Cheap Old Houses

Cheap Old Houses, produced by HGTV in 2021, is a captivating, innovative, and charmingly vintage reality television show that redefines the perception of antique and inexpensive homes. It effortlessly combines the concepts of home renovation, historical architecture, and budget-friendly makeovers into an entertaining package.

The series is based on the popular Instagram feed and blog, both titled "Cheap Old Houses." The show features its creators, Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, a married couple who have turned their hobby of scouting for inexpensive and vintage properties into a full-fledged career. They have garnered an impressive following of architecture enthusiasts, aspiring home buyers, and renovation lovers who appreciate their knack for spotting the most tremendous yet affordable relics found on the American housing market.

Each episode of Cheap Old Houses takes viewers on an adventurous journey across various parts of the United States, where the couple single out neglected but promising real estate gems. These properties, priced at under $150,000, embody the spirit of a bygone era but are in desperate need of restoration and little innovation to revive their charm. The lure comes not just from the price tags, but also from the unique potential and history that each of these properties possess.

Cheap Old Houses holds a place of its own within the vast gamut of HGTV's DIY and renovation programming. It's more than a house-flipping show; it’s a celebration of architectural history, optimistic vision, and the joys of discovery. The Finkelsteins' passion for these old homes is effusive. They revel in original hardwood floors showing signs of age, celebrate hand-carved woodwork that has witnessed history, rejoice at remnants of period-specific wallpapers. For them, these aren’t just homes-- they are time capsules, exuding stories of the past.

The episodes are far from being mere house tours; they are a deep dive into the history, architecture, and potential that lies within each structure. The Finkelsteins’ expertise guides viewers through demonstrating how these homes can be sympathetically restored while keeping their original charm intact. They speak the language of wavy glass, ornate mantels, clawfoot tubs, and illustrate how restoration can be both financially viable and satisfying.

Their infectious enthusiasm and sincere love for preserving historical integrity go beyond aesthetics. It convincingly illustrates how saving and restoring these architectural dinosaurs could also mean creating dream homes that are simultaneously affordable and aesthetically pleasing. It's a call to save these architectural gems from facing the bulldozer, a mission to encourage others to invest their time, money, and love into breathing life again into these structures.

In crafting each narrative, the show also focuses on the local culture of each area they visit, introducing viewers to the small-town USA feel. It becomes as much about the communities surrounding the houses as it is about the homes themselves — presenting the appeal of a simpler, slower-paced lifestyle in these towns.

However, the show doesn't shy away from displaying the challenges of renovating an old house. Instead, it presents them with honesty, adding a layer of realism to the show. Whether it is the daunting reality of outdated systems, structural damages, functional issues, or the surprises that arise during renovation - the potential homebuyers are guided through the roller-coaster ride that restoring an old house can be.

Building on its online popularity, Cheap Old Houses has quickly become a fan-favorite, fitting seamlessly amongst HGTV's roster of entertaining, inspiration-packed home-improvement shows. It stands as a beacon of hope for those dreaming of owning a home without breaking the bank and an homage to America's rich architectural legacy.

With its folklore-infused essence, the series taps into the romantic vein of owning a piece of history with a charming and novel concept. Cheap Old Houses personifies the idea that older homes, considered by many as ‘tear downs,’ can also be hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. It's a unique series that adds a distinctive flavor to the television landscape, ending up not only as a fascinating watch but also as an informative guide about the intricacies of home restoration and real estate investments.