A television producer restoring a former bishop's residence in Colwall is filming a series about the project.

Keith Duddy wants to return Park Farm to its former glory, keeping the original dimensions and use of rooms where possible.

Mr Duddy, who owns i2i Television, bought the property in 2001 and relocated his company into converted barns.

Work restoring the main house, formerly a hunting lodge belonging to the Bishop of Hereford, began a year ago. The current house was built in the 17th Century to replace one that burned down.

It is thought the house was one of the first buildings in Colwall and that the village stemmed from it.

During the restoration, careful consideration has been given to the historical significance of the building and as much of the original timber as possible has been retained.

Mr Duddy said a major task had been restoring the north block, which was derelict and in a state of near collapse. One side of the building had to be physically lifted through nearly nine inches to bring it level.

Rotten or missing timber was replaced by green oak from Gloucestershire, to ensure the use of original materials. Mr Duddy reckons to have spent £20,000 replacing the oak alone, but talks of the practical, as well as historical benefits.

"Oak is a fantastic insulator and keeps the house very warm," he said. "You have to admire the people that built it. They knew a lot about building in those days."

When the north block is finished, attention will turn to the rest of the house, which Mr Duddy envisages being more straightforward.

"We hope any nervous moments are largely behind us," he said.

Mr Duddy hopes his TV series charting the restoration will be screened in early 2007.