From City to Smallholding
S1E15 Crumbling Joists Force a Major Rethink Seven Months In
Season 1, Episode 15
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23m
Seven months into the renovation, Gavin and Nicole hit a major setback as crumbling joists and failing lintels are uncovered beneath the floors. Removing the fireplace reveals original brickwork, reshaping plans and pushing structural repairs to the top of the list. Creating safe access means lifting more flooring, while storm damage outside adds pressure to an already demanding week. Alongside eco-focused partnerships and practical lessons—like choosing nails over screws for concrete work—this old house renovation proves once again that a fixer upper demands flexibility, skill, and constant reassessment.
Up Next in Season 1
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S1E16 Opening Up Walls for Greater Sp...
Home renovation faces unexpected challenges, including rot and delays. Family visits occur during tile removal and preparation for further work. The demolition of the last wall begins to enhance kitchen space, prompting a design reevaluation. Flooding leads to wood storage issues, requiring an up...
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S1E17 Spring Brings Stone Laying, Com...
With spring arriving, work shifts outdoors as bulbs emerge and new farm tasks take priority. Gavin and Nicole complete compost bays, experiment with land use, and continue balancing house renovation alongside smallholding projects. A hands-on lesson in stone laying highlights the skill and patien...
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S1E18 Repairing Rotten Joists and Pre...
Structural repairs take priority as Gavin and Nicole tackle rotten joists, replacing damaged sections with new timbers and treating exposed wood with borax gel for long-term protection. Layers of old paint are stripped back from beams and carefully neutralized, preparing the walls for breathable ...
