THE nuts and bolts of this architecturally accomplished home are as follows: The McCarthy family, well-known purveyors of hardware in the scenic Kerry town of Kenmare, commissioned a Cork man to design it; that Cork man was Harry Wallace, the architect du jour for many decades in South Kerry, who can count the unique modernist design of Bantry Library among the projects he was instrumental in delivering.

Bantry Library, Dermot Harrington, Gandon EditionsBantry Library, Dermot Harrington, Gandon Editions

“He designed a lot of homes in Killarney and Kenmare, and you’ll hear local people remark that a house has ‘a Harry Wallace signature look’”, says Tom Spillane, the auctioneer tasked with selling this striking property conveniently close to Kenmare town centre and directly across the road from Kenmare Golf Club.

Kenmare golf club is across the road Kenmare golf club is across the road 

The man that commissioned Mr Wallace to build it was the late John R McCarthy, whose hardware store just off Kenmare’s Main St was the go-to spot for many townspeople seeking nuts, bolts, screws, hinges, locks, and other everyday ironmongery.

Opened in the 1960s, it evolved over the decades to also supply builders’ materials, and later moved out of town in the noughties to a business park on the Killarney Rd — where it’s now Topline McCarthys, part of the Topline group.

When Mr Wallace was hired to design the McCarthy family home on Killowen Rd in the 1980s, it’s safe to say that his client John R — by then in business for more than 20 years — was more than capable of sourcing the right materials and of spotting quality craftsmanship.

Architecturally striking entrance to the Killowen Road homeArchitecturally striking entrance to the Killowen Road home

“Only the very best of stuff went into that house, because they had it. It was a real labour of love for them,” Mr Spillane says.

A cursory browse of the Irish Examiner archive throws up a number of Harry Wallace-designed homes in South Kerry — including a one-off haven near Caragh Lake called Bun na Spéire, designed for a German client, businessman Gunther Klinge, for whom he also designed the Klinge Pharma plant in Killorglin. 

Bun na Spéire, another Harry Wallace design, in Caragh LakeBun na Spéire, another Harry Wallace design, in Caragh Lake

Another was a house in Killaha East, a distinctive single-storey home with a raised wing.

Killaha East home was also by Harry WallaceKillaha East home was also by Harry Wallace

Architecturally, they have similar characteristics to the house featured here: Split level designs, an unconventional shape, different roof levels, broad roof overhangs, and expressive use of glazing.

No expense was spared on the amount of glass in this property.

Killowen Road propertyKillowen Road property

A series of eye-catching glass panels cantilevered out over the double front door are a real statement piece.

Eye catching cantilevered panels above the main entranceEye catching cantilevered panels above the main entranceDouble height hallway with glazed roof panelsDouble height hallway with glazed roof panels

 Innovative use of glazing in the roof of the double height hallway ensure that it’s filled with natural light.

The design has echoes of the modernist homes of renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who favoured dramatic horizontal lines in his residential designs inspired by the expansive horizons of the American prairie. He was also a fan of cantilevers as a means of creating a sense of floating and lightness and adding visual interest.

Mr Wallace drew inspiration from the late Mr Wright, and you can see his design influence reflected in this Kenmare home.

Mr Wright favoured a connection with nature, and it can be found here in the wraparound balcony. 

The balcony overhang creates a sheltered outdoor space for sitting out at ground level, enhancing the connection with nature.

On a road with a fair share of upmarket homes, the McCarthy property still cuts quite a dash.

Sitting deep into its 0.7 acre site, it’s surrounded by tall trees.

Inside— which needs some modernisation — there’s a glut of accommodation over the varying levels — including five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

 Mr Spillane says there’s scope for a self-contained guest suite. The main daytime accommodation is largely open-plan.

The agent says the location is “next door to everything”, including the Kenmare Golf Club, expanded in the noughties from a nine-hole to an 18-hole course.

Picturesque Kenmare, a heritage town located at the intersection of the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, is a short walk away. 

Kenmare townKenmare town

The town has a reputation for attracting appreciative buyers, both Irish and overseas. The wooded peninsula of Reenagross Park is nearby too.

Kenmare, Co Kerry across the Roughty River to the right, Kenmare Bay left of the bridge. Picture: John EagleKenmare, Co Kerry across the Roughty River to the right, Kenmare Bay left of the bridge. Picture: John Eagle

“Interest is good,” Mr Spillane says, adding that it’s both local and international — including from the US. He reckons it’s a fantastic opportunity for buyers relocating back to Kerry from London or Dublin, given the very generous dimensions (almost 3,200sq ft) and the not unreasonable guide price of €920,000.

VERDICT: A home of this calibre would cost you an arm and a leg in certain parts of the country. Impressive architectural pedigree. Tremendously scenic location. Decorative overhaul likely.