'Who's Afraid of a Cheap Old House?' — Not Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein
The new HGTV series airing in May will feature stunning historic home renovations, inspiring bargain buyers who are ready to reimagine older homes.
You know @CheapOldHouses — the addictive social media phenomenon with nearly 3 million followers. Well, it inspired a new HGTV series called Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?, which will showcase what it's like to actually renovate stunning historic homes.
Who's Afraid of a Cheap Old House? premieres Tuesday, May 14, at 10|9c. Led by historic preservationist Elizabeth Finkelstein and her husband Ethan Finkelstein, a budget-conscious historic build expert, the show will appeal to bargain hunters who dream of owning a classic home (affordably priced at under $150,000) with features like antique fireplaces, original wood floors, leaded glass windows, vintage appliances and inviting front porches.
“Saving these houses isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it,” says Elizabeth. “Our cheap old house movement caught fire on social media. Now, we’re taking buyers house hunting so they can buy and restore a cheap old house of their own.”
What's the New Series About?
During each of the eight episodes, the Finkelsteins will take potential buyers on tours of two listings — including homes of both traditional and out-of-the-box styles — brimming with history and unique architecture.
Ethan and Elizabeth will guide hopeful homebuyers through the emotional highs and lows of not only purchasing, but also preserving, real estate steals. Once the buyers choose their ideal project, the Finkelsteins, along with interior designer Jennifer Salvemini and architectural designer Scott Reed, will help them overhaul the forgotten places into beautifully restored gems that feature contemporary elements.
“We use the history of each house to design and restore,” says Ethan. “We love to show homeowners the magic of cheap old houses.”
What to Expect From Who's Afraid of a Cheap Old House?
The series will kick off in Whitehall, New York, where the Finkelsteins travel in their classic truck, Old Blue, to meet partners Bill and Joe, scenic artists who own a centuries-old home but wish to transform a unique building into their new dwelling. Ethan and Elizabeth will show them a former fraternal meeting hall in Italianate style with stunning arched windows and exposed brick, as well as a firehouse with intact metal tin ceilings and walls — both built in the 1800s. Only one of these historic spots will get the renovation of Bill and Joe's dreams.
Until the series premieres, stream the original series Cheap Old Houses on discovery+. Get premiere updates on HGTV.com and via @HGTV and #CheapOldHouses on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and Threads. Check out the Finkelstein’s latest property listings at @cheapoldhouses on Instagram.
