This book was great, it felt fresh and not like anything else I've read lately. It kept me intrigued all the way through, I didn't want to put it down.

My house is technically old being over 100 years old although I never think of it as such, since that isn't particularly old by UK standards. I thought this was a good reference manual, and I think it's nice to emphasise the value of maintaining the old as it was, rather than always wanting new and modern things.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
This is an interesting book with lots of pictures and good advice for dealing with the restoration and responsible updating of old (in the European sense of old) houses. Most of the properties that are used as examples are more than 100 years old, so it's fascinating but doesn't have a lot of practical uses.
It was very detailed and well researched, but for the general North American audience, it's going to be more of a 'fantasy' book than something you would use in fixing up your house.
Would recommend for fans of youtube fantasy reno shows.
Would note that it's also the second edition, so I don't know how much is new from the first edition.

A wonderful resource for anyone thinking about owning an OLD house! Especially in the UK (not a lot of thatched roofs here in Seattle, Washington). The author really emphasizes the importance of doing the repairs right, and the harm that a "quick fix" can do.
Filled with loads of great information, lavishly photographed, well laid out. I learned a great deal from reading this. It caused me to realize that owing a house of this vintage was not the romantic fixer-upper shown on television, or written about in any number of expat books. No, it should be left to those who are willing to dedicate a life-time to a home and to doing it right.

What a fantastic resource! This book is so detailed and informative for anyone looking to repair and maintain a very old house. My home is a hundred years old but it is too new for much of this advice, which is designed for homeowners of very old properties in the United Kingdom. There’s advice for everything from thatched roofs to cracked walls, plus so much more, with photos of real properties and work being done to properly preserve them. I love the reassurance that some things that seem dire may not be, and the incredibly thorough advice on every part of the home. Highly recommended.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

In the introduction of the "Old House Handbook", the authors urge the readers not to give in to the "quick fix" solutions but instead, to take the sometimes not-so-easy road that may well be worth all the pain and trouble in the end : I totally adhere to this philosophy.
Owning an old house is challenging, overwhelming even at times. The "Old House Handbook" is a comprehensive guide to better undestand the challenges that often come when taking care of a century (or more) old building. The book focuses on the most common issues owners may face (water damage, structural movement, joinery, glass and metalwork repairs ...), it is full of historical facts (about old construction methods) and precious informations on the best way to tackle your home renovation. It is however important to note that there's no step by step guide on how to do the actual work, this isn't the purpose of the book.

Thank you.NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to this e-ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I love the photos! As someone involved in historic preservation, especially homes, I was so excited to read this book.
My 1895 home is basically brand new compared to the beauties in this book but I still learned a lot. You have to maintain a home.
What a lovely book! Thank you for the ARC.