The vintage silver colour scheme by Colourtrend is appropriate to Orchard Lodge, a 1940s Castletreasure former cottage that has been transformed into a four-bed, two-bathroom family home.
This smooth blending of older and new is evident in the details. The owners, Emma and Mike Hanrahan, bought it in 2017 and renovated it after living in the original cottage for a year.
The family of six — some of whom are now adults and buying their own homes — have loved living here and particularly enjoyed the commutability and access to public transport. Ms Hanrahan says: “The kids all had their Leapcards on the go all the time and myself and my husband would have used the bus down to Douglas or into town.”
They’re downsizing closer to Douglas. The large, open-plan dining area can cater to many guests: “We’ve easily had 30-40 people in the house for Christmas and other celebrations and there was always plenty of room for a big Christmas tree, too.”
Vaulted ceilings and a stove keep the living areas cosy.
Triple-glazed Aluclad windows create the look: “My favourite spot is the snug/sitting room. It’s so quiet you wouldn’t even hear a car passing. But it’s not isolated at all — I love being able to see the city lights from windows all across the house.”
The kitchen was installed four years ago by Classic Kitchens in Carrigaline. And Direct Blinds, in Little Island, looked after the window treatments. The flooring, shipped from the UK, is solid bamboo through the extension.
“You’ve got great accessibility to the city centre and nearby Douglas village, with all its many restaurants and shops. And you’re a five-minute walk to the 207 bus for the city centre and a 10-minute drive to Cork Airport,” says Stuart O’Grady, of Sherry FitzGerald.
VERDICT: A 1940s cottage transformed for this century.