Renovation Column: Finding buried treasure in the midst of chaos

From hidden structural issues to unwelcome budget-blowing bills, there is always something to keep you on your toes and questioning, "Have we made a big mistake?"

So when the renovation gods smile down on you and throw you a bone, it feels very much like hitting the jackpot.

This week we made a momentous discovery when we started ripping up the old carpets ready for the wall demolition phase to commence. As we peeled back the questionable old stained carpet we were stunned to discover the hidden treasure lurking beneath. Original parquet wood flooring, not just in the hallway but in three of our other downstairs reception rooms too.

My first question (after I’d stopped shrieking and jumping for joy) was, "Why would anyone cover that up with dingy carpet? and second question "Could we salvage it and use it in the new open plan design?" The original flooring needs some work but I’m already getting carried away thinking about how it could look with a sand and reseal.

Bringing us back down to earth with a bang and reminding us of the humbling nature of renovating however, was the discovery of concrete under the kitchen lino. I thought it would be too good to be true to find parquet there, so my dreams of using it in the whole open plan living/kitchen were dashed. Still, there was enough flooring to surely salvage and use in the lounge, toilet and hallway.

Another unique discovery was made this week when the builders started digging through the existing concrete flooring in what will become our new utility extension.

Glistening between the brick and hardcore was part of a grave stone with the carved letters “Pare….” Of course I was already planning the Netflix crime documentary, waiting for archaeologists and scenes of crime to arrive and thinking about how the home would become a historical tourist attraction before the builders brought me back down to earth. They reliably informed me that it was in fact common practice for builders in the past to use discarded gravestones as cheap, durable, and readily available building materials. So although I may not be selling the film rights to Hollywood anytime soon I still found it fascinating all the same.

Unique and exciting discoveries are a real joy and a much-needed distraction in the midst of the noise, dust and chaos of it all. It’s moments like these that keep you going and remind you to enjoy the process. Moments like these make you appreciate the history of the home you are renovating and want to strive to honour that by bringing it back to its former glory whilst still making it your own.

Keep up to date with all the progress by following @ohgodweboughtavicarage on Instagram.