A Teacher’s Tribute: Finding Enthusiasm for Life Through a Renovation and a Late Architect
A primary school teacher from Kilkenny is set to feature in the final series of a beloved television show, sharing a profound connection he forged with its late presenter, Hugh Wallace. Sean Hickey, who dedicated himself to a meticulous restoration of a Victorian home, found more than just structural improvements during the project; he discovered a renewed “enthusiasm for life” thanks to the renowned architect.
The upcoming episode, airing on Sunday night, will showcase Sean’s remarkable transformation of his Kilkenny residence. Wallace, who passed away suddenly in December at the age of 68, had been a guiding force throughout Sean’s renovation journey. This final series marks the last opportunity for viewers to see the charismatic architect in action.
Sean Hickey, a native of Kilkenny, will be the focus of the first episode, which sees television crews travel to his home. His project involved breathing new life into a Victorian property on a modest budget of €100,000, with a significant portion of that sum coming from grants. This financial assistance proved crucial in achieving his ambitious vision for the house.
Recounting his initial impressions of Hugh Wallace, Sean admitted to feeling a sense of awe. “It was a daunting experience meeting Hugh the first time,” he shared. “He was so well known from being on television. I was always aware of Hugh and how he came across on the telly. He was always very charismatic so I didn’t know what to expect, really.” However, his apprehension quickly dissolved upon meeting Wallace. “Then I met him on the first day filming and I was very surprised, in a sense that, for somebody who is in the public eye, he was so humble. He was very personable.”
The nature of their professional relationship soon evolved into something far deeper. Sean explained, “Throughout the whole process, I expected there to be a professional relationship and Hugh would come and go but he actually kept in contact a great deal throughout the whole process.”
A Friendship Forged in Renovation
What began as a professional engagement blossomed into a genuine friendship. Sean found in Hugh a trusted confidant and an invaluable sounding board for the challenges inherent in restoring an old home. “He was a great sound board and I could ring him with any issues,” Sean recalled. “I would even say we became friends. I would meet him for coffee and different things.”
Hugh Wallace’s approach, Sean noted, was characterised by a genuine care for the people involved in the show and their projects. “He cared about what he was doing and what the people involved in the show were doing, he knew where people were coming from,” Sean explained. “He understood that everybody had different budgets and different values. He worked with that.” While Wallace offered constructive advice, he never sought to impose his will on Sean’s vision. “He never contradicted my overall vision but he would maybe say to look at things a bit differently.” This collaborative spirit cemented their bond, transforming Hugh into “a great confidant and an advisor but also a great friend.”
The news of Hugh Wallace’s death came as a profound shock to Sean, who expressed his deep sadness. He felt that their connection was only just beginning to deepen. “I felt that it was only after the show was completed that we would really hit it off and maybe relax more into a deeper friendship.”
A Lasting Legacy of Confidence and Enthusiasm
Beyond the shared experience of the renovation, Sean attributes a significant personal growth to his time with Hugh. “One thing I would like to portray for myself is that Hugh promoted a sense of me being confident in myself and has contributed a better version of myself in giving me confidence and have a better outlook on life and become myself, I suppose.” He believes Wallace’s own contentment and zest for life were infectious. “I think just because he was so comfortable in his own skin and happy to be alive. He was so full of life. It gave me that sense of enthusiasm for life and an enthusiasm for the projects and to continue to do things that I was passionate about,” he said.
Sean’s journey to homeownership was a testament to his hard work and dedication. Juggling two demanding jobs, he worked as a primary school teacher from Monday to Friday, and as a landscape gardener during weekends and school holidays, all to save for his first home.
His initial encounter with the Victorian house was love at first sight, particularly due to its garden. “A friend of mine saw it. I was away in Italy for the summer… I thought it was beyond my budget,” he recounted. “There and then I called the auctioneer. I saw it and I saw the garden and I just thought that was enough for me. That got my heart.”
The availability of the vacant home grant was instrumental in enabling Sean to undertake the extensive renovations. He revealed that he managed to furnish the entire home for a remarkably low cost of €2,000. “The grant was invaluable in that sense. I couldn’t have done it without it,” he stated.
As an enthusiast of architectural history, Sean was committed to treating the house with the utmost respect, particularly given that the previous owner had resided there for over 90 years. The 38-year-old was keen to honour the property’s rich past. “And Hugh understood that.”
Sean moved into his newly restored home in November and has no plans to leave anytime soon. “I will be here forever. I’ll be here until I’m 100 if I live to be 100.” His willingness to invest his own labour into the renovation was a driving force. “Having been able to buy the house, I was willing to be able to put the work in myself. I’ve always worked very hard. I enjoy learning new things and trying to turn my hand to things.”
The Great House Revival airs Sunday, 15th March, at 9:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
