Homes Under the Hammer

A former Victorian miner’s cottage in County Durham, dating from the 19th century, is due a makeover to restore its historic character. In Royal Tunbridge Wells, a former school has been purchased by new owners who have ambitious plans to renovate the building.

The programme follows the refurbishment of two very different historic buildings, each with its own story to tell. One is a former Victorian miner’s cottage tucked away in County Durham, while the other is a disused school situated in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Both sites are set to undergo significant change, and the series tracks the progress from the first shovelful of work to the final finishing touches. In the first half of each episode the focus turns to the Durham cottage, which is slated for a full makeover. The project aims to restore the property’s original character while bringing it up to modern standards, and viewers are shown the step‑by‑step process involved in reviving a 19th‑century miner’s home. The second story shifts to the former school in Tunbridge Wells, where the new owners have laid out ambitious plans to remodel the building. Their vision includes extensive renovation work that will reshape the interior and exterior, turning the old educational premises into something entirely new. Both locations share a common thread of heritage preservation coupled with contemporary ambition. The series highlights the challenges of working with period features, the decisions that have to be made about what to keep and what to replace, and the excitement that comes with breathing fresh life into structures that have long stood idle. By the end of each episode, audiences get a clear picture of how these historic sites are being transformed, offering a glimpse into the balance between respecting the past and embracing the future.