Have you ever dreamt of staying in a charming and cozy Irish cottage? For visitors in Mullinahone, Ireland, this dream is becoming a reality thanks to Jack Shelly, who is renovating his grandfather’s 200-year-old cottage.
A Cottage with History
The cottage dates back to 1959, when Jack’s grandfather purchased it at the age of 29. “So, my father, his parents, and his five brothers and sisters grew up in this two-bedroom house,” Jack explained in his video. “With no insulation and single-glazed windows.” Jack’s grandfather lived in the cottage until he passed away in 2010 at the age of 89.
A House in Disrepair
After his grandfather’s death, the cottage was inherited by Jack’s father but was left vacant for about a decade, slowly falling into disrepair. “Since then it’s been vacant and slowly deteriorating. At the beginning of this year, I decided to bring it back to life,” Jack told Newsflare.
A New Vision: Profitable Cottage
Jack’s goal was not only to restore the cottage but also to transform it into a profitable venture. With a budget of just under $30,000, he aimed to convert the cottage into an Airbnb rental. However, there was a significant amount of work to be done before renovations could commence. “My father and I began clearing it out and getting rid of anything that wasn’t needed. When the clearing out was finished, it was time to start with the actual renovation,” Jack said.
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Documenting the Transformation
Jack decided to document the entire transformation process on social media, which captured the interest of many. His videos on TikTok and Instagram went viral, garnering thousands of followers. “It was around this time that I started documenting the journey on TikTok and Instagram. This video went viral, and I got 45,000 followers in 24 hours. I have been documenting the whole journey in detail since and have really enjoyed interacting with people through these platforms,” Jack explains.
The Renovation Journey
Jack took on most of the renovation work himself. His videos show him tackling massive amounts of greenery that had overtaken the home, cutting away pieces of walls, smashing windows and sinks, and using a jackhammer to break up the concrete foundation. He also used a bulldozer and power washer on parts of the property.
Transforming the Cottage
The renovation involved extensive work, including adding new slats to the roof, insulation, windows, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Although the project is ongoing, the results so far have been impressive. “I was hoping to have it finished by the end of August, but now it’s looking more like the end of October. When it is finished, I am going to rent it on Airbnb,” Jack shared.
A New Look
Even though the renovation is not yet complete, the exterior of the house already looks drastically different. The once dirty white cottage now boasts a clean grey color with a charming pinkish-red door, hinting at the cozy retreat it will soon become for visitors.
Jack’s dedication and vision for the cottage have turned a piece of family history into a promising business venture, inviting travelers to experience the unique charm of staying in an authentic Irish cottage.
H/t Home Hacks
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