RTÉ viewers were delighted by the return of The Great House Revival on Sunday night.
The series follows architect Hugh Wallace as he meets with 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.
Every aspect of the work is documented, from missed deadlines and budgets to battles fought and challenges overcome.
We just can’t get enough of the wonderful @architecthugh! He’s back with a brand new series of #TheGreatHouseRevival this Sunday, starting with couple Mary-Claire and Sully and their Georgian house in Co. Cork.
Sunday 9.30pm | @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/9luxgt9994
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) March 20, 2024
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.
In this new series, Hugh meets homeowners who are transforming old cowsheds, tumbling townhouses and an abandoned former school, across the country from Cork to Wexford.
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?
With budgets ranging from €100,000 to €350,000, Hugh will find out just what is possible to achieve when people set their hearts on their new dream home.
The first episode, which aired on Sunday night, saw Cork couple Mary-Claire and Sully take on the challenge of renovating a four bedroom Georgian building in Churchtown.
With a budget of €130,000, Mary-Claire and Sully had a big job on their hands to bring this home back to its former glory.
Over the course of a year and a half and via the adoption of a furry addition to the family, viewers watched the pair create a stunning modern home whilst still paying homage to the building’s rich past.
They also managed to finish the project €40,000 under budget.
After the episode aired, viewers took to social media to praise the Irish programme.
Some viewers also joked that Dermot Bannon could take some notes on the series, as he is notorious for going over budget with his builds on RTÉ’s Room To Improve.
See how viewers reacted below:
Dermot Bannon could learn a thing or two from these two. Under budget and an amazing house 👏👏👏
Great first episode of the new series @ArchitectHugh , love it! #thegreathouserevival— Sinéad Mac Bride (@sineadmacbride) March 24, 2024
Great job done on this house. Lovely mix of modern and period features. Wow! €225k, just brilliant. Well done. Glad Dermot Bannon wasn’t on the case! Sorry Dermot! @ArchitectHugh#TheGreatHouseRevival
— Dr Paul 😉 (@1paulmcel) March 24, 2024
#thegreathouserevival It was just amazing , such a fantastic couple and beautiful home . They really have an eye for detail and under budget . You guys need to show Dermot bannon how it’s done !
— patrick harte (@palmview1974) March 24, 2024
Dermot who ?!!
Sully & Mary Claire are the new king and queen of house restoration. #thegreathouserevival— John O Regan (@JohnORe46586980) March 24, 2024
#thegreathouserevival 40 K under budget ? Dermot Bannon are you listening ? 😂
— Patrick Rahilly (@Pat_OChocolate) March 24, 2024
Wasn’t that the best house reno programme ever shown on @rte?
And aren’t Mary Claire & @Sullyt1000 a breath of fresh air – not afraid to get stuck in & get their hands dirty – AND 40k under budget
Hats off to them both. Wishing them the best of everything#thegreathouserevival
— The Reluctant Foodie (@ReluctantF00die) March 24, 2024
