Repair Shop Star Dominic Chinea Opens Up About 'Everywhere' Challenges in Cornwall Move
Dominic Chinea, the beloved metalwork expert from BBC's The Repair Shop, has candidly revealed the numerous hurdles he faced after relocating to Cornwall with his wife Maria. The couple, along with their dog Wendy, traded the bustling commuter life of Kent for the rugged, picturesque landscapes of West Cornwall, embarking on a transformative journey documented in his new TV series, Dom Chinea's Cornish Workshop.
A Dream Project Amidst Obstacles
Dom and Maria purchased a dilapidated stone farmhouse featuring an open-sided cow barn, which Dom plans to convert into his ultimate dream workspace. However, the star admits that the move presented challenges "everywhere", from navigating narrow Cornish lanes to weatherproofing the derelict and odorous cowshed. "Cornish lanes are so narrow and tight," Dom explained, "I'm always forced to drive into the bush, scraping the side of my van on brambles and bushes. It brings me to tears almost every time."
Building a New Life and Community
The series follows Dom as he forges a new existence, undertaking engineering and construction tasks while assisting neighbours and his newfound community with their projects. He has enlisted the help of Sam Lovegrove for general engineering support, along with a host of charismatic local tradespeople, to realise his ambitious plans. Despite the initial struggles, Dom and Maria have quickly fallen in love with Cornwall's "stunning" coastline and rich social history, such as the Geevor tin mine near Pendeen, which closed in 1990 and impacted the local community deeply.
Practical Solutions and Personal Touches
To tackle issues like potholes on their lane, Dom used a rock crusher to break down rubble, finding satisfaction in operating rare antique machinery. He also began creating a pond in their two-acre garden and used local tin to craft a traditional workshop sign, blending personal projects with community integration. "We both love gardening," Dom said, "and we know things take a long time to grow, so it made sense to get planting straight away."
Television Debut and Future Endeavours
In the opening episode of Dom Chinea's Cornish Workshop, which aired on March 9 on U and U Yesterday, viewers saw Dom purchase a "battered" old Land Rover for restoration, utilising a jack he had stored for over 15 years. The show captures not only the technical aspects of his work but also the emotional and physical challenges of starting anew in a remote setting. With more space to spread out and pursue projects, Dom and Maria are embracing their Cornish adventure, proving that even amidst difficulties, passion and perseverance can lead to fulfilling transformations.
