Click through the photo gallery above to see the before and after photos from episode one.
Last year, Hugh Wallace embarked on a journey to chart eight restorations across Ireland in The Great House Revival. Six of those homes are now complete and ready to inspire the audience.
Sadly, Hugh passed away before he could complete the project, but his close friend Brendan Courtney has stepped in to help bring the show to completion.
By way of tribute to the popular architect and TV presenter, this series will chart the homeowners' journeys to transform six distinct, old buildings that had been left to rack and ruin, as they take on the behemoth task of reviving these buildings.
From an old Schoolhouse in Westmeath to a derelict bank in Roscommon, the series tracks their progress as they transform these buildings into liveable homes.
Every aspect of the work is documented. From continuous delays to challenging budgets, from leaky buildings to battles fought – and challenges overcome. Every property is different, and each brings with it its own unique set of problems for the brave homeowners, for whom every restoration is a labour of love.
This series celebrates Hugh’s lasting contribution to Irish architecture, how he helped people create homes, warmed hearts, and made countless people smile along the way.
The two final episodes in the series will be broadcast later this year.
Episode 1: Victorian Terraced House, Co Kilkenny
Proud Kilkenny man, Sean Hickey, has been working two jobs to save for his first home. Monday to Friday, he is a primary school teacher, and at weekends and school holidays, he works as a landscape gardener.
After all his hard work and diligent saving, he now has the keys to his home in his dream location of Kilkenny City.
Relying on his close-knit community and his strong work ethic, Sean is planning to faithfully restore and renovate his Victorian home on a budget of €100,000 – with half of that coming from grants.
But with the chimney in need of repair and a dilapidated extension which needs to be knocked, and replaced, can Sean afford to do everything on his to-do list for his renovation? Or will the compromises mean he will be living with his parents for some time?
Watch The Great House Revival Sundays at 9.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
Click through the photo gallery above to see the before and after photos from episode one.
