When I was manning the ‘below stairs’ experience section of an historic house the other week, I happened to glance more closely at the video which is on a rolling loop and tells the story of how this secret basement world was rediscovered and brought back to how it probably had been for a couple of centuries. The lottery funding dictated that certain areas would get preference and only the very best workmanship and professionals were engaged to bring about the reinvention. When you see the finished article, it still looks grubby and forlorn but it has been made serviceable and is much safer and stronger than first appearances would suggest. The laundry area has been completely demolished and rebuilt but you would never know it, the reclaimed bricks and all the old sinks etc. look so authentic. When you want a really excellent project handled well, engage with the professionals.
