PART 1: Greg Penn’s Home Renovation – Admirals House, Devon

The Man With A Hammer

Greg Penn, widely known as @manwithahammer on Instagram, has become a beacon of inspiration for home renovation enthusiasts and lovers of period home style ideas. Greg’s journey began as a passionate DIYer, sharing his meticulous restoration of his first property, a Victorian terrace in Northeast England, with his growing online audience. With a keen eye for detail and a deep respect for architectural history, Greg has made a name for himself by breathing new life into his period properties, walking his followers through each stage of the renovation – showing all the ups and downs with his usual dash of humour. His second project is Greg’s forever home — an ex-Naval Georgian ‘lump’ named Admirals House.

Located in Plymouth, Devon, Admirals House is a majestic Georgian townhouse steeped in history. Built in the early 1800s, the property is a beautiful example of the elegance and charm that characterised the Georgian era. The house features classic architectural elements such as symmetrical proportions, large sash windows, and intricate cornicing. However, like many period properties, it had fallen into disrepair over the years, requiring significant restoration to bring it back to its former glory. 

Renovating Admirals House

Since acquiring the property, Greg has embarked on an ambitious renovation journey, meticulously restoring each of the 30 rooms with both modern functionality and period-appropriate aesthetics. One of his first projects was the grand entrance hall. Stripping away layers of old wallpaper and paint, Greg uncovered the original wood paneling, which he painstakingly restored. He replaced damaged sections with reclaimed wood, ensuring a seamless blend between old and new. The entrance hall now boasts a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, complete with restored wooden floors and a vintage chandelier.

Another significant undertaking has been the kitchen, which had undergone numerous unsympathetic alterations over the years. Greg’s vision was to create a space that honored the home’s historical roots while incorporating modern amenities. He installed bespoke cabinetry painted in heritage colors, complemented by brass fixtures and fittings. The original fireplace, uncovered during the renovation, has been transformed into a focal point, adding warmth and character to the space. The result is a kitchen that seamlessly combines period charm with contemporary functionality. 

Greg’s attention to detail extends to the living areas as well. In the drawing room, he restored the ornate ceiling rose and cornicing, carefully replicating missing sections using traditional plasterwork techniques. The walls, originally covered in dark, outdated wallpaper, have been re-plastered and painted in light, neutral tones, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Period-appropriate furnishings and carefully selected antiques complete the room, providing a perfect blend of comfort and historical authenticity. 

One of the most challenging aspects of the renovation has been the preservation of the original windows. The large sash windows, a hallmark of Georgian architecture, were in a state of disrepair. Greg opted for a sympathetic restoration approach, repairing the frames and replacing broken panes with traditional glass. The restored windows enhance the house’s aesthetic appeal and improve its energy efficiency. 

Luxury Finishing Touches

Greg’s latest project is to tackle the lower ground floor, transforming it into a luxury holiday let. In choosing his scheme and making selections for the final finishes and furnishings (the fun bit!), Greg turned to Maker&Son to explore options for super comfy seating and bedding within the apartment. Greg wanted to incorporate furniture that not only looked great but felt luxurious too. Using the highest quality materials was hugely important but so too was being able to easily clean and refresh the room between guests. 

We visited Greg in our Mobile Showroom so that he could try out our handmade sofas for himself. Greg was blown away by the level of comfort and compared it to ‘sitting in a marshmallow’, and of course – the washable removable loose covers offered another added benefit. After a tour of the space and a road test of our bestselling Loveseat, Greg went on to explore our 3D design services and made fabric selections with our Sales Consultant to complete the look of his holiday let project. 

We can’t wait to reveal which pieces of Maker&Son furniture Greg has chosen in Part 2. We’ll be heading back to see the result later in the year and will capture the finished renovation, sharing the remarkable before and after photos to inspire your own renovation project or interior style. 

Craftsmanship & Traditional Materials

Throughout his renovation journey, Greg has shared lots of useful tips and tricks with his followers, offering a wealth of inspiration for those undertaking similar projects. From sourcing authentic materials to employing traditional techniques, his expertise has made @manwithahammer a go-to resource for period home style ideas. 

Greg Penn’s dedication to restoring his period home is a remarkable testament to the value of preserving architectural heritage. His meticulous approach and passion serve as an inspiration to anyone looking to embark on a home renovation journey. As he continues to document his progress, there is no doubt that his work will remain a shining example of how to successfully blend the past with the present, creating timeless, beautiful spaces that honor their historical roots. 

Read Part 2 where we revisited Greg for the full room reveal and mini-house tour.

If you’d like to find out more about our Mobile Showrooms or watch our short film about Greg and his Home Visit, please get in touch with us today – we’d love to help you with your renovation.