The Restoration Man

George Clarke helps rescue neglected architectural treasures across Britain. Across the country, thousands of old buildings lie forgotten and neglected, tangled up by red tape and development restrictions. Many of these orphaned properties are steeped in history and are of outstanding architectural interest, yet are slowly being left to rot. Architect George Clarke is passionate about our architectural heritage. In this series he travels the British Isles meeting the stubborn romantics who want to breathe new life into the architectural treasures he unearths on his journey. His mission is to help them transform these undervalued gems into brand new homes fit for 21st century living. Filmed over two years, “Restoration Man” watches as these wonderful buildings – from windmills and ancient towers to gate lodges and medieval churches – are transformed. But threatened by spiralling budgets and the credit crunch, plus the stresses and strains of working with old structures and confusing bureaucracy, none of these projects are an easy ride.