{"id":12233,"date":"2026-08-14T07:40:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:40:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=12233"},"modified":"2026-08-14T07:40:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:40:18","slug":"couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovation-and-transform-it-into-a-glitzy-bar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=12233","title":{"rendered":"Couple uncover hidden Second World War bomb shelter in garden during \u00a3780,000 Canterbury home renovation and transform it into a glitzy bar"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"e9jwa\">\n<div class=\"vdo_embedd\">\n<div class=\"GfdvZ\">\n<section class=\"_bIDB  clearfix id-r-component leadmedia undefined undefined  E9tg9 \" style=\"top:0px\">\n<div class=\"_bIDB\" data-ua-type=\"1\" onclick=\"stpPgtnAndPrvntDefault(event)\">\n<div class=\"ypVvZ\">\n<div class=\"WGttI\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-133224337,imgsize-121181,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovation-and-transform-it-into-a-glitzy-bar.jpg\" alt=\"Couple uncover hidden Second World War bomb shelter in garden during \u00a3780,000 Canterbury home renovation and transform it into a glitzy bar\" title=\"A forgotten WWII bomb shelter gets a glamorous new life as a hidden home bar. (Photo: Channel 4)\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Ta7d_ img_cptn\"><span title=\"A forgotten WWII bomb shelter gets a glamorous new life as a hidden home bar. (Photo: Channel 4)\">A forgotten WWII bomb shelter gets a glamorous new life as a hidden home bar. (Photo: Channel 4)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A couple renovating their home in Canterbury made an extraordinary discovery in their garden when they stumbled upon a Second World War bomb shelter, and instead of filling it in, they spent part of their renovation budget transforming it into a stylish hidden bar.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"2\"\/>KJ and Mike revealed the unusual discovery during the latest episode of Channel 4\u2019s Extraordinary Extensions, hosted by Tinie Tempah. The couple had embarked on a major renovation of their 1930s former B&amp;B in Canterbury, with plans for a two-storey timber-slatted extension.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"4\"\/>The project, which began in November 2024, was initially budgeted at \u00a3700,000. However, the final cost reached a staggering \u00a3780,000 after the couple encountered several unexpected problems.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"8\"\/>One of the biggest surprises came early in the renovation, when they discovered the wartime structure beneath their garden.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"10\"\/>\u201cWe came across a little opening, and we kept digging,\u201d Mike told viewers. \u201cAnd then we found this entire thing.\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"12\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Couple turn bomb shelter into hidden bar<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"KJ and Mike turned a wartime bomb shelter beneath their garden into a secret bar.\" msid=\"133224355\" width=\"\" title=\"KJ and Mike turned a wartime bomb shelter beneath their garden into a secret bar. (Photo: Channel 4)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-133224355\/kj-and-mike-turned-a-wartime-bomb-shelter-beneath-their-garden-into-a-secret-bar.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>KJ and Mike turned a wartime bomb shelter beneath their garden into a secret bar. (Photo: Channel 4)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rather than demolishing or filling in the historic structure, the couple decided to incorporate it into their home as a \u201chidden bar\u201d.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"16\"\/>The underground space can be accessed through a hatch in an outhouse constructed above the shelter. The building also doubles as an office and gym.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"20\"\/>KJ acknowledged that the more practical option would have been to simply fill in the shelter and forget about it.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"22\"\/>\u201cThe sensible approach would probably have been to fill it in and forget about it,\u201d KJ admitted.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"24\"\/>The conversion, however, came with its own set of challenges.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"26\"\/>The couple discovered lead paint after power-washing the walls, while the underground shelter also suffered from flooding. <!-- -->Although the space has now been renovated, it is still not completely watertight.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"30\"\/>As a result, KJ and Mike have opted for furniture that can easily be moved if water enters the shelter again.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"32\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Inside the colourful wartime bar<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"From bomb shelter to hidden bar: the remarkable transformation beneath their Canterbury home.\" msid=\"133224361\" width=\"\" title=\"From bomb shelter to hidden bar: the remarkable transformation beneath their Canterbury home. (Photo: Channel 4)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-133224361\/from-bomb-shelter-to-hidden-bar-the-remarkable-transformation-beneath-their-canterbury-home.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>From bomb shelter to hidden bar: the remarkable transformation beneath their Canterbury home. (Photo: Channel 4)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"35\"\/>The transformation has given the previously tired underground structure a completely different appearance.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"37\"\/>The shelter now features painted red and pink walls, creating a warm and striking atmosphere. A patterned carpet adds another layer of colour and softness to the space.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"40\"\/>Two chairs and a small side table sit together, while a compact wooden bar has been fitted out with drinks and cocktail accessories.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"42\"\/>The result is a hidden entertaining space that bears little resemblance to the utilitarian wartime shelter it once was.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"44\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Why Canterbury has so many wartime shelters<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A surprise discovery beneath the garden became one of the most unusual features of their home.\" msid=\"133224366\" width=\"\" title=\"A surprise discovery beneath the garden became one of the most unusual features of their home. (Photo: Channel 4)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-133224366\/a-surprise-discovery-beneath-the-garden-became-one-of-the-most-unusual-features-of-their-home.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A surprise discovery beneath the garden became one of the most unusual features of their home. (Photo: Channel 4)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"47\"\/>The discovery is particularly fitting given Canterbury\u2019s history during the Second World War.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"49\"\/>The city was heavily bombed during the conflict. According to Kent Archaeology, by the early 1940s Canterbury had shelter space for around 1,960 people in basements and another 1,540 in covered trenches.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"52\"\/>The shelter discovered beneath KJ and Mike\u2019s garden is therefore part of a wider legacy of wartime structures built to protect civilians during the Blitz.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"54\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>\u00a3780,000 renovation combines Norwegian and Korean influences<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The couple\u2019s new master bedroom is part of the stunning transformation of their 1930s Canterbury home.\" msid=\"133224370\" width=\"\" title=\"The couple\u2019s new master bedroom is part of the stunning transformation of their 1930s Canterbury home. (Photo: Channel 4)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-133224370\/the-couples-new-master-bedroom-is-part-of-the-stunning-transformation-of-their-1930s-canterbury-home.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The couple\u2019s new master bedroom is part of the stunning transformation of their 1930s Canterbury home. (Photo: Channel 4)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"57\"\/>The bomb shelter was not the only major transformation undertaken by the couple.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"59\"\/>Their renovation turned the tired 1930s property into a modern three-bedroom home, combining elements of their Norwegian and Korean heritage.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"61\"\/>The exterior now features pale Scandinavian-style cladding alongside the original brickwork, while bold orange-framed, floor-to-ceiling windows provide a contemporary contrast.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"64\"\/>The couple also incorporated extensive hidden technology throughout the property, including voice-activated blinds and discreet lighting built into the staircase.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"66\"\/>At the heart of the extension is an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area that opens directly onto the terrace.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"68\"\/>The terrace is covered by a pergola designed to provide a visual reference to Korean gardens.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"70\"\/>The project also created space for a new master bedroom, dramatically changing the layout and appearance of the property.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"73\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Couple go \u00a380,000 over budget<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The couple\u2019s \u00a3780,000 renovation uncovered an unexpected piece of Canterbury\u2019s wartime history.\" msid=\"133224376\" width=\"\" title=\"The couple\u2019s \u00a3780,000 renovation uncovered an unexpected piece of Canterbury\u2019s wartime history. (Photo: Channel 4)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-133224376\/the-couples-780000-renovation-uncovered-an-unexpected-piece-of-canterburys-wartime-history.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The couple\u2019s \u00a3780,000 renovation uncovered an unexpected piece of Canterbury\u2019s wartime history. (Photo: Channel 4)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"76\"\/>KJ and Mike had originally set aside \u00a3700,000 for the renovation, but the final bill reached around \u00a3780,000.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"78\"\/>One of the biggest unexpected expenses came after they discovered a problem with the roof. Retiling it cost an additional \u00a325,000.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"80\"\/>The scale of the project, combined with the discovery and conversion of the bomb shelter, made the renovation increasingly challenging.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"82\"\/>\u201cYou&#8217;ve juggled a huge build, big design choices and a bomb shelter on the side,\u201d Tinie Tempah told the couple. \u201cWas there ever any point in the process where you thought \u2014 we&#8217;ve bitten off more than we can chew?\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"84\"\/>\u201cWell, probably!\u201d KJ replied. \u201cIt&#8217;s just been exhausting at times.\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"87\"\/>Mike said the couple ultimately tried to focus on the finished home despite the difficulties.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"89\"\/>\u201cYou have to look at the end product&#8230; the journey has its highs and lows but it&#8217;s come together!\u201d he said.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"91\"\/>\u201cWe knew going into this that we wanted to create something that&#8217;s a reflection of both of us.\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"93\"\/>KJ added: \u201cThis is deeply personal.\u201d<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"95\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Another couple discovered Nazi bunker beneath their home<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>The Canterbury discovery follows another remarkable case involving a wartime bunker found beneath a home in the Channel Islands.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"99\"\/>Last year, Shaun Tullier, 35, and his wife Caroline, 32, discovered a Second World War German bunker beneath their property on Guernsey.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"101\"\/>The couple had moved into the house in October 2021 and knew the property had previously been used as a German gun emplacement. However, they suspected there could be more hidden beneath their garden.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"104\"\/>After excavating more than 100 tonnes of soil from the front garden, they uncovered a structure approximately 26ft below the house.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"107\"\/>An eerie staircase led down into two large rooms and a hallway. German phrases were also found written on the walls, including the ominous message \u201cachtung feind hort mit\u201d, meaning \u201cbeware, the enemy is listening\u201d.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"109\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Guernsey bunker becomes games room<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>Rather than leaving the bunker untouched, Shaun and Caroline decided to give it a new purpose.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"112\"\/>They converted the underground structure into a games room featuring a snooker table and gym.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"114\"\/>The bunker was among the many wartime structures left behind after German forces occupied the Channel Islands from 1940 to 1945.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"116\"\/>Under Adolf Hitler\u2019s orders, the islands were heavily fortified as part of efforts to create what Nazi Germany described as an \u201cimpregnable fortress\u201d.<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/world\/uk\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovation-and-transform-it-into-a-glitzy-bar\/articleshow\/133224311.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A forgotten WWII bomb shelter gets a glamorous new life as a hidden home bar. (Photo: Channel 4) A couple renovating their home in Canterbury made an extraordinary discovery in their garden when they stumbled upon a Second World War bomb shelter, and instead of filling it in, they spent part of their renovation budget [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12234,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12233","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-31"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati-150x150.avif","medium":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati-300x169.avif","medium_large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","1536x1536":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","2048x2048":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","blogsy-small":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","blogsy-small-tall":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","blogsy-small-square":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","blogsy-small-masonry":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","blogsy-medium":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","blogsy-medium-masonry":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","blogsy-large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif","blogsy-wide":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"admin","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8709732a479614e7a8aa24d3eb1b239f30dc6d90c61464ed495001e7a469d856?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":"0","magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"A forgotten WWII bomb shelter gets a glamorous new life as a hidden home bar. (Photo: Channel 4) A couple renovating their home in Canterbury made an extraordinary discovery in their garden when they stumbled upon a Second World War bomb shelter, and instead of filling it in, they spent part of their renovation budget [&hellip;]","magazineBlocksPostCategories":["\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36 \u0b2c\u0b3f\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36"],"magazineBlocksPostViewCount":1,"magazineBlocksPostReadTime":6,"magazine_blocks_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati.avif",400,225,false],"medium":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati-300x169.avif",300,169,true],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/couple-uncover-hidden-second-world-war-bomb-shelter-in-garden-during-780000-canterbury-home-renovati-150x150.avif",150,150,true]},"magazine_blocks_author":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/author\/admin"},"magazine_blocks_comment":0,"magazine_blocks_author_image":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8709732a479614e7a8aa24d3eb1b239f30dc6d90c61464ed495001e7a469d856?s=96&d=mm&r=g","magazine_blocks_category":"<a href=\"#\" class=\"category-link category-link-31\">\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36 \u0b2c\u0b3f\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36<\/a>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12233"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12233\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}