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HGTV First Look: Small House, Big Easy

By: David L. Haynes

In HGTV's series Small Town, Big Easy, New Orleans native Sarah Martzolf restores the small shotgun houses that are as much part of the city's history as the French Quarter and the mansions of the Garden District. Sarah restores these run-down old houses, turning them into updated, comfortable homes while preserving their period features and historic legacy. Get to know Sarah and check out the renovation from the pilot episode. It's more than just a flip, it's a labor of love.

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Meet Sarah Martzolf

Sarah Martzolf is a designer, real-estate agent and New Orleans house-flipper. Her family has lived in the Crescent City for generations, and Sarah has a strong appreciation for the city's history, homes and architecture.

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Meet Sarah Martzolf

Sarah specializes in finding, restoring and flipping the city's small but iconic "shotgun" houses, retaining many of their original features but also updating them with modern amenities and custom accents that make these modest homes feel grand.

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Meet Sarah Martzolf

"I try to find run-down shotguns in up-and-coming neighborhoods that I can pick up for less than 100 grand." says Sarah. "The majority of my budget goes into a total renovation. I turn those shotgun houses that everyone wants to buy but no one has the guts to tackle into Big Easy living."

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Meet Sarah Martzolf

Sarah scours salvage and antique shops, like this one in the city's French Quarter, for furnishings and additions that will match the period and historic integrity of the homes she restores.

Small House, Big Easy

HGTV First Look: Small House, Big Easy

Meet Sarah Martzolf

Meet Sarah Martzolf

Meet Sarah Martzolf

Meet Sarah Martzolf

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