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[17] Salvaging a Georgian Town House on a Council Lease: 270m², Tiny Plot, 100% Overspend
Map data: Google - Image: Landsat / Copernicus

Location

  • London

Build Start

  • ~2001

Architect

  • Harriet Hawkes

Total Floor Area

  • 270 m²
  • [Source: EPC ]
Tony and Sharon Relf take on a dilapidated 1820s Georgian townhouse on a council lease in London, restoring it under conservation oversight with no savings and an unpredictable income. It’s a high-risk, high-reward kind of refurb where progress comes in bursts, surprises keep appearing, and the temptation to chase beautiful details can derail the critical path. Their approach is simple and repeatable: get a small “habitable package” finished early, use salvage to turn demolition into design, lean on specialists when it matters, and accept that old buildings reward patience far more than deadlines.

Site Purchase Price

  • £ 0

Site Area

  • 112m²

Site Cost Per m²

  • £ 0

Initial Budget

  • £ 161,800

Total Spend

  • £ 323,600

Budget Overspend

  • 100%

Cost Per m²

  • £ 1,199

Site Coverage

  • 65.76%

Plot Ratio

  • 240.28%
All Figures Indexed To
  • 02 May 2025

Construction Type

  • Brick, Timber Frame

Materials

  • Brickwork, Slate, Stone, Wood

Features

  • Period Property, Renovation

Tony and Sharon Relf take on a dilapidated 1820s Georgian townhouse on a council lease in London, restoring it under conservation oversight with no savings and an unpredictable income. It’s a high-risk, high-reward kind of refurb where progress comes in bursts, surprises keep appearing, and the temptation to chase beautiful details can derail the critical path. Their approach is simple and repeatable: get a small “habitable package” finished early, use salvage to turn demolition into design, lean on specialists when it matters, and accept that old buildings reward patience far more than deadlines.

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Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 1
Understand The Scale Of The Project

Before committing to a restoration, assess the extent of repairs needed. It’s crucial to be realistic about the time, effort, and cost required for such a significant undertaking.

  • Challenges, Construction, Time Management

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 2
Budget For Unexpected Costs

Have a contingency fund for unexpected expenses that may arise during renovations. Tony and Sharon initially estimated a budget of £50-60k but ended up closer to £90k. Always plan for financial flexibility.

  • Budget, Unexpected Costs

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 3
Secure Funding Before Starting

Ensure you have a financial plan in place, as relying solely on irregular freelance income can create stress and slow progress. Consider setting aside funds or obtaining a loan if necessary.

  • Budget, Funding

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 4
Prioritise Essential Repairs First

Focus on making the house weather-tight and structurally sound before indulging in cosmetic work. Structural integrity should always come first to avoid further damage and additional costs down the line.

  • Budget, Challenges, Construction

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 5
Respect The Buildings History

Embrace the historical aspects and features of a period home. Research the property’s background to appreciate its significance and guide design decisions that stay true to its character.

  • Planning Permission, Regulations

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 6
Be Prepared For Discoveries

Old buildings can hide numerous surprises. For example, Tony uncovered original wallpaper layers and an antique fireplace. Be adaptable and ready to change plans based on these findings.

  • Challenges, Construction, Unexpected Costs

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 7
Balance Passion With Practicality

While being passionate about historical restoration is important, don’t lose sight of practical considerations. Avoid getting so absorbed in history that you neglect daily living requirements or timelines.

  • Reflections

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 8
Collaborate With Experts

When dealing with historical buildings, consult specialists such as conservation officers or heritage experts to ensure you are following proper guidelines and preserving the property’s integrity.

  • Working With Others

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 9
Utilise Salvage Yards

Explore architectural salvage yards for original materials and fixtures. This can provide unique features that enhance the historical character of your home while saving money.

  • Materials, Sustainability

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 10
Learn When To Ask For Help

Don’t hesitate to bring in skilled professionals when necessary, especially for complex tasks like roofing or intricate repairs. It can save time and ensure quality work.

  • DIY, Professional, Working With Others

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 11
Involve Yourself In The Process

Be genuinely engaged in the built environment, from understanding structural issues during excavation to the details of the finishes. Each step enriches your connection to the home.

  • DIY, Professional

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 12
Consider Long-Term Vision Over Quick Fixes

Resist the urge to rush through cosmetic decoration. Focus on quality and authenticity which will yield better long-term satisfaction than a quick, superficial makeover.

  • Design, Reflections

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 13
Enjoy The Journey

Embrace the process of restoring a home, including the challenges and uncertainties. Finding joy in discovery, creation, and the entire journey will lead to a fulfilling experience.

  • Reflections

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 14
Flexibility In Design Choices

Stay open to changing design ideas and inspirations that arise throughout the project. What you envision may evolve as the building reveals its character and history.

  • Design, Reflections

Grand Review

  • 17

Lesson Learned

  • 15
Patience Is Essential

Understand that restoration is a time-consuming process. Don’t rush; instead, allow the work to unfold gradually. Relishing the journey will lead to a more satisfying outcome.

  • Reflections, Time Management

Acknowledgment:

This is a non-commercial review carried out for the purposes of study in developing an understanding of the requirements of self-build in the UK.

The views and opinions expressed are my own and is not affiliated in any way with Grand Designs or Channel 4.  All information on this page has been gathered from publicly available sources.

The plot/site information was located using Land Registry and The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Data which contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The lessons learned are derived from my interpretations and observations of a publicly disseminated case study and are in no way meant to be a substitute to the original.

Click here to view the original case study on the Channel 4 website.

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