Kilkenny’s Sean Hickey Stars in New Series of The Great House Revival

Sean Hickey, a dedicated resident of Kilkenny, is set to feature in the upcoming series of The Great House Revival on RTE. The first episode of the sixth season will air on March 15, 2024, showcasing Sean’s journey as he transforms his recently acquired Victorian home. The series will also pay tribute to the late architect and television personality, Hugh Wallace, who passed away from a heart attack in December 2023.

In this new season, The Great House Revival will highlight six restoration projects across Ireland. These homes, which have fallen into disrepair, will serve as inspiration for viewers interested in home renovation. Each episode will follow homeowners as they tackle the immense challenges of revitalizing these historic buildings, with Brendan Courtney joining the series to honor Hugh Wallace’s legacy.

Sean Hickey has been diligently working two jobs to finance his dream of homeownership. By day, he teaches primary school, while weekends and holidays find him working as a landscape gardener. After years of hard work and saving, he finally holds the keys to his home in Kilkenny City. Yet, the property is far from ready for move-in.

His passion for history fuels his determination to restore the home, and he has a unique approach to sourcing materials. Sean’s parents’ garage has become a makeshift salvage yard, filled with items he has rescued from skips over the years. He plans to incorporate everything from a clock saved from his old primary school to reclaimed bricks, aiming to keep costs down during the renovation process.

With a budget of €100,000, half of which will come from grants, Sean’s goal is to faithfully restore his Victorian home. However, the task ahead is substantial. The chimney requires urgent repairs, and an old extension must be demolished and replaced. As he faces these challenges, Sean wonders whether he can complete all the necessary work or if he will need to live with his parents for an extended period while he finds a way to finance the renovations.

Sean’s commitment to his community and strong work ethic will play a crucial role as he embarks on this ambitious project. The Great House Revival promises to offer viewers a glimpse into the intricate process of home restoration while celebrating the memory of Hugh Wallace. Tune in to RTE One and RTE Player on March 15 at 21:30 to join Sean on this inspiring journey.