Julie and Julian found the perfect location, and with a bit of persuasion they found themselves with a rundown cottage to turn into a home that ticked all the boxes.
With spiraling house prices in Dublin, Julie and partner Julian despaired of ever being able to afford to move out of their parent’s homes. ‘There is nowhere even to rent in Dublin at the moment, so we couldn’t even create a credit record of rental payments’, says Julie. Then Julie’s father, property scout and designer, Wesley O’Brien spotted this tiny rundown cottage in Dublin city as an investment renovation project for long-term letting, and persuaded a client to buy it.
‘It was pretty horrible, but Dad seemed sure he could make something of it, and he’s really good at renovations,’ says Julie. ‘But I also thought it was very small, and I wasn’t so sure what he was going to be able to do about that.’ The cottage had been in the same family for generations, and had hardly been altered from the original layout; the kitchen consisted of an ancient gas cooker and a Belfast sink in a tiny scullery, and there was no bathroom, only an outside toilet.
‘The house was untouched, that’s what attracted me,’ says Wesley. ‘There were no structural alterations, although there was a 1950s beige tile fireplace, which would have to go. But the ceilings were 3.35 metres high, and there was a reasonably sized back yard to use for an extension, with enough space left over for a seating area.’
This story is from the November 2017 edition of Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2017 edition of Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Look up!
This issue our gardening expert Conrad McCormick focuses on climbing plants.
#madeinireland
Support local and add a little artistry and originality into your home with this month's pick of Irish brands and makers.
My Home: Dundalk
Ceramicist Sarah McKenna tells us more about the place she calls home.
Ciao Sicily
This month Marty O'Neill takes us to the historic and picturesque island of Sicily.
Contemporary Class
This Belfast home needed a contemporary kitchen scheme that was functional, durable and made best use of the existing space.
Total Transformation
A complete renovation of this period-style home in Co. Down allowed the owners to create the kitchen they had always wanted.
A Family Connection
Embracing biophilic design combined with bold colour gives this home a unique look that’s easy on the eye and functions perfectly for a busy family of four.
AWARD WINNING KITCHENS
Direct Wholesale Kitchens has just been named as Kitchen Supplier of the Year at the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards for the fourth year running. We take a closer look at the company’s winning ways and discover the key to its success.
Meeting The Brief
This large home in Holywood, Co. Down was given the all-star treatment thanks to design expert Kunal Trehan.
Lakeside Retreat
Mairead and John’s summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire draws inspiration from its stunning unspoilt surroundings, with natural materials and textures enhancing its effortlessly cool New England vibe.