Whether you’re knee-deep in a renovation or simply saving dream homes to your Pinterest boards, there’s something undeniably addictive about watching a transformation unfold. And these days, you don’t have to wait for the next episode of Grand Designs to get your fix. Instagram has become a front-row seat to some of the most inspiring renovations happening in real time.
From weathered beach shacks on the New South Wales South Coast to sprawling Queenslanders and character-filled country homes, these are the renovation accounts turning dusty fixer-uppers into something truly spectacular — and bringing us along for every beautiful step of the journey.
The Block’s Mat Johnson is renovating a church in the small South Australian town of Brinkworth. The Block alum posted a picture of his new investment on Instagram, where he wrote, “life long dream and new journey loading.”
Follow on Instagram: @mjs_church
Matty J and Laura Byrne’s dream South Coast holiday property renovation
The Bachelor alum, Matty J and Laura, shared the trials and tribulations of transforming an old seaside property on the NSW South Coast into their dream holiday home. From snakes living in their roof to significant mould, water and termite damage, the couple aren’t afraid of sharing the reality of renovating an old property.
Those who appreciate some personality in a property will also delight in watching the family preserve the character and magic in their “little glass house on the seaside filled with stories.” There’s plenty of colourful tiling, stained glass windows and dreamy views to be found in this renovation. And even better? It’s finished and available to rent on Airbnb!
Follow on Instagram: @chante.mer.house
Neale Whitaker’s Berry cottage renovation
After announcing the sale of his Berry cottage, Neale Whitaker has revealed he’s purchased a new renovation project in the same picturesque NSW town.
Swapping their acreage for a home in town, the quaint new purchase comes tailored to the My Reno Rules host. The Berry property boasts four bedrooms and multiple living spaces, each packed with heritage charm.
Built circa 1916, the Federation home encapsulates all the charm and style of country living. A white, weatherboard cottage with hedge-lined gardens, the property is a fairytale in Berry village. Among its most notable heritage features are soaring ceilings, decorative mouldings, and a Baltic Pine hardwood floor.
Neale has described the home as having “good bones”, “perfect” for himself and husband David Novak-Piper, per realestate.com.au. In an Instagram post, Neale explained that he and David were downsizing to avoid the considerable upkeep associated with their previous acreage. However, he assured there was a “big renovation journey” ahead of them at their new home, the details of which he would divulge at a later date.
Follow on Instagram: @nealewhitaker
When Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding announced they had purchased a run-down 150-year-old mansion, their followers couldn’t wait to see what they would do with it. Fortunately, the couple have been sharing the renovation journey and all of their fascinating historic discoveries, such as the home’s porthole windows and Egyptian motif door handles, as they go.
Despite the challenges that arise as they peel back the onion that is an old home like this one, the couple are passionate about the property and their renovation journey. If you harbor any sort of fascination for old buildings then you’re going to enjoy following along with this reno.
Follow along on Instagram: @thebuild_ravenswood
Brooke Styles’ renovation of her 100-year-old Queenslander
With her classic country style and talent for restoring antique furniture, its not exactly a surprise that Brooke Styles has over 250,000 people following along with her renovation of a 100-year-old Queenslander. Leaning into the building’s age, Brooke’s kitchen renovation saw the installation of a blue antique-style range cooker, a custom pot rail and plenty of cottagecore-style open shelving.
Along the way, Brooke has also been sharing her second-hand furniture finds and country-inspired decorating choices.
Follow along on Instagram: @brookestyless
Chloe Brookman’s 1970s home renovation
Having completed her dreamy dolls house-style renovation, Chloe Brookman is onto her next renovation project and we couldn’t be more excited to follow along. This time around, Chloe is renovating an old 1970s home by the sea—complete with patterned yellow wall paper, hardwood floors and a tiled retro bar. There is even a bubblegum pink bathtub that Chloe is keeping, you just have to see it for yourself.
Follow along on Instagram: @70shousereno
Ronnie and Georgia’s 1925 weatherboard cottage renovation
The Block alum, Ronnie and Georgia might have been renovating their 1925 weatherboard cottage for the last five years but we’re still as onboard as ever. By taking their time with the renovation, the couple have been able to carefully preserve the building’s character features while adding some magical updates of their own. This is a renovation that shows there’s nothing wrong with going slow when it comes to your dream home.
Follow along on Instagram: @ronnieandgeorgia
Claire Kennedy’s renovation of her Victorian-era property in England
Fans of British interiors will appreciate Claire Kennedy’s current renovation of her Victorian era property in England. With good bones, Claire has made sure to preserve the home’s unique features while putting her own whimsical spin on the fairy-tale space. With a knack for pastel prints and playful décor, this renovation is full of colourful inspiration.
Follow along on Instagram: @claireakennedy
Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew and her husband, writer Neil Varcoe, are currently restoring a 19th-century building in the New South Wales town of Carcoar. The couple are turning the building into a luxury boutique hotel, which is due to open in 2026 but until then, you can still follow along with the renovation on the hotel’s dedicated Instagram page.
Follow along on Instagram: @saltash_farm
Milly & Louis’ former Bishop’s residence renovation in South Wales
Milly and Louis are a young couple, who are currently restoring a 7 bedroom former Bishop’s residence in South Wales. The couple have been sharing the highs and lows of restoring a historic property on both Instagram and Youtube, with their journey involving the discovery of secret doors, hidden character features and some creepy objects. If you love old buildings then you’re going to want to follow this account.
Follow along on Instagram: @belgravevilla
A renovation of a 1868 property in Okuwa village in Japan
Located in a village in the Japanese countryside, this traditional Japanese property is undergoing a careful renovation—and you can follow along the entire journey on Instagram. The property’s dedicated Instagram account provides viewers with fascinating insights into the renovation process, the property’s traditional architecture, surrounding landscape and local area.
Follow along on Instagram: @kinoma_project
Jordan and Dane’s renovation of their 100-year-old home
Renovating husbands, Jordan and Dane are currently renovating a 100-year-old cottage in Western Australia. The couple are almost halfway through the renovation of ‘Palm View Manor’ (named after the giant palm tree in the front yard), which makes it a great time to follow along with the rest of their journey in time for the end result.
Follow along on Instagram: @jordanbrunoofficial and @dane_renovates
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