'Chocolate box' house in Kilkenny to feature on The Great House Revival on RTÉ

Get ready! Another Kilkenny property is set to feature on the hugely popular television series The Great House Revival on RTÉ.

Kilkenny-based Trish Duffe is getting ready for the next chapter in her life. That means downsizing from her large four-bedroom home in Carlow, to a smaller house in her home base of Kilkenny, closer to her elderly parents.  

Trish has a deep appreciation for history, in particular Kilkenny history, and had always dreamed of living in the historically significant housing development, Talbots Inch Village.

This dream was realised in March 2024, when she went sale-agreed on a two-bedroom house there. 

"I never believed I'd ever be the lucky owner of one of these chocolate box houses," she said.

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"When I lived in Kilkenny I used to bring people who didn't know Kilkenny on a tour; the tour included picturesque Talbots Inch model village to 'oooh' and 'aaaah' at the pretty arts and crafts style houses.

"My mum used to work with Mary who lived in this house. I knew Mary and her husband Seamus, and I often stopped to chat with them and their little dog when I'd meet them around Irishtown.

"I didn't know their children, but their names were familiar to me as Mary talked about them a lot.

"It is truly my honour and pleasure to treasure and take care of this family home and to remember Mary and Seamus and their family as I carefully bring their home to life again."

During the renovation process, Trish has battled through various challenges; planning permission, adhering to a conservation order, the discovery of asbestos, and applying for multiple grants to make the restoration of her home possible.

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But with work finally underway, the issues of this 100+ year old home are never ending, asbestos rears it ugly head again, and Trish discovers more unexpected costs turning her dream home renovation into a costly headache.

Unfortunately, as production of the latest series of The Great House Revival progressed, popular presenter Hugh Wallace passed away unexpectedly, which left a mark on Trish.

Back in December, she shared the following post on social media: "I woke up this morning to the heartbreaking news of Hugh Wallace’s sudden passing, and I’m struggling to put into words what yesterday meant - and now what it feels like today.

"Just hours ago, Hugh was in my home with the wonderful Great House Revival team, filming the reveal, and Hugh filling every room with his warmth, wit, curiosity and that unmistakable spark that made him who he was.

"He had a gift for seeing the soul of a place and the heart of the people who lived in it. I adored him - truly. It was a joy and an honour to spend the day with him, to share my home and it's story, and to witness the kindness and enthusiasm he brought to every moment.

"My thoughts are with his husband Martin whom he spoke lovingly about, his family, friends, colleagues and all the team at Animo TV who loved working with him. What an extraordinary, generous, big-hearted man. I feel incredibly lucky that our paths crossed - and that he left such light behind him."

Describing the project and its impact, Trish stated that she was "overwhelmed quite a lot of the time at the extraordinarily good people who have helped me."

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"Every one of them dedicated to their craft, and each of them willing to explore options and adapt to the changing needs as the works advanced, slowly, carefully figuring quite a lot of it out along the way," she said.

"It has been challenging for sure, but we are all so proud of what is emerging."

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A post shared by Trish Duffe (@homeandheritagekilkenny)

Trish's property will be the second Kilkenny property to feature on the popular television series.

Seán Hickey, a local teacher and landscaper, caught the imagination of the general public with his positive attitude during the first episode of The Great House Revival.

He did remarkable job he did on his John Street mid-terrace property on a relatively small budget.

His passion for all things Kilkenny shone throughout the episode, including the city's history, heritage and legacy of craft, which was reflected in his home.

The Great House Revival episode three featuring Trish Duffe will air this Sunday, March 29, at 9.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

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