Day one

Tony and Kirsten Gibson buy Broadfield House. The first photograph — in the family album sense — of the new chapter.

The best find yet

“Best find yet today — having given up on finding original tiles, realised they may be lurking at the ‘back’ door (was originally the front door) under the half inch or asphalt.”

Behind the panels

“First of the doors upstairs removed and the panels popped off to reveal the expected original panel door underneath — one stripped and sanded, two more ready.”

The roof, done

“Roof completed today, all new batons and felt replaced along with the broken slates.”

All the way to the back

“I was desperate to see how far the tiles go up the hall — glad to discover they appear to all the way front to back! Just got to clean them now.”

Father Michael, the Moorman Priest

“Found another signature behind the wallpaper on a chimney breast. A search shows a Fr Michael Morman mentioned in the 1885 directory. He was actually from Devon but sent to serve in Rochdale. It seems he was then sent to cover St Maries in Bury for a year while the priest there went to Rome. I suspect he was at the house to bless it when first built (common practice back in the day).”

“In other news the floor tiles only go as far as the stairs but the cleaning process is starting to show promise, all be it slow. Reopened up an old path round the side of the house. Had a quick go at cleaning the large fireplace which is a hell of a lot easier than the tiles. Fireplace really needs a full dismantle and refit to remedy the movement that’s happened over the decades — that starts in two weeks (by a professional — I’m not risking that).”

Worse before better

“As the saying goes, ‘things have to get worse before they get better’ — certainly feels that way today following the plumber ripping out the water tank, bathroom and all the radiators. The ceiling in the cellar has also been taken down to check the floor joists and give the electrician room to re-wire.”

“On the plus side, nice to finally see the original fireplace revealed in the back room. The extremely large Victorian water tank is yet to be removed from behind the bedroom wardrobe — it’s taking some considerable planning by the builders on how to get it out.”

Sorry Mr Conifer

“Sorry Mr Conifer you had to go — what an amazing difference to the view!”

The marble fireplace, lifted

“A nerve-racking day today — the beautiful marble fireplace has been removed and taken away to be restored. Hated seeing it in bits on the floor but it will be worth it when it’s back in a few weeks looking better than ever. Each side ‘leg’ was buried past the asphalt and into 2.5 inches of concrete, so on return it will be taller when sitting on the new hearth.”

Green tiles & arches

“More reveals today when opening up the fireplaces — green tiles and arches.”

Three fireplaces

“Three fireplaces open and ready to clean up. Just need to decide the best options for each one.”

Snow inside the house

“Full re-point under way — so much dust from scraping out the old mortar it looks like it’s been snowing!”

Plan B for the tiles

“Quick update on the tile restoration. Not good news — this first picture is post cleaning survey by an expert and is as good as they are ever going to get, so dreams of keeping these are not realistic. Never mind — option 2.”

“New tiles created in the same design and with a border as close as we can find. Still looking for a perfect match which probably does not exist but this will be pretty close, and as a bonus we can have them running the full length of the hall with underfloor heating beneath.”

The good, the bad and the ugly

“Soooo good to see some plasterboard going up today which is such a change from the relentless ‘oh god it’s got worse’ feeling of the past few weeks (well, months).”

“Recent discovery that the chimney breasts upstairs were supported by failing timber beams that had to be replaced has left a rather large hole in the two bedrooms so that a new steel lintel could be added. Good side to this is that the chimney flues have been rebuilt so that liners can be fitted.”

“Exterior has now been sand blasted (much to the dismay of our new neighbours — sorry that was so noisy, we had no idea!). Pictures to follow when the scaffolding is down.”

Must be fate

“It must be fate — spent all week looking at slate fire mantels only to literally dig one up in the garden. Got to re-instate this in the house now.”

“Markings on the back look to be the house number (250) plus #54 which I’m guessing was just the job number.”

The note behind the mirror

“Took the back off the mirror that sat on the fireplace today and discovered the great little note with details on its history.”

The slip is from Sam Foote, Decorator, Bury Bridge, Bury — Tottington 3166, naming the proprietor as Neville Foote, F.I.B.D., Broadfield House, Turton Road, Tottington — the previous owner who lived here from 1962 to 2022, signed by his own hand.

An 1860s mantel mirror, surprised

“New roses for upstairs and phase one of strip back the 1860’s Mantel Mirror complete. Surprised to find it’s a lighter wood than the back suggested, and the ornament elements are actually plaster mouldings. Phase 2 to start tomorrow.”

What a difference

“Dining room and back bedroom sanded today — what a difference!”

Coloured light at the end of the tunnel

“Some coloured light at the end of the tunnel — stained glass now under construction for the front door.”

The double medallion-and-rosette chain framing the “250” lettering was copied from the original tile floor — tying the new fanlight back to the Victorian original.

Everything at once

“So much happening at once now. Internal doors being hung upstairs, radiators on walls and the biggest change today, decorating in the family room. Loving the large coving which was a worry for a while, but it’s looking great now the paint is going on. Front door stained glass also making good progress.”

The favourite rose

“My favourite rose to date and one of the last to go up. This one is in the dining room — bold colours and wallpaper to follow tomorrow. Meanwhile the stained glass is ready for glazing — we should have a front door soon, which is a bonus.”

One room nearly done

“One room nearly done…”

The master bedroom

“Small but beautiful update today — master bedroom panels and wallpaper finished. Would love to take the credit but this is all Kirsten’s choices.”

Not long now

“Landing and hall finally being treated to some paint. Not long now until we are in.”

Moving in

The Gibsons move into Broadfield House — Tony, Kirsten, Amalie and Louis — eight months and six days after taking the keys.

By the fire, a year on

The first full Christmas in the restored house. The wood‑burner in. Carpet down. Dog asleep. The rest of the story can write itself.

Long journey, nearly there

“It’s been a long journey but we are nearly there…”

The new single-storey extension on the side of the house — the next chapter, picking up where the Victorians left off.