The Great House Revival is Back!

Get ready for another inspiring journey through the highs and lows of home renovation as The Great House Revival returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Sunday, 9^th February, at 9.30pm for a new extended series for eight weeks.  

Join renowned architect Hugh Wallace as he crisscrosses the Irish countryside, delving into the extraordinary stories of courageous homeowners who have dared to transform derelict and unloved properties into stunning dream homes.

In this new series, Hugh will guide us through a diverse range of restoration projects, from a quaint former post office in Butlerstown, Co. Cork, to a herdsman’s cottage nestled in the heart of the Burren, Co. Clare.

With his wealth of experience and a keen eye for design, Hugh will be on hand to offer his expert advice and unwavering support to intrepid homeowners. He’ll navigate the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and witness the passion and dedication that goes into every restoration project.

These are not your typical high-end renovation projects. The Great House Revival showcases the ingenuity and determination of everyday people who are taking on the challenge of restoring derelict and forgotten properties. They are creating comfortable, functional homes full of character and charm while working within sensible budgets. Every aspect of the work is documented, from missed deadlines and budgets 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 personal passion project.

With our housing shortage in the headlines daily, can these restorers show us the way to a dream home by resurrecting buildings from our past?

By revitalising these neglected structures, they are not only creating beautiful homes for themselves but also breathing new life into communities and preserving a part of Ireland’s architectural heritage that might otherwise be lost.

With budgets ranging from  €75,000 to €400,000, Hugh will find out just what is possible to achieve when people set their hearts on their new dream home.

Speaking about the new series, Hugh said “The Great House Revival is a celebration of Ireland’s architectural heritage.  The old buildings which feature throughout the series were once an integral part of our towns and villages, woven into the very fabric of their history. Many were once schools, shops, or public spaces, and now, with great vision and respect for their past, they are being transformed into extraordinary homes. What makes this show so special is that these homeowners aren’t just restoring bricks and mortar; they are preserving a piece of our collective history while making the most sustainable choice possible—the greenest building is the one that already exists. The series proves that by choosing to renovate rather than rebuild, homeowners achieve not only a more character-filled and meaningful space but also better value for money. The Great House Revival is a testament to the courage and creativity of those who dare to breathe new life into forgotten places, ensuring they remain part of our landscape for generations to come”

Tune in and be inspired!

Don’t miss the new season of The Great House Revival starting on Sunday, 9th February at 9.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

Series Highlights:

• Butlerstown, Co. Cork: A former post office is lovingly restored into a forever home for a young family.
• Burren, Co. Clare: A herdsman’s cottage in the heart of the Burren is transformed into a unique and modern retreat.
• Lough Key, Co. Roscommon: A derelict cowshed on a grand estate finds new life as a contemporary family home.
• Douglas Street, Co. Cork: An artist’s dream comes true as she converts a Victorian townhouse and shopfront into her home and studio.
• Rockhouse, Co. Cork: A dilapidated country house in West Cork is given a new lease of life as a spacious family home.
• Rathmullan, Co. Donegal: A former seaside guesthouse is transformed into a cosy and stylish retreat.
• St. Mullins, Co. Carlow: A ruinous farmhouse and sheds are lovingly brought back to life as a first home for a young couple.
• Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry: A traditional stone farm cottage is authentically restored, preserving its heritage and charm.

Episode 1 – Former Post Office, Butlerstown, Co. Cork – Sunday 9^th February 2025 

Local lad Timmie O’Brien, has many happy memories of his local Post Office that has been lying dormant for many years.  So he and his partner Siobhan decide it is time to breathe back some life into the old village hub, and to convert it into their forever home with their two young sons, Jimmy and Miah. 

When we meet Siobhan and Timmie they are already a few years into the project, but they have run out of steam and work has stalled.  The renovation of the house and shop, as well as spiralling costs, has been overwhelming for Siobhan and Timmie, and their forever home has become an improbable dream.

But under Hugh’s guidance, the couple get a second wind and pull out all the stops to make their dream a reality.  Timmie spends every spare moment on site while Siobhán balances raising their two children with her makeup job and helping Timmie manage the build.

As pressure mounts and the couple see less and less of each other, will this formidable build get the better of them again?

Hashtag: #TheGreatHouseRevival

Website: www.rte.ie/thegreathouserevival

The Great House Revival is proudly sponsored by Dulux Heritage.

ENDS