0:00:02 > 0:00:06Over the years, Britain's Empty Homes has been on a mission to show what can be done
0:00:06 > 0:00:10to revitalise and transform some of the UK's estimated one million
0:00:10 > 0:00:12empty properties.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- Jeremy.- Good to see you again. - Karen.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17In this series I'll be catching up with some of the people who took
0:00:17 > 0:00:21the plunge, and staked everything on turning unloved houses
0:00:21 > 0:00:22into bespoke family homes.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32Today I'll be catching up with a lady from an earlier series
0:00:32 > 0:00:36who made a brave decision to take on one of Britain's empty properties.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40You imagine family Christmases here and going for walks on the Downs.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- It somehow gives it a sense of purpose.- Fantastic.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48I'll be seeing just how far she's got with creating her dream home.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53We'll also be visiting some of the derelict dwellings
0:00:53 > 0:00:56our property detectives have been working hard to save,
0:00:56 > 0:01:00to prevent their owners from leaving them as a blot on the landscape.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01It's incredible.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03It was in quite a bad state the last time I saw it
0:01:03 > 0:01:06but it's been done up really, really well.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09And we'll be seeing how Housing Trust is trying to revitalise
0:01:09 > 0:01:12swathes of derelict housing that's been a blight on London's
0:01:12 > 0:01:15North Circular for almost 50 years.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Over 14 months ago, I met theatre director Alison Grant,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27who had recently returned to the UK with her heart set on a quaint
0:01:27 > 0:01:29English cottage. And what do you know?
0:01:29 > 0:01:33She found one right here on the Sussex coast.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35But as with most empty properties,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38she soon discovered some unexpected issues.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Alison had a big job ahead of her.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Alison spent 25 years in the USA.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50She returned to these shores after separating from her husband.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Soon after her return, she bought this abandoned ranger's cottage
0:01:55 > 0:02:00in Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex, paying £300,000 at auction.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04But the joy of winning the bidding war was soon tempered
0:02:04 > 0:02:08by the reality of what she had actually purchased.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Everybody dropped out of the bidding at a certain point,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13and it was between me and one other lady,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17and we were obviously both emotional bidders, not investors.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19So, we bid each other up
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and I finally came to the point where I went,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26"I mustn't bid any more," and she didn't bid anything.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30I longed for all sorts of things that England has that America doesn't have
0:02:30 > 0:02:31and a lot of that is history.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36What I want is the idyllic English dream, a cottage
0:02:36 > 0:02:39with chickens in the garden and a dog and a cat.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43But Alison's romantic vision was given a tough reality check
0:02:43 > 0:02:46when she had a closer look at what she'd actually bought.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49I was very pleased to find that it was structurally sound
0:02:49 > 0:02:52and it had a solid roof, it didn't leak.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56What it did have was an infestation of death watch beetle,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59which apparently nests in old oak only.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Death watch beetles attack old timbers, and over time can cause
0:03:03 > 0:03:04some serious damage.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08But with the correct treatment, it is possible to eradicate them.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11There have been times over the last year
0:03:11 > 0:03:13where I've wondered about my sanity.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17There are times when I have woken up in the night and gone,
0:03:17 > 0:03:18"What have I done?"
0:03:18 > 0:03:21'When I met Alison, she was full of enthusiasm and ideas
0:03:21 > 0:03:24'for how she would transform this empty property.'
0:03:24 > 0:03:25Hello, Alison. I'm Joe.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- Hi, Joe, nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you, too.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32This is it. What an incredible property in a stunning area.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Yes, that's why I bought it, obviously.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37It had been empty for two-and-a-half years,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41it was covered, you couldn't see the view because it was so overgrown.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43It was pretty... it was pretty dire.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- Let's have a look, you can show me around.- OK.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Crikey, look at this, it's all opened up.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58It is, indeed.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02What was it like before, when you first walked through that door?
0:04:02 > 0:04:04Very closed, very dark,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08which is why I'm going down the route of opening it up
0:04:08 > 0:04:09and we've raised ceilings
0:04:09 > 0:04:12to try and make it a bit more bearable to walk around in.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- You've raised the ceilings for the ground floor?- Yes.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18We were able to do it because upstairs it's got a sloped ceiling,
0:04:18 > 0:04:20so there's more headroom.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22We had to make the decision whether to go down
0:04:22 > 0:04:24or to take the ceilings up.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26We decided we would take the ceilings up
0:04:26 > 0:04:29because you get into a whole mess of problems if you try to go down,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I understand, with damp and so on.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34It feels the right height, it feels natural.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- It's still quite low but it's... for a cottage, it's OK.- Yes.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40What is this behind you? It looks incredible.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Ah, this was entirely concealed.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45It's too high for a fireplace, is it some sort of oven?
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Yes, it is a bread brick oven, is what it is.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49A bread oven.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51It looks as if it's in working order, I haven't fired it up,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54but Jamie Oliver cooks with one all the time.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57'I was keen to see what plans Alison had for the upstairs.'
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- So, this is going to be the master bedroom.- OK.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03The fireplace is going to be raised up,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- so that it's a see-through fireplace with a fire on both sides.- Ah.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11Then through there, there's going to be a whirlpool, spa bath.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Which is why we've had reinforcements underneath,
0:05:14 > 0:05:16to bear the weight of that. And built-in closets.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19So, it's going to be this one magnificent...
0:05:19 > 0:05:22So, a sweeping bedroom, all the way along the front of the house.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23With the views, yes.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25You look out there, and there is such a view.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- It is, it's iconic. - It's just breathtaking.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Yes, OK, you had to take out some of the woodwork
0:05:32 > 0:05:35because of beetles and that kind of stuff,
0:05:35 > 0:05:40but great that you've got these chimneys and the bread oven
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- and a couple of fireplaces. Plenty to work with there.- Oh, yes.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Looking ahead, now, at the project, is the greatest worry money?
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Yes, I would say the greatest worry is money,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53not where the money is coming from eventually,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56but how to utilise the money that I've got at the moment,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59to make it work in the best possible way.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Later, we'll see what happened when I took Alison to meet a couple
0:06:03 > 0:06:06who overcame the structural problems of a run-down barn
0:06:06 > 0:06:08to create a spectacular new home.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Across Britain, there are many gems like Alison's just waiting
0:06:15 > 0:06:17to be discovered and taken on.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21And local councils' empty property offices are constantly carrying out
0:06:21 > 0:06:25detective work to find abandoned homes and bring them back to life.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27In Cardiff alone,
0:06:27 > 0:06:31there's 2,000 properties on the long-term vacant list.
0:06:32 > 0:06:3518 months ago, empty property officer Steve Reid was on his way
0:06:35 > 0:06:40to visit a house in the city which he was already well acquainted with.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42The property I'm visiting today is one that
0:06:42 > 0:06:45I have been dealing with for three or four years.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Work has started on the property but we still need to keep
0:06:49 > 0:06:52monitoring it to make sure that work keeps progressing.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Morning, Mr Khan. Steven Reid from Cardiff City Council.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Wow, what a difference.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08I remember the problems that this property caused over the years.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12There was two joists that had been broken in the middle up there,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15and it was totally... The house was like that.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19So I had to take that old joist out and put steel in there.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22There was a big hole next door as well, all rotting away.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Can we go have a look at that?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30The difference in here as well from the last time I saw it.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32There was no floor over there at all.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36And there was a hole in the ceiling, I had to pitch the new ceiling in.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39You're a very brave man taking on such a big project.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45Today, nearly 18 months later, Steve's returning to the property
0:07:45 > 0:07:47to see the success story for himself.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50The work's been completed, the house has been rented
0:07:50 > 0:07:53and is now home to a local family.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Steve's keen to take another look inside
0:07:55 > 0:07:58and finally tick this property off his list.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02When I first came here four years ago, there were no windows.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Part of the roof line had collapsed.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09The sills on the top two windows had collapsed where the bay had dropped.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10There's a massive difference.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- Hiya, Zahr.- Hi, Steve, all right? Come on in.- Thank you.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20The new tenants were delighted to find a family home in this
0:08:20 > 0:08:22part of town.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Wow, this has changed so much.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30It's incredible. It was in quite a bad state the last time I saw it.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32But it's been done up really, really well.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- Yeah, it's nice, isn't it?- Yes.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Is there any particular reason why you chose this area?
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It's close to my family, my parents.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42And it's close to the city centre.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- It's very convenient.- Yeah? Do you mind if I have a little look around?
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- No, carry on.- Thanks.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Originally, when we came here about four years ago,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57all the floorboards were loose.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00There was a huge hole on the floor there, where a lot of the beams
0:09:00 > 0:09:03had rotted and the floor had collapsed.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05There was a huge hole in the ceiling.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09And obviously they've replaced some of the joists up there,
0:09:09 > 0:09:13put this laminate flooring down, plastered the walls.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17A bit of paint and it just looks like a family lounge,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20part of a bigger family house.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Which is great.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Steve has seen this property through all the different stages
0:09:25 > 0:09:27of its development,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30from abandoned wreck to building site,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32to comfortable family home.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Knowing it from four years ago, the condition it was in,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39virtually derelict and literally falling down.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42And then coming back, seeing it now completely renovated,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46and to see a young couple with their kids living in there,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50it's just fantastic. It's exactly what our remit is.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52So it's a good job all round.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Bringing an empty property back to life may be a worthwhile pursuit,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02but let's face it, it's never going to be easy.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05However, when you speak to people who have been through it,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07they'll tell you the hard slog, the long hours,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10the late nights are all worth it in the end.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15Searching for the right vacant house to turn into a dream home
0:10:15 > 0:10:17can be a long and arduous process,
0:10:17 > 0:10:21but sometimes the perfect property can be found right under our noses.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Ian and Deborah Tanner's local church had a special connection
0:10:26 > 0:10:29to the couple. It sat right at the end of their garden in Devon.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Little did they know that one day they would end up living in it.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36We've lived here for 25 years.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Plus, our children used to go to playschool
0:10:39 > 0:10:42when it was in what was the Sunday School in the church hall,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44so we've known the place for a long time.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47It closed a couple of years before we bought it.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51There was dry rot, wet rot, woodworm here that we've had treated
0:10:51 > 0:10:55and I'm sure another 12 or 18 months and it would have been
0:10:55 > 0:10:57in real trouble and probably too much for us to have taken on.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Hymn books were still on the pews and the organ was intact when
0:11:01 > 0:11:04the couple took a leap of faith and bought the church at auction
0:11:04 > 0:11:06for £125,000.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10I used to say it would make a really nice home.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13It's just a beautiful building to maintain as well,
0:11:13 > 0:11:15rather than it go to rack and ruin. We were up for a challenge
0:11:15 > 0:11:19and it was a good time in our life to do something.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22The Tanners made every effort to honour the style
0:11:22 > 0:11:24and history of this prominent local church.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27All the window shapes have stayed the same,
0:11:27 > 0:11:28the doors have stayed the same.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32Even the paint colour is pretty similar outside to what it was before.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35And the renovation also presented Deborah with the chance to gain
0:11:35 > 0:11:37some new skills.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40We really enjoyed looking into all the different aspects
0:11:40 > 0:11:44of the building and, because I had all these windows
0:11:44 > 0:11:46that I knew I would need to do, I've done the City & Guilds
0:11:46 > 0:11:48stained-glass window making course,
0:11:48 > 0:11:52so I've just put the first window in, which has given me a lot of pleasure.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54It's like an extra hobby that I've discovered.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Of course, the couple enjoy the entire house,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03but they do have their favourite features.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07The stairs and the lounge are the best bits, for me.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09It's a bit of a decision.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Do you chop it up, do you go for a big open-plan space?
0:12:11 > 0:12:13And we've gone for an open-plan space.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15I think we both really love it.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20I especially like the woodwork that we had sandblasted.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23It was all painted black and it has come up really nice.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28We've used the pulpit of the church in the corner as a bar,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32and we've turned some pews into the dinner table.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34As with many renovations of this size,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38budgets and timescales can often spiral, but the Tanners managed
0:12:38 > 0:12:41to stick to a 20-week schedule,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44spending £250,000 on the process.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46We have spent more money than we thought
0:12:46 > 0:12:50we wanted to spend at the start, but it's not about the money.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53It's about having what we've ended up with.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56It's a great place to live in and if you want something badly
0:12:56 > 0:12:59enough, you will just carry on and do it.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01I'm really proud of the house and I'm really proud
0:13:01 > 0:13:03of what we've achieved.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06We've managed to get through it all without any kind of...
0:13:06 > 0:13:08We haven't had any domestics
0:13:08 > 0:13:12and it is a joy every night to come home and see it all.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15And it takes over your life, to a certain extent.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19But it's a great place to live in and we're both really proud of it.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Earlier in the programme, we met the intrepid Alison Grant,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30whose determination to realise the home of her dreams
0:13:30 > 0:13:34led her to buying in this derelict ranger's cottage in East Sussex.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36There have been times over the last year
0:13:36 > 0:13:39where I have wondered about my sanity.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43There are times when I have woken up in the night and gone,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45"What have I done?"
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Alison was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed
0:13:47 > 0:13:49and was falling behind schedule.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52So I thought it'd help to meet someone else who had tackled
0:13:52 > 0:13:54a similar renovation project.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57To inspire Alison, I took her to meet a couple who successfully
0:13:57 > 0:13:59married the old with the new,
0:13:59 > 0:14:03and turned a run-down barn into a spectacular home.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09When Ian and Jan Law first spotted this derelict barn
0:14:09 > 0:14:13in Sedlescombe, East Sussex, it was love at first sight.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16We were going down to Hastings for the morning, and saw it
0:14:16 > 0:14:20advertised in the estate agents' window, liked it that much that we
0:14:20 > 0:14:24rang the agents again the following morning and came in and had a look.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29It was then that they told us it was also going up for auction.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Ian and Jan were given a six-week deadline to
0:14:32 > 0:14:36get their finances in place or the barn would definitely go to auction.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Just in time, the Laws got the money sorted.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42And then realised the full extent of what they had taken on.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44It was looking sorry for itself,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48but you could see that there were a nice lot of beams inside.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51You know, it had a nice lot of potential.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54The actual ridge of the thatched roof, the straw, had all gone,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56so it was leaking inside.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Every weekend Jan would be working with us.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02You know, we'd be humping beams about on blocks and tackles.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06A digger was sat in here holding beams up while we were trying to jiggle them in.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09This was Ian and Jan's second barn renovation
0:15:09 > 0:15:10but it wasn't all smooth running -
0:15:10 > 0:15:13they came up against some unexpected challenges.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17What we hadn't budgeted for was the costings on the thatch.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22We ended up spending a lot of money on the bespoke windows and joinery.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25But the windows and joinery were the least of their worries.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30They spent a whole year and a half without mains electricity.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32And that was a nightmare!
0:15:32 > 0:15:37The barn was nearly finished before we got electric supply connected.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Despite all these challenges, Ian and Jan created a spectacular home.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43We've actually said now,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45it's something we ought to have done years ago.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49Although this build was on a different scale to Alison's,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51there were many similarities,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54and I was hopeful she'd glean some useful tips and advice.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55- Hello, Ian.- Hi, guys.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- Hi, can we come in?- Yeah.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58Great, thank you.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03'As soon as we arrived, it was clear -
0:16:03 > 0:16:06'this was a huge restoration project.'
0:16:06 > 0:16:08So was this just one, big open barn?
0:16:08 > 0:16:09Yes.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- There were no levels in it at all? - No levels in it at all.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Just the open space with the lower levels on the outside,
0:16:16 > 0:16:20which were cow pens and animal runs.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24So, where you have got the kitchen, that was another outbuilding?
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Yes, just like a lean-to on the side, which was animal pens.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I see you've got some wonderful beams
0:16:30 > 0:16:33that look like they've had some sort of infestation in them?
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Can you tell me a bit about that, because I have that problem.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40Yes, we had them all treated. We had them all sandblasted.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43They come in and put a treatment on all the timber, the old and the new,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47because you are importing more bugs in, in the new timber.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51You bring your new timber in, you put it up alongside your old timber,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53and then you just treat the whole place?
0:16:53 > 0:16:55I know some of your wood had to be taken out,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57but there's definitely hope for what's left,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00that you can treat it and it'll be fine.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Yeah, and I would really love to save as much as I possibly can.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07One, for the look, but also for the authenticity of the building.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10So, it's really good to hear that I might be able to say some of it.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Shall we have a look up in one of the bedrooms?
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- That one's probably the biggest one. - OK.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- So, this is very much the master bedroom, right?- Yeah.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Great head height, there's a lot to play with here.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31To bring it all back down to earth,
0:17:31 > 0:17:34how much did it cost, and did you have to go over budget?
0:17:34 > 0:17:37We thought we could do it for around about 100, 110,
0:17:37 > 0:17:38and it ended up at 160.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- Wow. That's half as much again, on the budget.- A little over!
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Were there any sacrifices you had to make
0:17:46 > 0:17:49to allow your budget to go that little bit further?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Kitchen units, just bits and pieces
0:17:51 > 0:17:54where we haven't quite spent the quality in there
0:17:54 > 0:17:57that you would have liked to have done.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00But the budget forces you into those little areas,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02and it still looks nice
0:18:02 > 0:18:04but not quite how you would have done it the first time round,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07but it's something you can always alter at a later stage.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10I think the key example is just over my shoulder,
0:18:10 > 0:18:11you put a chimney and flue in.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13There's no wood burner at the moment.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17But it's there for when you want it and you can afford it in the future.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20That's it, once we have saved the pennies we can pop it in.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23I don't want to do something that's got to be redone,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27but upgrading, I think, is a really good way to save money in the moment.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31It's been wonderful to look round your home, thank you for letting us.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32Yes, thank you.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36And, I trust, it's been the right balance of inspiration
0:18:36 > 0:18:38but also some good advice coming across.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39Yes, it's really helpful to me,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42because I do tend to lose sight of where I'm going
0:18:42 > 0:18:46because it is such a construction site at the moment.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49So, to see the end result and to see the marriage of the old
0:18:49 > 0:18:52and the authentic with the new is very exciting to me,
0:18:52 > 0:18:53so it has been inspirational.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Plus, you've told me a few things that I will definitely use,
0:18:56 > 0:18:57so, thank you.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- Oh, my pleasure. - Thank you very much.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05How are you feeling about your project,
0:19:05 > 0:19:06is it encouraging to see this?
0:19:06 > 0:19:09I think it's been incredibly useful,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13so to actually see that old wood can be used again
0:19:13 > 0:19:15and more old wood brought in,
0:19:15 > 0:19:20and actually get the look that I want, has been quite inspirational.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Just reminding me of what I... to keep the vision.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Later in the programme we'll be catching up with Alison again,
0:19:26 > 0:19:30and we'll find out if she's managed to stay true to her vision
0:19:30 > 0:19:32and realise her ambitious plans.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37There are many reasons why properties become derelict
0:19:37 > 0:19:39and fall into disuse.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43Last year, I visited an area of north London that had fallen foul
0:19:43 > 0:19:47of a road-wide new scheme back in the '60s that never materialised,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50leaving hundreds of homes falling into disrepair.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55The area around the North Circular here in Enfield has suffered
0:19:55 > 0:19:58decades of neglect. Years of problems with fly tipping,
0:19:58 > 0:20:03squatting, arson and vermin have made places uninhabitable.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06But with 75,000 people on London's waiting list,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09these homes are resources that need to be used.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13More than 40 years after the failed scheme,
0:20:13 > 0:20:17plans were finally put in place to regenerate the area.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20I went to meet Ken Barnett, the project manager
0:20:20 > 0:20:23for Notting Hill Housing Trust, to find out more.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25So, Ken, remind me.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28How did we get to a situation where so many properties along
0:20:28 > 0:20:32this A406, the North Circular, were just sitting empty for years.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35It started back in the 1960s when the Department Of Transport were
0:20:35 > 0:20:37starting to buy up properties,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40planning to make the road into a dual carriageway.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43That decision was subsequently shelved but in the meantime,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46total uncertainty and total blight of the area.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50The Housing Trust had purchased the buildings from Transport For London,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53and they were in the process of bringing them back into use.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56What's the cost of doing this? What sort of money is involved?
0:20:56 > 0:21:00We're spending just in excess of £10 million on refurbishment costs
0:21:00 > 0:21:03on that, and that includes the clean up of the gardens
0:21:03 > 0:21:05and everything where they were squatted.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09In terms of the works we're doing, we're doing broadly new roofs,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11new kitchens, new bathrooms.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14We're reconfiguring some of the properties, just to make them
0:21:14 > 0:21:17more usable, bringing them up to modern-day standards.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21And finally, what difference does this make? How important is it?
0:21:21 > 0:21:25I think the community is getting back on its feet following the blight
0:21:25 > 0:21:28and uncertainty, which has gone on for a long, long time.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34For so many years, when you drove down this road you just see
0:21:34 > 0:21:37boarded-up house after boarded-up house.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40But now finally the area is being brought back to life.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Today, a year later, we've come back to the North Circular
0:21:46 > 0:21:49where the regeneration programme is almost finished.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52250 houses that were once squatted
0:21:52 > 0:21:56and derelict have been refurbished and families have started moving in.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Danielle Lennon, one of Ken Barnett's colleagues,
0:22:00 > 0:22:03has come to talk to new residents about the impact the scheme
0:22:03 > 0:22:05has had on their lives.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07You've been here less than a month.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10How long were you actually waiting for a three-bedroom house?
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- I've been waiting for nine years. - Nine years for a three-bedroom house?
0:22:15 > 0:22:19I think the existing residents here and then the new residents are
0:22:19 > 0:22:22really integrating with each other and becoming friends,
0:22:22 > 0:22:26joining up, visiting each other, helping each other out,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29which is really nice to see and really nice to hear.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31One of the new residents is Grace,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34who moved in with her family last summer.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38I know my neighbours, three of them, we just moved at the same time.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42Our kids like playing together, especially at summertime.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44We're taking each other's parcels
0:22:44 > 0:22:46and they are definitely good neighbours.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Regenerating the area around the North Circular has brought
0:22:49 > 0:22:53a new lease of life, not just to the homes but also to the community.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Just over here ago, I met theatre director Alison Grant,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05who had bought an abandoned cottage at auction.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08She was hoping to turn this derelict building
0:23:08 > 0:23:10into a picture-postcard retreat.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Well, 14 months after our first meeting,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18I'm excited to be back on the rolling downs of East Sussex
0:23:18 > 0:23:22to see how Alison has been getting on with her ambitious project.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26From outside, there are signs of progress.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31But is Alison's 300-year-old cottage anywhere near being completed?
0:23:31 > 0:23:33I'd love to tell you that all the work's finished
0:23:33 > 0:23:35as she's moved into her dream home.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39But it's immediately obvious things haven't moved as quickly
0:23:39 > 0:23:40as Alison hoped.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Alison, hello, how are you? - Good, thank you.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44Really good to see you.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- It's lovely to be back in this stunning part of the world.- Amazing.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50How has it all been going?
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- Well, that's an interesting question. - My eye is drawn to the skip.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- Yes, stuff is still coming out.- OK.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- Shall we go inside and see what has changed?- Let's do.- OK. After you.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Ah, wow.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- So that's the first thing. A staircase.- Yes.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12That definitely wasn't here last time.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16We had ladders going up here, didn't we? How long has that been in for?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19This has been in... This was one of the first things that went in
0:24:19 > 0:24:22so it's probably been in about nine months now.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25And what you can't see is that this is all open up to the skylights.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28And there's going to be a curved banister going round
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- here for a mezzanine.- Ah.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- Is it all safe to go up there? - Yes, indeed.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- And we can have a look at your skylights.- Lovely.- After you.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- We can try out your new staircase. - Let's go.- Excellent.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Oh, wow.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- And these are new, this is how you're bringing the light in?- Yes.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50The whole purpose of bringing the light in and having this
0:24:50 > 0:24:55really open entryway is because I didn't want a dark, cottage-y feel.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- I like cosy but I also wanted light and bright.- Brilliant.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00- It's going to be lovely. - Really does work.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Yes, and the vision is to have a great big fan hanging down here,
0:25:03 > 0:25:08one of those old, opulent fans, and then maybe a chandelier.
0:25:08 > 0:25:09I don't know.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- This is the bit you get really excited about?- Yes.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14That's when I'll really come into my own,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17is when I'm actually trying to get the feel that I want.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- That flair.- The gypsy feel or the Moroccan feel or whatever.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22Do you imagine you might do that?
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- You'll have different themes in different rooms?- Yes.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30The big master bedroom, I'm going to have a whole Moroccan theme in there
0:25:30 > 0:25:35with all sorts of deep reds and lovely Oriental pillows.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37It's going to be a Moroccan boudoir.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41Ooh. Very nice. Yes. Can I poke my head round the corner?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Have there been any unexpected setbacks at all?
0:25:45 > 0:25:49One of the ones was the fact that the walls were slightly spreading.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Once we'd taken all the interior walls out,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54it was not as stable as it could have been
0:25:54 > 0:25:58and so we've had to do a lot of framing in order to anchor the whole,
0:25:58 > 0:26:02to keep it in a square, to keep it all boxed so the roof didn't fall in.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- So extra money, extra time, extra effort.- Yes.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08It would've been lovely to have the right amount of cash
0:26:08 > 0:26:11at the beginning and just do it. That's the ideal way.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14But this is piecemeal and so, by its very essence,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17it's slightly frustrating, I have to say.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24I know the project probably hasn't gone as quickly as you'd wanted
0:26:24 > 0:26:26it to, but I guess, on the plus side,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- your feel for the place increases. - Yeah.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31I think that's exactly right.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- Since I saw you last, I've now got a gorgeous little grandson.- Oh, wow.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- Who was born in April. Tyler. - Congratulations.- Yes.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43So, in a way, that's me becoming a grandmother and has made me
0:26:43 > 0:26:46want to create a home base and a space for the whole family.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- That's lovely news.- It somehow gives it a sense of purpose.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53It's so interesting to be back here to see Alison
0:26:53 > 0:26:56and see how she's getting on with her cottage.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58This is a really good example of the reality of taking on
0:26:58 > 0:27:02a big project. Unless you've got loads of cash and, let's face it,
0:27:02 > 0:27:06most of us don't, it is going to be slow, it is going to be frustrating.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08And it's probably going to cost more than we thought.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09But it's going to be great,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13and before long she really will have the most fantastic home for her,
0:27:13 > 0:27:17her children and, importantly, that new grandson.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd