The Repair Shop’s Dominic Chinea Transforms Cornish Farmhouse in New Solo Series

Dominic Chinea, beloved expert from The Repair Shop, stars in an exciting new five-episode series, Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop, where he restores a neglected stone farmhouse into his dream workspace. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cornwall, the show follows Dominic as he embarks on a fresh chapter alongside his wife Maria and their dog, Wendy.

Throughout the series, viewers witness Dominic’s wide-ranging skills in automotive work, engineering, and construction as he renovates the property and assists his neighbors with various projects. He is joined by Sam Lovegrove, known from Shed and Buried, who supports him with general engineering tasks, along with a team of local tradespeople who lend their expertise to bring Dominic’s ambitious vision to life.

While working amidst the charm of Cornwall, Dominic encountered the challenge of navigating the region’s famously narrow and rugged lanes. He shared with Cornwall Live how the tight country roads forced him to carefully drive into bushes, often scraping his van’s side: “It brings me to tears almost every time.” To repair the frequently damaged lanes, Dominic even used a rock crusher to break down rubble and fill potholes—a rare antique machine, making the process especially satisfying.

In a preview clip shared on U’s Instagram, Dominic arranged to pick up a second-hand Defender, noting the logistical difficulty of delivering the vehicle along the narrow lanes. Despite some surface rust and minor damage to the passenger seat, he was thrilled when the vehicle started successfully on the first attempt.

Settling into Cornish community life after moving from Kent, Dominic forged new friendships, including with fellow engineering enthusiast Sam Lovegrove. Keen to make a positive impact, Dominic helped maintain local landmarks such as a rockpool in Mousehole used for swimming, clearing algae buildup, and repairing ropes on church bells in Pendeen.

Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop airs Mondays at 8pm on U and U Yesterday, starting 9 March, offering fans an intimate look at craftsmanship, community, and countryside life.