A homeowner in Ireland has struck renovation gold after uncovering a stunning piece of her property's past hidden beneath decades-old flooring.
The Unexpected Discovery Under the Lino
Kelly Warburton, who documents the refurbishment of her Victorian house on Instagram under the handle @little_victorian_terrace_cork, made a remarkable find. Driven by curiosity about what lay beneath the old hallway lino, she decided to pull it up. Her initial excitement was dampened when she found the original quarry tiles covered in a layer of cement. However, she resolved to restore them to their former glory.
What followed was an immense labour of love. Kelly embarked on an 11-month mission to painstakingly remove the cement, a process she described as "back-breaking work" that sometimes made her question her sanity. The porous nature of the historic tiles meant the restoration required patience, as they needed to dry fully before being sealed.
A Painstaking Restoration Process
In a social media post detailing the journey, Kelly explained the challenges. "A white chalky film comes up through the tile which is essentially minerals and salt," she wrote. This residue requires treatment over several months. Her plan is to finally seal the tiles in the spring to protect them and lock in their vibrant, restored colours.
The emotional payoff was immense. Upon seeing the finished result, Kelly admitted the transformation made her "cry". She shared, "It’s been an insanely long journey with these tiles, but they have gone from being completely under cement to now being beautiful and vibrant."
Social Media Reaction and a Warning to Others
The online reaction to her reveal was overwhelmingly positive, with the post garnering over 1,000 likes. Followers hailed the tiles as "gorgeous" and "unreal," with many dubbing the find "treasure." One commenter called it "possibly the greatest tile glow up in renovation history," while another noted it was a "wonderful tribute to the craftsmanship of the past."
This is not an isolated incident. Just months ago, another couple found something remarkable concealed beneath their carpet, highlighting the potential historical secrets hidden in older properties.
However, experts and seasoned renovators like Kelly urge caution. Before attempting any restoration of old flooring, it is crucial to seek professional advice. An assessment can determine if the floor is suitable for restoration and prevent incorrect techniques from causing irreversible damage.
Kelly Warburton's story proves that perseverance and respect for a building's history can yield breathtaking results, truly unearthing hidden treasure where you least expect it.
