As seen on TV! This exciting project began with a simple phone call and a bold proposal. During that first conversation, we were introduced to the client’s ambitious vision: to restore a long-forgotten, derelict church and transform it into something truly spectacular. From the moment we heard about the scale, history, and creativity behind the plans, we knew we wanted to be part of that remarkable journey. Breathing new life into a historic building while preserving its character is always an inspiring challenge, and this project promised to be exactly that. The idea of taking a structure that had once stood silent and neglected, and reimagining it as a vibrant, welcoming home, captured our imagination immediately. It was clear this would be far more than a renovation — it would be a complete reinvention rooted in respect for the past.
This particular project was part of a Derelict Rescue episode titled Heavenly Haven (Episode 6). The series follows determined renovators as they take on ambitious restorations, and in this case, novice young renovators Seb and Nadia tackled an empty, uninviting church with the dream of turning it into not only a home, but a stunning work of art. They poured their heart and soul into creating an escape from busy city life — a sanctuary that balanced tranquillity with bold, expressive design. The programme captured the emotional highs and inevitable challenges that come with restoring such an imposing and historic building.
The series, available on Discovery+, followed the transformation step by step, showcasing the passion, craftsmanship, and dedication required to turn a neglected structure into a striking and unique living space. Viewers were able to witness every stage of the process — from clearing years of disrepair to carefully preserving original features and introducing contemporary elements that respected the building’s heritage. Being involved in a televised project of this scale made the experience even more special, as it allowed audiences to see first hand the level of detail and care that goes into every decision.
Our role in the project was clear and focused: to supply two identical Petite Hargrave Vanity Units for a pair of perfectly matched bedroom suites. Although straightforward in brief, the pieces needed to complement the grandeur and character of the restored church interior. The suites themselves were nothing short of breathtaking, featuring beautifully restored timber trusses that highlighted the building’s original architecture, rich dark oak flooring that added warmth and depth, striking copper freestanding baths that created a bold focal point, and carefully selected statement lighting that tied the entire design together. Every element worked in harmony to create spaces that felt luxurious yet sympathetic to the church’s historic fabric.
The vanity units we created were hand-crafted from solid Durian Hardwood, a material chosen for both its durability and distinctive grain. Each unit was meticulously constructed to ensure perfect symmetry and consistency between the two suites, reflecting the balanced layout of the interior design. They were then adorned with genuine Carrara marble countertops, adding a timeless elegance and a luxurious finishing touch that harmonised beautifully with the surrounding materials and textures. The subtle veining of the marble paired effortlessly with the warmth of the hardwood, creating a refined contrast that elevated the overall aesthetic.
Working within the project’s strict filming and installation schedule meant timing was crucial. Coordinating production alongside a live filming timetable required careful planning, precision, and clear communication at every stage. To meet these constraints, we supplied the vanity units unpainted, allowing the client’s team to install and finish them on site. This approach ensured complete flexibility with the final colour scheme and allowed the units to blend seamlessly into the carefully curated interiors, while also accommodating any last-minute adjustments captured during filming.
Being part of such a transformative restoration — and seeing our craftsmanship featured on screen — was an incredibly rewarding experience. There is something uniquely satisfying about watching a once-forgotten building rediscover its purpose and beauty, especially knowing that our work contributed to that revival. Projects like this remind us why we love what we do: combining traditional materials, skilled craftsmanship, and thoughtful design to help bring ambitious visions to life, and to create pieces that not only serve a function but also tell a story.
Follow the full project from start to finish and beyond on Instagram: The Church at Leeming.
