RTE viewers were all blown away by the “magnificent” home transformation on The Great House Revival.
Renowned architect Hugh Wallace returned on air to transform derelict and unloved properties into stunning dream homes.
Hugh travelled to Donegal to meet Asset Manager Eoghan O’Riain[/caption]
Eoghan wanted to set up roots in his native Rathmullan[/caption]
RTE viewers were blown away by this transformation[/caption]
In this series Hugh guides viewers through a diverse range of restoration projects in the Irish countryside.
For the sixth episode of the new season, Hugh headed to Donegal to meet Asset Manager Eoghan O’Riain.
Eoghan, who recently returned to Ireland after years of working in distant land, wanted to set up roots in his native Rathmullan.
And after working all over the world, he stumbled upon this quaint terrace house with a stunning sea view.
Eoghan hoped to transform it into a cosy home for himself and his dog Charlie.
When he purchased the home, which was priced at €340,000, most of it was still intact, but needed fixing up throughout.
The property could have easily become a holiday home as it was left vacant for most of the year.
With a budget of €170,000 for the works, Eoghan was hoping to put his stamp on the old home and create a new life in this quiet seaside town.
Eoghan had planned a complete restoration for the home.
The front rooms of the house, with amazing views over picturesque and historic Lough Swilly, were to be given some updating by Eoghan himself while the area at the back of the house would make way for a slick modern kitchen extension.
The home had four bedrooms and an office room to update, as well as a box room, which he hoped to transform into a bathroom.
His goal was to complete the project in five months, but Hugh warned him that “things are never quite as you think”.
Eoghan lived in the home throughout the restoration, where he put in an immense amount of work while also managing the project.
Four months before the deadline, they began knocking down the garage outside as well as the downstairs bathroom and porch.
Hugh later met with Eoghan to discuss the layout of his extension as he was concerned that natural light would be an issue in it, but the Donegal man decided to stick to his own original plan.
Unfortunately, opening up a new extension onto the home put the original building in danger and he was “lucky the house didn’t fall”.
They also faced an issue with installing the large sliding door into the back of the extension.
The hardworking team were quick to solve this problem and the back door was fitted in perfectly.
‘AMAZING’
But within an hour of the windows going in, plugs were needed as the weather took a turn and there was a downpour of water into the build where the extension meets the existing house.
After surpassing these issues, Hugh told how he “wasn’t sure what to expect” when Eoghan invited him to view the renovated home.
After nine months, the former seaside guesthouse had been transformed into a cosy and stylish retreat.
The renowned architect was met with a vast amount of colour and personality in the breathtaking house.
He was blown away by the “amazing” stain glass window at the front door and the sitting room, which was decorated with old, dark greens.
Then viewing the upstairs of the house, Hugh said Eoghan was “brave” with the colours he put into the upstairs bathroom
He told how the bathroom “evokes the dark greens of the surrounding mountains”.
There were also two “delightfully bright” bedrooms on the first floor, as well as a new roof light over the stairs.
FINAL RESULT
Hugh said Eoghan’s work from home office “could not have a more serene backdrop.”
Eoghan explained: “Any architect that we could keep we kept, and we didn’t go doing any heavy sanding.”
Hugh responded: “In doing that, you’re actually keeping the heritage of the home.”
The brand new open kitchen and dining room extension had a “real warmth to it”.
Sharing his thoughts on the renovation, Hugh said: “I just think it’s a smashing home.
“I’ve been very lucky to have followed Eoghan on his journey home, but also in his journey in creativity and colour.
“His passion for perfection is evident everywhere.”
RTE viewers also all loved the superb build and raced to X to praise Eoghan on his hard work.
Paul said: “That’s a savage extension and plenty of light.”
Noreen wrote: “I just loved it before and after. The stained glass was magnificent. What a fabulous house.”
Another added: “Wow! What a stunning house, well done Eoghan. I loved the sitting room and stained glass. Fantastic!”
