During this time full plans had been drawn up, which envisaged the restored Barholm Castle comprising a kitchen in the vaulted chamber at ground level, a large living room occupying all of the former great hall on the first floor, a main bedroom and bathroom on the second floor, two further bedrooms and bathrooms on the third floor, and a further bedroom in the cap-house. Elevations of the planned north and west, and south and east faces can be viewed.

In July 2003, exactly four years after purchase, preparatory work began on the site. In September of 2003, notification was received from H.S. that the indicative offer had been confirmed as a committed offer of grant.

By the end of September, the large chimney on the south elevation had been taken down; according to the architect this was in imminent danger of collapse and "was held in place only by dead load and the grace of God". The weight of this chimney had caused significant "bellying" of the south elevation. However, before further downtaking, consolidation of the east and west elevations was carried out in order to reduce the chance of the planned downtaking on the south elevation causing a catastrophic collapse of the whole structure. This has included the use of steel wire ties to stabilise the large crack (left) which was formerly visible on the west elevation.