North Cork flavour to ‘Great House Revival’ this Sunday

Peak Sunday TV viewing sees the highly popular ‘Great House Revival’ generate interest on RTE 1, where this Sunday night’s show holds a Dromtariffe interest with a focus on a Victorian house near Enniscorthy.

TV architect Hugh Wallace is travelling the length of the country to assist homeowners in bringing a new lease of life in restoring and transforming properties.

Dromtariffe native Helena O’Flynn from Gurteen and her husband Paul Roche are the owners of Mayfield House, regarded as one of Enniscorthy’s most iconic architectural sites.

Mayfield House is located on an elevated site with commanding views over the town towards Vinegar Hill of 1798 fame, the building was the childhood home of Paul Roche.

Unfortunately, the house fell into disrepair after the death of Paul’s mother but when it was put up for public auction two years ago Paul and his wife, Helena, purchased it.

With the Victorian Big House back in the family, Paul set off on the mammoth task of restoring it himself. However, dry rot, a leaking roof and rotten beams soon became evident, but 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? Expect timely advice from the great Hugh Wallace to resolve matters.

The Great House Revival featuring the restoration of Mayfield House will be aired on RTÉ 1 this Sunday at 9.30pm.