Dom Chinea, known from The Repair Shop, recently shared the unexpected difficulties he’s encountered after relocating to Cornwall with his wife Maria and their dog, Wendy. Leaving behind the busy commuter life of Kent, Dom has embraced the rugged charm of West Cornwall — but the transition hasn’t been without its hurdles.
In the premiere episode of his new series, Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop, which launched on Monday, March 9, Dom gave viewers an intimate look at his ambitious project: converting a dilapidated stone farmhouse, complete with an open-sided cow barn, into his dream workspace.
While the property boasts two acres filled with creative potential, Dom admitted there’s a significant downside—the narrow, winding Cornish lanes surrounding his home. These tight roads have already caused him to scrape his van against bushes multiple times and have made it nearly impossible for some delivery drivers to reach the property.
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“One of the joys of having two acres is all the room for my projects, but the real challenge is just getting to this lovely space,” Dom explained. “Cornish lanes here are so narrow and tight. I’m sick of driving into the bushes and scraping the side of my van — it’s heartbreaking.”
To tackle the problem, Dom invested in an old Defender vehicle better suited for the rugged terrain and narrow lanes. However, even deliveries to his property proved challenging, with trucks unable to navigate the tight routes. Dom described the frustration of moving his equipment and machinery into the workshop, calling the narrow access road a “compromise” he had to make when buying the property.
In one memorable moment, Dom borrowed Maria’s car to meet a stranded delivery driver, retrieve his new Defender, and safely bring it back to his home.
Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop airs Mondays at 8 PM on U&Yesterday and is also available on Channel 4 On Demand, offering viewers a candid glimpse into the joys—and obstacles—of rural life and craftsmanship.