@mytinyestate]

☺️☺️

[@noreenen2347]

having the plastic in the bowl without drainage will rot your lovely plant unfortunately

[@mytinyestate]

We barely water them 😅

[@NogginsVintage]

I killed a bonsai

[@user-vy3vk2sb8p]

❤

[@mytinyestate]

🥰