Something old, something new
A neglected cottage in the wilds of rural Galway has been expertly renovated to reflect its heritage and environment as well as the modern requirements of a luxury holiday let, discovers Marie Kelly.
Transforming a rundown cottage in north Galway into a luxury rural rental was more than a calculated commercial decision for builder Peter O’Connell. Situated four fields from his own family’s land, the 38-year-old recalls being afraid to venture near the building as a child. “We thought a witch lived there,” he laughs. Being a memorable fixture of his childhood, Peter felt an attachment to the cottage, so the father of one bought the neglected building after the elderly widow (who was not a witch) passed away. This was a project rooted in nostalgia as much as enterprise.
Peter wanted the cottage, which sits in 40 acres of stunning countryside, to be a holiday haven for friends and family as well as a high-end rental, so his interest in the interior fit-out stretched beyond just the installation of fixtures and fittings. With this in mind, he brought Lynne O’Loughlin of Tripod Design on board, a creative he had worked closely with during the previous couple of years and someone whose aesthetic he liked and design integrity he admired. “Everything she’s worked on with me has been spot on,” he explains. The pair agreed that respecting the original character of the cottage would be integral to the renovation. “I created concept pages for Peter,” designer Lynne explains, “offering two different approaches to the design. One was a rustic country cottage style and the other a contemporary take on rural charm.” Both felt the latter would increase the cottage’s appeal by offering a strong point of difference, but without compromising on the warmth and comfort you’d expect from a rural hideaway.
When Lynne arrived on site, she was greeted by a cheery buttercup-coloured front door and matching window shutters handmade by joiner Michael Scarry. Peter had planted bundles of yellow wildflowers right around the cottage to create a joyously bright and welcoming entrance that belied the unloved insides of this neglected building. “I knew immediately then that I wanted the interior scheme to draw inspiration from the incredible natural environment in which the cottage was situated,” explains Lynne.
But first, the property needed to be opened up and brightened if it was to stand out from other, more traditional rural rentals. The first suggestion Lynne made was to replace the existing wooden door which led from the small entrance hall into the living space with glass double doors. This simple change created a greater sense of space, which the designer reinforced by painting all of the walls and doors in varying shades of white. “We wanted to make it feel as bright as possible,” says Lynne.
Despite creating a neutral backdrop, colour was key to both Lynne and Peter’s vision. Bringing shades of the sea, sky, sand and land into the traditional country Irish cottage was one method of paying homage to the building’s natural surroundings. A pumpkin coloured Smeg fridge makes a bold statement amongst the kitchen cupboards, which are painted a tender shade of teal.
Similarly, in the living room a mustard coloured armchair punctuates beautifully the cappuccino and mocha shades of the sofa, cushions and coffee table. Vibrant artworks, meanwhile, add interest throughout the cottage, interrupting the flow of subdued white walls just enough to divert without distracting from the overall serenity of the space.
But the bathroom was their pantone playground. Lynne wanted to give this space a sumptuous, sanctuary-like feel and with this in mind she chose a palatial palette of gold, emerald green and blackberry. While it may look like a bathroom fit for royalty, many of the pieces here, and elsewhere in the cottage, were in fact salvaged and upcycled. This wasn’t cost-related. The budget was fluid, Lynne explains, giving her pretty much free reign. Instead it’s part of Peter’s ethos on sustainability and supporting local.
“It’s important to me to use local suppliers and creatives whenever I can,” he explains. He also makes use of any secondhand items he finds that can be repurposed or made beautiful again.
Chiselled into the doorstep of this cottage, which was built over 70 years ago, is the simple message Céad Míle Fáilte. If this traditional welcome, coupled with the beaming yellow front door, doesn’t put a smile on your face, then the exquisite interior will. Together, Lynne and Peter have transformed a humble, unloved cottage into a contemporary home full of charm, character and personality. It may not have been inhabited by a witch all those years ago, but it’s certainly fit for a queen today.
DESIGNER LYNNE’S TIPS FOR RENOVATING AN OLD PROPERTY
The challenge is to preserve the character and original features of an old cottage, while also maintaining the conveniences of a modern home. There is a balance that needs to be achieved and good planning is the key to nailing it.
Old properties can throw up surprises at every turn, so it’s a good idea to keep a portion of the budget aside for unknowns. If you can, factor in a contingency of 20% of the build cost to deal with any unforeseen issues.
Be sympathetic to the fabric of the building. Think about the character that you loved when you first saw it. Try to invest time and money in restoring these features or reusing them in another part of the building where possible.
When extending a period property, it can be best to avoid trying to replicate period features in the new extension. I prefer to keep a clear distinction between old and new, so both have their areas and can really shine through in the design.
Allow these homes to tell their story by being brave with your design. Strong, rich colours and pattern can work very well in cosy cottages, especially in a guest bathroom or occasional rooms.
When buying furniture don’t be afraid to choose antiques and restored pieces. Markets and vintage stores can be great places to pick up key pieces that can be mixed in with contemporary items. An old chest of drawers can make a great bathroom vanity for example.
Originally published in House and Home magazine, Nov/Dec 2021