A look at the teams caring for two houses which served as launchpads for the soaring ambition of their owners.Saltram House, in south Devon, was once the country seat of the Parker family. But its 18th-century carpet, designed by architect and interior designer Robert Adam and knotted by Axminster founder Thomas Whitty - is in dire need of restoration, leading to a protective re-weave of the original design by Axminster themselves.Meanwhile, the house's 18th-century occupant Theresa Parker is also receiving some essential treatment: renowned portraitist Joshua Reynolds captured the spirit of a young Theresa in a once-striking portrait that's now in need of reviving before it goes on loan for a major exhibition of Reynold's work.Nestled in the Chilterns, Hughenden Manor is a house that helped propel Benjamin Disraeli to the very peak of power. But in the grounds, the once gloriously golden carriage gates that welcomed his guests are in need of restoration. Blacksmith David takes on the daunting task with the help of blood, sweat and a wedge of gold leaf.

At Chirk Castle, a very rare, full-length portrait of a servant from the 18th century reveals its secrets. And in Oxburgh Hall, on the edge of the Norfolk fenlands, two rare hidden treasures - a rat's nest found under floorboards containing scraps of clothes that could be centuries old, and an overlooked portrait tucked away under the stairs - are brought back into the light.

In this episode, the houses that became retreats, and places of inspiration, for three literary legends. At Hill Top, the countryside escape of Beatrix Potter, a collection of over 70 miniature pieces under the roof of Beatrix's own dolls' house is undergoing major conservation before a new exhibition. The tiny woodland cottage of Clouds Hill, Dorset, was a refuge for TE Lawrence, popularly known as Lawrence of Arabia. In the sparsely furnished upstairs room, a portrait of a young soldier on a Cornish beach has sparked debate on whether it portrays Lawrence himself. Lamb House in Rye was the home of celebrated Victorian writer Henry James, who wrote many of his greatest later works in the house's Green Room. Today, James's writing room is looking a little off-colour, and a damp problem means the walls are in urgent need of replastering and repainting.