Architect Hugh Wallace 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.
Adventurous homeowners battle to restore derelict or unloved properties to their former glory, but can they create their dream home in the ruined walls of our past?
Presented by architect Hugh Wallace, this series 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.
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.
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.
Episode 1 - Parson's House, Co Cork
Mental Health Nurse Mary-Claire and Carpenter Sully fell in love with The Parson’s House, a four bedroom Georgian cut stone building, the second they saw it.
Located at the central crossroads of Churchtown in north Co Cork, the village is conveniently halfway between their two homeplaces. More importantly it is neutral ground for their different local GAA teams.
With a budget of €130,000, Mary-Claire and Sully will have to put in a lot of hard graft themselves 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, the pair create a stunning modern home whilst still paying homage to the building’s rich past.
Episode 2 - Terraced House in Drumcondra, Co Dublin
Architect duo Rob Curley and Alfonso Bonilla bought their historic brick terraced house in the vibrant Dublin suburb of Drumcondra.
With the name Olympus in gold above the door, the couple take on the titan task of restoring the listed main building and adding on a unique modern extension to reflect their brave architectural tastes.
With a precise budget of €319,000, will the end result in the perfect blend of old and new? Combining a home workspace and cosy living area is tricky: can they achieve their dream of bringing contemporary design into crumbling suburban walls?
Episode 3 - Mayfield House, Co Wexford
Paul Roche's family home growing up had sadly fallen into disrepair after his mother’s death. So when Mayfield House in Enniscorthy town went up for auction, Paul and his school teacher wife Helena put in a bid on a whim and won.
With this statement Victorian Big House back in the family, Paul set off on the mammoth task of restoring it himself.
With dry rot, a leaking roof and rotten beams standing in his way, Paul powers through and along the way finds a unique secret room that has been hidden in the house for decades.
With just €150,000 this 450 square metre house is a David and Goliath tale of man versus house. Can Paul save his old childhood home, his beloved mother’s pride and joy, from rot and ruin?
Episode 4 - Old Schoolhouse, Ballyoughter, Co Wexford
When designers Robin Grundy and Eoin Murphy's search for their forever home brought them to a Victorian Schoolhouse in Wexford, they knew it was the one.
After returning from Robin’s native Toronto with their two children, the couple went sale agreed on their dream restoration project. Nothing is ever straightforward, and it took them a stressful 2 years to officially secure the keys to the schoolhouse, a small but sturdy building, and they now hope to turn it into a modern three bedroom home.
With a modest budget of €100,000, the pair have to do much of the grunt work themselves to achieve their vision. After many delays, can Robin and Eoin transform a plain, functional space which was never designed for residential use into the minimalist industrial chic family home of their dreams?
