George Clarke’s Old House New Home viewer have condemned a couple for transforming their 19th century Georgian farmhouse into “another bland Ikea unit.”
In last night’s episode of the Channel 4 show, parents-of-two Leighla and Phil, managers in operations and health and social care, bought a ramshackle, listed Georgian farmhouse on the outskirts of Stroud in Gloucestershire for £605,000.
However, they kept the originals intact and explained their desire to save the house. They also decided to add an industrial touch to the construction.
However, despite going £15,000 over their original £125,000 budget, those who tuned in were left less than impressed with the renovation – including the modern extension they added to their listed farmhouse.
‘Old House New Home should be re-titled Old House Unsympathetically Butchered – Georgian farmhouse becomes another bland IKEA unit. One wrote: “Criminal,” while the second said, “Totally destroyed the lovely Cotswold home!” It was saved by the upstairs. We are sorry.
George Clarke’s Old House New Home viewers hatched a pair for turning their 19-century Georgian farmhouse in to ‘another bland Ikea unit. Before and after photos.
They added an industrial extension to their home in order to make it more modern. After renovation
George explained that the hall was dark and outdated before the renovation.
The new staircase was ridiculed by viewers who joked that the sharp edges of it required a warning sign. The hallway following the transformation
Phil and Leighla (pictured), who have two young boys, spent £15,000 over their £125,000 budget on renovations
George Clarke, an architect, spoke about the exterior of the property. He said: “Grade II listed. From the front it has perfectly proportioned Georgian elements.
It’s concrete jungle around the back. The concrete jungle is more unattractive than it looks. You can see the inside of it is equally messy.
Phil said that there was a lot to do, and it needed love. Because it is not everyone’s home, we don’t want it looking like everybody else’s.
Lila responded by saying, “We want the text to be supportive but also reflect who we are.”
After deciding to add an industrial-style extension to their home to bring it into the 21st century, the couple set to work – and ten months later, George was back to show viewers around the renovated property.
It was decrepit and in dire need of an overhaul. This is the before and after transformation
After, the kitchen got a fresh lease of life. It was made into a wonderful space where family members can enjoy meals together.
One viewer wrote: “Totally destroyed the gorgeous Cotswold house!” It was saved by the upstairs. We are sorry.
Speaking of the new, bold L-shaped extension, George said: ‘It’s a defined contrast between old and new. All of the elements work together with Leighla’s Japanese cladding above helping to bring a sense of calm to the once chaotic façade.’
The dated décor didn’t take advantage of the beautiful views from the country, and the hallway that was dark and outdated wasn’t welcoming.
However, when he entered the space, he discovered a light-filled industrial area that was in keeping with the historic connection to the brewery.
However, viewers weren’t impressed by the steep stairs and hot yellow steel beam.
“Staircase need a mind you head sign!” Ouch! Ouch!’
Another said, “You might accidentally die from falling down that staircase.”
This was the master bedroom that looked dull before. It needed some color. Before the renovation
The master bedroom upstairs was remodeled with dusky pink panelling, and a grey headboard. This is the after-renovation photo.
The upstairs used to be a blank canvas that the couple could play on (pictured).
They created a floor dedicated to their boys, complete with 2 brightly-colored bedrooms as well as a shared bath and landing area.
George was kind enough to praise the couple, saying that they did a great job in uncovering and restoring the traditional features and then incorporating them into their home. Above, left is the fireplace before; right is after.
Another added, “That yellow looked terrible on the beam,” while another commented that people have lost respect for elegance and style. It is all made from industrial steel and burned wood.
George pointed out that the previous ground-floor layout was not conducive to family life as they continue their tour.
He stated that the home’s 70’s-style kitchen wasn’t the center of it all. However, the reception rooms in the back had great views and featured original details. “The solution was to take the whole lot and reconfigure it.
Phil and Leighla really have created a modern version of a country kitchen. The best part is that they were able to uncover, restore and incorporate all the traditional features.
Phil said, “Having that stone in front of you is a sure sign you are living in a Cotswold stone house.”
It was upstairs that the master bedroom received a makeover, but the greatest transformation took place at the top.
A dedicated floor was created by the couple for their young sons. It includes two bright, colorful bedrooms and a bathroom shared with them.
Those who tuned in were unable to see beyond the humour.
‘Thirty years time there’s going to be a TV programme with a respected ‘architect’ bemoaning the wrecking of a Georgian house in the Cotswolds…’ wrote one, while a second penned: ‘Such a shame, beautiful house ruined.’
A third added: ‘Can’t stand it. How do you kill a listed building? Was this what the conservation officers and planners were thinking?
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: ‘Still a f***ing mess of styles on the Georgian house. It’s a shame. Too disorganized. I’m a big fan of mixing modern and traditional but a Georgian style staircase in the modern space would have worked better. It was a bad layout that destroyed the front door.