Tackling a period property renovation project often feels like an impossible feat when facing massive costs, unexpected structural issues, and the need to preserve history. It requires more than design skill; it demands grit and perseverance.

This episode reveals the grit and creativity needed to transform a derelict 170-year-old Cork house into a modern family home. Rob shares how he stretched a tight budget with DIY labour, blended original Georgian features with contemporary style, and pushed through relentless construction challenges. We discuss uncovering hidden history, finding invaluable mentorship, and the ultimate reward of building a space you fought for.

Joining Laura O’Keeffe is Rob Hennessy, a restorer and educator who gained national recognition for his work on RTÉ’s The Great House Revival. Rob is an advocate for restoring Ireland's vacant housing stock, demonstrating that passion and a strong DIY spirit can bypass the traditional housing market.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

High ceilings dictated the house purchase.
Hugh Wallace advised keeping original layout.
How living on-site saved the budget.
Overcoming wet rot and structural setbacks.
Trust your ability and hire experts

GUEST DETAILS

Rob Hennessy is a restorer and educator currently working as a school teacher in Cork. He is best known for his high-profile Victorian home renovation project in Passage West, Co. Cork. Rob gained national recognition after appearing on RTÉ’s The Great House Revival. He is a leading voice in the Irish restoration community, demonstrating how a strong DIY spirit can bring life back to vacant housing stock. 
Hear the complete conversation on Style Stories with EZ Living Interiors Podcast available on all podcast apps now

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QUOTES

I knew the minute I walked to the front door I wanted it. I knew I wanted the house. - Rob Hennessy

I wanted to respect the history of the house and try and look after as much of the original features as I possibly could on the opposite side.
Then I was conscious, I'm not living in the museum either, right? I wanted to kind of put my own stamp on things.. - Rob Hennessy

I was also very conscious of, you know, not going super cheap on finishings or orange like that, because I wanted a nice finish. - . - Rob Hennessy

MORE INFORMATION

EZ Living Interiors is a family-owned home furnishing retailer which sets the standards for quality, style, and design in the industry. We advise on how individuals and families should furnish their living spaces to create homes that are both beautiful and functional. 

Our mission is to inspire and elevate the art of interior design through the promotion of high standards of product sourcing, craftsmanship, and customer service. 

We achieve this by providing innovative and thoughtful design solutions for our customers to support them to create stylish and comfortable living spaces.

Visit EZLivingInteriors.ie to learn more.

This podcast is produced by dustpod.io for EZ Living Interiors

KEYWORDS #PeriodRenovation #DIYBudget #PeriodProperty #HughWallace #RestorationAdvice