George Clarke’s Old House and New Home viewers slammed a couple for “ripping out all of the old features” as they transformed an old 300-year-old cottage into something new.
In last night’s episode of the Channel 4 show, charter surveyor Ben and his events manager partner Rosie decided to move out of their one-bedroom flat in Battersea and bought the Grade II cottage in Worcestershire for £450,000.
The couple, who are filled with unique features, explained that they wanted to preserve the home sympathetically and put their stamp on it.
The couple claimed that they spent their budget on rewiring, plumbing and installing a heating system for the house.
George Clarke said the property was beautiful, but viewers weren’t impressed. One wrote, “Are 2020s the new 1970s?” We can remove all of the outdated features and hide them so that in 40 years people will spend thousands to restore the original features.
Charter surveyor Ben and his events manager partner Rosie, from Worcestershire, were slammed by George Clarke’s Old House, New Home viewers after claiming they had transformed a ‘tired’ 300-year-old country cottage for £40,000. (pictured: the original extension).
However despite George Clarke declaring the property was ‘beautiful’, viewers were left unimpressed, with some questioning why they had decked the house out in all-white
George stated that while the homes are period-inspired, there isn’t much natural light or space. It can also be difficult to plan if these homes are already on the market.
They bought the house for £450,000 and moved in just seven days before. The couple debated whether they were able to eat too much by buying a house that is well over 300 year old.
Ben commented, “I suspect some of London’s friends believe we are mad that we have left.”
Rosie said, “They might think that we are a bit nuts. We don’t have any experience. And we’re not very handy.”
They bought the house for £450,000 and moved in just seven days before. The couple debated whether they’d bitten off too much when they bought a house that was well over 300 year old.
They also spent a lot of money on rewiring, replumbing and installing a heating system in the house (pictured is the study).
It had been through a lot of work. The original church owned the house, but it was later divided into five cottages in 19th-century.
It was then reassembled as one house in the early 20th century and extended with a brick-built extension.
The ground floor contained a large, double-aspect room, small reception area, and small kitchen.
George commented that the space looked tired. This space would be stunning if it was all stripped down.
The ground floor contained a large room with double aspect, small reception and kitchen. (Photo: Original reception room of the property. It featured black painted beams).
Sandblasted black beams of paint to reveal the original woodwork, and the couple painted mint green walls soft white (pictured).
The couple, who are filled with unique features, explained that they wanted to preserve the home sympathetically and put their stamp on it.
Even the 1980s extensions had beams that made the space dark and dingy.
There were three bathrooms and two bedrooms upstairs, but Rosie and Ben chose to prioritize the ground floor.
The couple admitted that they intended to do a lot more work on their own. George said, “I believe your kitchen should move into this space.” [the extension].
Due to its’snugness’ the lounge was preserved in that same spot, while the old kitchen transformed into home office and study space.
Meanwhile with a tight budget of just £40,000, the couple said they wanted to focus on the groundfloor, leaving the upstairs rooms untouched (pictured, one of the bedrooms)
Ben stated, “It will be great,” while Rosie said, “It sounds wonderful.”
They quickly moved into their cottage and took the 1960s kitchen out, making room for their new office.
Also, they hoped to uncover a historical fireplace on the property. They called professionals to sandblast black painted beams to their original form.
After five weeks, the work was moving along quickly, with their white kitchen and electrics being installed.
The couple revealed their stunning white kitchen after a seven-month renovation. It featured bright pops of color such as a vibrant shelf and mugs.
After finding a chimney breast to install two wood burners, the couple painted thin beams white in order to lighten up the space.
Rosie stated that it was going to be our last day of cooking and living in this house. It’s beginning to feel like it will become a place where we can call home, not just a construction site.
When George returned to visit their home seven months later, he was amazed, saying: ‘I can’t believe I’m in the same house. ‘
After finding a chimney breast in the house, they were able to install two wood burners and paint thinner beams white to lighten up their room.
However, many people watching the renovations weren’t impressed. One even said the renovations ‘just seemed meh.
George continued: “Doing this just transforms space.”
Many people who watched the remodels were not impressed. One said that she didn’t like it. The fireplace was a nice touch though.
Another said, “God has made every wall and piece of furniture white.” What is this obsession about? I don’t get it.’