Presented by architect Hugh Wallace, The Great House Revival follows homeowners across Ireland as they try to restore and transform their derelict properties into comfortable homes fit for today – while saving a piece of the country's architectural heritage.
In this new series, Hugh meets homeowners who are transforming a cowshed on a ruined grand estate, a rotten farmhouse with a secret, a former seaside guesthouse, a derelict vernacular cottage, and a depopulated village's former Post House.
For the final episode of the popular series, Hugh meets with Kieran Cotter, a 26-year-old Kerry man who has recently returned from living abroad and hopes to renovate his grandmother's old cottage with the help of the Vacant and Derelict Homes Grant.
Situated on the family farm, the traditional stone farm cottage has lain empty since his grandmother passed away 13 years ago. Purist Kieran is renovating the house as authentically as possible, reviving it stone by stone.
Having little building experience, Kieran is tackling this project on his own for the most part. Though he has a close band of family and friends on hand to help when needed.
The 26-year-old has witnessed first-hand the effects of an aging population and emigration on his community, Knocknagoshel. He and his friends are investing in their community, fighting to reinvigorate their beloved village and to bring back some youth and vibrancy.
They want to make their village a place where young people want to stay, and make a home.
Click through the before and after gallery above. Watch the episode back on RTÉ Player.
