Television productions are known for their precise timelines, but challenges often arise, particularly in renovation shows where initial plans can extend from a year to several years, and sometimes even longer. Brooke Bayvel, the executive producer overseeing Restoration Australia, acknowledges that producing such a show is a significant risk due to these unpredictable timelines.
“One of our properties from Grand Designs Australia took seven years to complete, and it certainly caused us quite a bit of stress, fearing it might never reach completion,” she shared.
While the production team may experience anxiety over prolonged projects, Bayvel emphasizes that both the homeowners and the crew face risks and uncertainties as they navigate the complexities of large-scale renovations.
This current season of Restoration Australia includes a project that, while not quite reaching the seven-year threshold, has been ongoing for five years. Rachel Hunt, who acquired a former convent in regional New South Wales in 2021, embarked on an ambitious journey to convert it into an affordable home.
Hunt, a fashion industry fabric manager from Sydney, purchased the Boorowa property for $625,000, envisioning a tranquil rural lifestyle. “I imagined having a hundred acres, living alone in the countryside with a cottage. I thought about getting a pony, perhaps some highland cows since they’re adorable, and raising chickens for fresh eggs,” she explained. “Now, I find myself with a convent instead.”
Initially, she set a goal of completing the first phase within ten months, focusing on key room updates. However, five years later, following a romantic relationship and the birth of her child, much of the renovation remains unfinished.
While love might be a valid reason for delays, various factors can derail renovation plans, especially when homeowners take on more than they can handle. A notable case from the UK’s Grand Designs featured Edward Short, who took twelve years to renovate a lighthouse in Devon, resulting in significant financial strain and the breakdown of his marriage.
Despite the challenges, the lighthouse was listed for sale in 2024 for £5.25 million after many unsuccessful attempts to sell it at a higher price, ultimately being sold at a loss.
Bayvel highlights the importance of selecting the right projects for Restoration Australia, describing it as one of the most challenging aspects of the production process. “Our casting team is skilled at identifying those who may not be serious about their projects,” she stated. “If they lack funding, skills, or a coherent plan, that’s a significant warning sign. A lack of passion for their restoration can lead to uninspired results.”
This thorough vetting process ensures that the majority of projects featured on the show reach completion. “There have been only a couple of cases where we had to drop projects early, usually due to budget reductions or changes in the homeowners’ personal circumstances,” she noted, emphasizing the rarity of such occurrences.
Delays in renovation timelines have become a common theme in design shows. Anthony Burke, the host of Restoration Australia, remarked that the situation has worsened over time. “A couple of years ago, we found that around 85 percent of the projects we track do not meet their deadlines,” he stated.
Burke pointed out that homeowners today are confronted with a confluence of challenges, including rising costs of trades and materials, further complicated by global events like conflicts in the Middle East. “Whether it’s natural disasters or supply chain issues, these are factors that homeowners have no control over,” he explained.
Having hosted the show for five years, Burke has developed an instinctive sense of which projects will meet their self-imposed timelines by his second visit. “On return visits, I might find just an empty hole or, occasionally, a completed frame,” he noted.
In many restoration efforts, homeowners often encounter unexpected issues when they begin revealing the layers of their properties. For instance, Jane Marchment and Neil Gibbs faced significant delays and costs due to asbestos found in their expansive bluestone estate in regional Victoria, resulting in a budget overrun of more than $600,000.
Despite the ups and downs of renovation journeys, Burke finds inspiration in the determination and ambition of the individuals he meets. “Rachel’s situation is a prime example of when we had to decide whether to continue following her project or pause for now, potentially revisiting it in the future.”
Rachel’s journey took an unexpected turn when she fell in love with Tom Hall, a local electrician helping with the convent’s rewiring, and together they welcomed their daughter, Josie. “We often joke that it will be Josie’s project to finish, or perhaps we’ll complete it by the time she starts school,” Rachel quipped, reflecting on her original plan to tackle the grand restoration in phases while not anticipating the significant detours life would take.
