removing paint and re-pointing stone work

[tdymmock]

We have just purchased a traditional victorian house and the front of the house has been painted. We would like to remove the paint and expose the original stonework and bathstone but quotes so far are all very expensive. We also believe that the paint may be hiding some poor/messy re-pointing where the mortar is overlapping the stone work.

Are there any tips on removing the paint without having to bring in a professional firm and is there a simple way of rectifying the pointing without fully re-pointing the front of the house?

 

[Johnboy54]

Unfortunately, I think it's no, and no.
Removing the paint yourself would leave it looking a total a***.
Do you really want to spend all that time up a ladder?
This guy seems to know the answers -

http://www.powerwashinguk.co.uk/page1.htm

As for the pointing, if it's overlapped the bricks, it's the bricks that need cleaning - not re-pointing?
But, you won't know how bad it is until the paint's off I suppose.
Decisions, decisions.
Wouldn't it be easier/cheaper to just re-paint with a colour you like?