Property 3/9/11

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A Tralee home gains frommature planting

PLUS • MARKET MOVERS • STYLISH HOMES • GET THE LOOK • ANTIQUES • STEP BY STEP DIY

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2 IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 03.09.2011 IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 03.09.2011 3

PROPERTY

CONTENTS4 TRADING UP

Two Cork houseshave space for tenniscourts or even smallfootball pitch.

7 FEATURESA period home couldsuit a Ballymaloe-type guest and foodbusiness.

5 STARTER HOMESA lyrical Macroomhome is full ofcolour andgreenery.

8 COVER STORYThe decision toknock and re-buildfrom scratch createda Kerry stunner.

12 HOME OFFICE14 DIY18 IN THE GARDEN22 ANTIQUES23 CLASSIFIEDS

HOUSE OFTHEWEEK

THERE’S a lot of homogeneity about Irishhouse design, with very little variation fromthe standard — and that’s why something asmildly tweaked as the house designs at

Charlemont Heights stand out.Built over 20 years ago, in the late 1980s, these big,

detached Rochestown Cork suburban homes onsloping sites and with a slight split-level interior,looked refreshingly different for their day. They stillhave that individuality,and the design has stoodthe test of time.In fact, if anything,

they’ve improved withmaturing landscaping,giving a bit of space andscreening from oneanother: case in point isNo 10, a good example ofCharlemont’s strengths.This c 2,000 sq ft home,

being sold by a familywho bought it new 22 years ago and who are nowdownsizing, is on great gardens, making the most ofits one-third of an acre site, mostly to the back.They’ve been carefully tended, and thoughtfullyplanted with a mix of herbaceous and perennialplants, crowned by a century-old spreading beech treeat its site extremity. In between, the garden iseffectively on two tiers, with glasshouse, privatelawned areas, and criss-crossed by gentle wendingpaths, and bulwarked by a south-aspected patio to theback of this broad home.No 10 is new to market with agent Ann O’Mahony of

Sherry FitzGerald, who says it’s an ideal trading-upoption for a new family of occupants.

These white-render and red-brick detailed housesare wide, rather than deep, and so the best room is themain reception, running front to back on the left handside of the entry hall, a decent size at 21’ by 13’, andbright thanks to its double aspect. The kitchen/diningroom is also bright, thanks to its southerly aspect, andhas a family room alongside, with patio doors floodingit further with light, and the house’s other mainreception is a den with a difference. This room, almost

tucked away downa few stairs off thehallway, is private,cosy, and a goodplace to keep aweather eye outtowards theentrance drive too.These

CharlemontHeights housesare, indeed,elevated as the

‘heights’ name suggests, set half way up Coach Hillabove the Rochestown Road, and there are views of theMahon estuary, and to the bright lights of relativelyrecent building arrivals at Mahon Point and adjacentoffice business parks — the fastest growing cityquadrant of the past decade.The current owners made regular trips to Cork

Airport and the subsequent ease of access to the southcity ring road and tunnel really came to add to theease of living in this setting. In the meantime,Rochestown’s continued growth has seen a newprimary school opened further up the hill atGarryduff, while for sports and recreation fans, there’sthe facilities at Garryduff itself, plus walks and cycles

behind in the woods, and down along the estuarytowards Blackrock/Mahon, and east toward Passage,all along the old rail line.Back indoors at No 10, there’s little to be spent, bar

on personal choice/discretionary items. It’s spotlesslyclean, and has good bones with all the essentials insitu: there are four bedrooms, one en suite, a guest looand a main family bathroom with a vibrant, stripedcarpet — a sure sign there are no small children left athome!Heating is gas fired, windows are double glazed and

external maintenance comes to little more thantopping up the render with white paint every fewyears.

VERDICT: A solid buy, good to go.

Location: Rochestown, CorkPrice: €595,000Size: 186 sq m (2,000 sq ft)Bedrooms: 4BER rating: PendingBroadband: YesBest featture: Distinctive look, great gardens

Tommy Barker reports Pictures: Ted Murphy

PROPERTY EDITORTommy Barker, 021 [email protected]

PROPERTY ADVERTISINGMarguerite Stafford, 021 [email protected]

INTERIORS ADVERTISINGGer Duggan, 021 [email protected]

INTERIORS EDITOREsther McCarthy, 021 [email protected]

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TRADING UPPROPERTY

BLACKROCK, CORK €290,000

BEAUMONT, CORK€345,000Sq m: 107 (1,150 sq ft) Bedrooms: 3BER rating: Pending Broadband: Yes

YOU could probably fit a tennis court inthe back garden of this suburban home— the auctioneers claim it’s “aspectacular 170’ long.”And, the fact there’s an extra bit on

the side that runs along the site’s fulllength should allow new owners go a-courting, as the recognisedinternational size for a tennis court is78’ long, and 36’ wide.That garden size helps Upper No 62

Beaumont stand out from the normalrun of suburban semis (althoughanother Beaumont home on the marketnearby has a mini-tennis court in itsback garden) — this is clearly a locationwhere the original house builders gavemore bang for your buck when it cameto parcelling out house plots.Selling agent for No 62 is Joe Gavin of

James G Coughlan, who guides at€345,000, and says the location is greatfor families, with schools and shops allto hand, as well as public parks, pitchand putt, GAA, and even a few tennisclubs in the neighbouring Blackrockand Ballinlough locales.The house is fairly standard and

typical of the original build era otherthan its large site size, with tworeception rooms, three bedrooms andone bathroom.

VERDICT: You could extend tokingdom come out the back and stillhave garden left over.

WHITES CROSS, CORK€360,000Sq m: 153 (1,650 sq ft) Bedrooms: 4BER rating: Pending Broadband: Yes

IF a house on this page here hasprobable space for a tennis court, thisWhites Cross bungalow home can goone better — it is heading up to soccerpitch size.Located out at Ballynoe, Whites Cross,

a couple of miles out from Cork’snorthside via Ballyvolane, this L-shapeddetached four-bed home is on a site ofan acre, most of it level and in lawn outthe back, ready for a set of goals.It will, however, be shy of the official

soccer pitch size of 100 yards by 60,which is 1.35 acres by our reckoning(and thanks towww.sportsknowhow.com)Selling agent Michael O’Donovan of

Sherry FitzGerald says it has had lots ofupgrading recently, such as rewiring,and the kitchen and bathroom are bangup to date too, while windows, fasciasand soffits have been given the PVConce-over also.And, while the BER survey is being

done, is should come in a bit up thescale from what it would have been,thanks to investment in attic and wallsinsulation.Mr O’Donovan says the layout, with

three reception rooms and one of itsfour bedrooms en suite, is user-friendlyand well-balanced.

VERDICT: Set back off the road, it hasa quiet setting, with rural views, abouta 10 minute spin from Cork city.

We scan a selection of tradingup homes around the country

HOT on the heels of a recent successfulhouse sale on the corner of Cork’s BlackrockRoad and Crab Lane is the detached CrabLane bungalow Glenville.New to market with agent Timothy

Sullivan at €290,000, it’s a three bed with asurprising 1,480 sq ft, in need of modernisingand thus further expenditure.The location alone usually ensures good

viewing interest; just by the main BlackrockRoad end of the lane, an early 1900s extendedsemi-d with everything done (plus a David

Kiely kitchen) has sold already since a Maymarket launch with Jeremy MurphyAssociates. With 2,500 sq ft of space, but on acompact site, it was guided at €590,000, and islikely to have sold in the low to mid€500,000s.

VERDICT: You could easily sink €100,000, ormultiples of it, even, into Glenville,extending or even doubling in size, goingtwo-storey, etc as the site is big enough tojustify it.

Sq m: 137 (1,480 sq ft) Bedrooms: 3BER rating: Pending Broadband: Yes

FARNOGE, KILKENNY€279,000Sq m: 140 (1,500 sq ft) Bedrooms: 3BER rating: Pending Broadband: Yes

BUILT in the 1980s, and almostdoubled in size when upgraded four orfive years ago, this Co Kilkennybungalow home has a good balanceof living space for those who don’t needloads of bedrooms.It manages to fit in three reception

rooms, notes David Gough of EnnisGough in adjacent county Waterfordand who has a sole agency on thenew-to-market arrival at Farnoge, nearMullinavat.The well-finished home, rewired,

replumbed and generally upgraded,is on a lovingly-kept site of three-quarters of an acre at the footof Tory Hill, with courtyard, andhas a long raised terrace openingup rolling views over southKilkenny.There’s a smart new kitchen in

creamy colours, three bedrooms,three reception rooms, two bathroomsplus utility, and there’s a detachedgarage.It is priced at €279,000 and measures

140 sq m.The quiet setting is entirely rural,

but the M9 is nearby with easy accessto Dublin (about an hour to the M50)and Waterford city is a 20 minutedrive.

VERDICT: The extension has made fora far more comfortable and spacioushome, it’s ready to roll.

STARTER HOMES

Location: Macroom, CorkPrice: €180,000Size: 121 sq m (1,300 sq ft)Bedrooms: 3BER rating: PendingBest feature: Vibrancy

BOREENMANNA ROAD €199,000Sq m: 102 (1,100 sq ft) Bedrooms: 3BER rating: Pending Broadband: Yes

WITH a house close by bid up from €200,000 to€290,000, selling agent ERA Downey McCarthy hassubstantially reduced Dun Mhuire to encourage thesame bidding action. And while the former propertyis now sale agreed after a flurry of fast bids, there’scurrently a bid of €180,000 on this Willow Lawn housewhich comes with a revised guide of €199,000.VERDICT: At the right price and with the right

amount of work, Dun Mhuire could be a very goodinvestment.

LIXNAW, KERRY €160,000Sq m: 154 (1,650 sq ft) Bedrooms: 5BER rating: Pending Broadband: Yes

IT clearly pays to move to a quiet area — how about amodern five-bed, three-bath home on half an acre,with garage/workshed and fuels storage sheds, all for€160,000? Almost €90,000 has been taken off the priceof this detached home in a rural setting, a mile or twofrom Lixnaw, between Tralee and Listowel in Kerry.The peaky dormer house has scenic views, a

peaceful setting, and a well-finished interior, sayagents Sherry FitzGerald Stephenson Crean.

VERDICT: There’s a price to be saved with solitude.

DONNYBROOK, CORK€245,000Sq m: 126 (1,359 sq ft) Bedrooms: 4BER rating: Pending Broadband: Yes

NEW, new, new — there’s a lot ofnewness going on at 13, The Fairways inBracken Court, up the hills from thebustling suburban village of Douglas inCork.Newly up for sale here with agent

Jeremy Murphy and Associates is thisfour-bed detached priced at €245,000,and showing the signs of recentspending in time for its publicviewings.It has had new carpets, some new

wooden flooring, a new kitchen, and are-fitted new bathroom with three-piecesuite and re-tiling as part of its overallfreshening-up.The two-storey, part-brick fronted

house is on a bit of a sloping site, withfront lawn and drive up to an attachedgarage, with immediate conversionpotential, and the back garden and patioare south facing.Rooms include a front living room,

rear kitchen/diner with Shaker oakunits, and a lounge off it, and there’salso garage access off the kitchen — soideal for those who want to add a playroom, or a utility and guest WC, ascurrently there’s only one main familybathroom.

VERDICT: While there’s extensionpotential down the line, the fact it hasall been freshened up means it is animmediate move-in proposition rightnow. Touch down where the eagles land

This reduced price family home is in super-smart order. Tommy Barker has the details

A CHANGE of agent, and €50,000 lopped off theasking price should bring 11 Eagle Valley back onthe radar of first-time buyers, who can now afford afour-bed quality home for the sort of sum apartmentswere fetching five years ago.Newly listed with Johnny O’Flynn of Sherry

FitzGerald. this is a decent-sized family home, in apart of Cork — Wilton — where sales have alwaysbeen strong. That’s down to proximity to the CUH,Wilton Shopping Centre and the ring road (with anew flyover set to ease commuting woes in a year’stime or thereabouts)The owners of No 11 want to move across the city,

back to family roots, and have done everything to

make their home a walk-in job for new owners, withgood quality Junkers floorings and an oak kitchenwith adjoining dining rom. The main front receptionis a good 18’ by 11’, with a fireplace plumbed for gas.The ground floor also includes a ground floor guestloo with shower.No 11 is positioned in a cul de sac towards the

front of Eagle Valley, and has off-street parking, frontgarden, and side access to the enclosed, west-facingback garden which is pretty low-maintenance, withgravel borders and lots of decking.

VERDICT: A lot of good house for the money.

Colour in abundance as extendedcottage is sure to lift your spiritsClose to Macroom, this property can be yours for around €180,000, Tommy Barker reports

THANK heavens for colour — and this extendedcottage on an acre has it in abundance, enough to liftthe gloomiest of spirits.And, not only is there life in the colours it is

painted up in, there’s also vigorous growth in thedeliberately planted ivy bearding its facade, and inpot plants inside and out.Located four miles west from Macroom in mid-

Cork at Ballymacorcoran off the Millstreet road, thisis a three-bed with attitude, all done up, and is forsale with agent Killian Lynch seeking offersaround€180,000 which, he says, reflects the highstandard to which the work has been done.It has two reception rooms (living and dining, off

the kitchen) plus study, kitchen with oak units,Belfast sink and ceramic tiled floor, there’s a utilitywith guest loo alongside, and both reception roomshave wood floors, with a stove in the dining space,and a range in the living room.Externally, it looks as if the dwelling has been

doubled in size, with a similar shape with pitchedroof added on to the rear, with a porch in between,graced by an appropriate timber half-door, glazed ontop.

VERDICT: The house has all the work done to it,and an acre is always going to keep a pair of capablehands busy.

Location: Wilton, CorkPrice: €230,000Size: Sq m 99 (1,100 sq ft)Bedrooms: 4BER rating: PendingBroadband: YesBest feature: Designer quality decor

CORK CITY €95,000Sq m: 70 (750 sq ft) Bedrooms: 4BER rating: G Broadband: Yes

YOU know you’re in anvenerable, old city house

from the inside of 1,Nicholas Hill in Cork city— it’s full of exposedstone and brick, most ofit painted white forbrightness. The three-storey, four-bed city homeis at the foot of the steephill off Douglas Street,guided at €95,000 byagent Lucy Wolfe, whosays it’s the first sub-€100k offering here foryears.It needs work (eg

central heating) to makeit more comfortable, buthas character in spades.VERDICT: City pad,

but only a tiny, wheeliebin-sized back yard.

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PROPERTY FEATURE

Period home has it allRathclare House near Kanturk, Co Cork, can be transformed into a Ballymaloe-type enterprise with the right people in charge, writes Rose Martin

PROPERTYLocation: Portroe, TipperaryPrice: €175,000-plusSize: 167 sq m (1,800 sq ft)Bedrooms: 3BER rating: PendingBroadband: YesBest feature: Waterside oasis

Exceptional good value of Leonoradraws interest at home and abroadCo Tipperary property has an asking price in excess of €175,000, Trish Dromey reports

THE charms of Leonora in northTipperary have alreadyattracted the attention of UK-based Irish house hunters, who

made summer plans to come to Portroeespecially to see it.Such is the level of interest in the

spacious detached house with half anacre of gardens, that selling agentsSherry FitzGerald Talbot expect to sell itahead of its scheduled auction date onSeptember 30.The asking price of in excess of

€175,000 offers exceptionally good valueand the property is attractive to localbuyers looking to trade up, says

auctioneer William Talbot who’s alsoshowing the house to the UK buyer, areturning local who wants a holiday/retirement property. The stone-faced1980s house takes its name from thecouple who built it, Leo and Nora.Offering in the region of 1,800 sq ft ofspace, it’s been well maintained butnow needs updating and somemodernisation. The selling pointsinclude very attractive gardensbounded by a river and woodland. Thefact that the three bed property also hasplanning permission for an additionaltwo bedrooms adds to its appeal.A large open plan space on the

ground floor includes a 400 sq ft livingroom with a floor-to-ceiling fireplaceand a double height ceiling. There’s alsoa dining area with a vaulted ceiling andkitchen with fitted units and a beamedceiling. To the rear, the house has autility room and a sunroom whichopens out in to the garden. A set ofstairs leads down to an office, twobedrooms and a shower room.Another set of stairs leads up to to a

galleried area which has a bedroomwith built-in wardrobes and a showerroom. The planning permissionobtained by the owners allows for theconversion of the vaulted area over the

living room into two additional en suitebedrooms.In the gardens there’s a lofted garage,

a pump house, a store and a glasshouse. There are also extensive lawns,mature trees, shrubs and plants as wellas a patio at the rear.Located at Castletown, Leonora is one

and a half kilometres from both LoughDerg and the village of Portroe, and 12kms from Nenagh.

VERDICT: You could see Lough Dergfrom the house — if it weren’t for thetrees, and you’ve a stream forcompensation.

Endsleigh property has potentialRelatively easy job to add extension to this Douglas home, Tommy Barker reports

WHEN the man doing theviewings of 6 Endsleighsays it has (in thathackneyed estate agency

description) ‘potential,’ he is wearingtwo hats to underpin his judgement.Due to qualify as a professional

architect this autumn, youngtwentysomething Andrew Guerin hasspent holiday periods over the past fewcollege years showing houses for sale —a sort of payback to his dad, Dennis

Guerin who’s MD of Frank V Murphy &Co auctioneers.Given his sales experience, and his

design training, Andrew’s as qualifiedas most to see that elusive potential inhouses — and No 6 starts off with goodbones, decent-sized rooms, and a morethan decent site size too, he approves.And, with sales hat back on, thelocation just off Cork’s Douglas Road(by the recently re-opened Maxolgarage) is ace.

The west-aspected house, near ReginaMundi girls secondary school andfacing a green strip with a tall cedartree on it, needs pretty much everythingupgraded: there hasn’t really been a lotspent on it in its five decades ofexistence. It has two reception roomswith fireplaces, a basic kitchen/diner,with utility off and basic loo, and mainbathroom upstairs with shower (nobath,) and four bedrooms.Andrew Guerin says it would be a

relatively easy job to add a two-storeyextension, in lieu of the 17’ by 7’ 9”garage, and drops the words ‘zinc roof ’and ‘open-plan spaces’ into thesuggestion box.A handful of the few dozen Endsleigh

houses have already extended like this.

VERDICT: Great location, greatprospects, but you’ll need a goodarchitect to make best use of out of theeast-facing rear aspect.

Location: Douglas, CorkPrice: €350,000Size: 130 sq m (1,400 sq ft)Bedrooms: 4BER rating: PendingBroadband: YesBest feature: Strong location

WHAT price an 18th century periodproperty, in the sort of setting that hasviewers of period dramas drooling? And,then consider a whole raft of old stone

buildings, including worker’s cottages and an acre ofwalled gardens?How about €695,000?Not bad, is it, for an ivy-clad, manageable property

that has splendid isolation but is still just a walk tothe town of Kanturk and a quick drive to Mallow,with its mainline rail connection.A young couple with fervour, a few bob and a back-

to-earth belief could turn thishouse into a River Cottage ora Ballymaloe-esque enterprisewith the right attitude.Rathclare House is elegant)

is perfectly situated on themain road between Cork andLimerick and is a fullyfunctional, family home whichhas been occupied by the samefamily for over two centuries.Originally a mid-18th century property and part of

the Earls of Egmont estate, Clare Cottage was initiallylet to the Norcott family and later to a Martha Bullen,who occupied the house in the 1850s, according to NUIGalway’s Landed Estates Database.A much larger house was constructed in the mid

19th century, and it incorporated the original buildingin the new design. It was purchased by Canon DavidBurdon in 1886 and, since then, Rathclare House hasremained in the Burdon family.Now downsizing, the decision has been made to sell

the estate through agent Michael Daniels who isoffering the five-bed, 3,500 square foot home on 18acres at its very realistic guide.Rathclare House has all of the attributes that are

required of a period property — proper DowntonAbbey, in other words — but without the price tag.And yet the house is easily managed and not too

big, there are a range of lovely reception rooms on theground floor, an old kitchen with original layout and arange of sculleries, five light and bright bedrooms,including one which was converted to, and remains asort of private chapel/ meditation space.Add to that a long library extension and a casual

function room/ sunroom space stretching to the backof the house and you have a multi-faceted property.Also, there are old cottages which could be

converted, along with thegrand old farmyard.The acre of walled garden

is impressive and could behighly productive in the righthands and the adjoining 18acres is enough for a small-holder to be getting on with.The house is set behind

ancient trees and has ariverside position looking

onto the Awbeg with a very attractive driveway.Set above the river, with a ha-ha, (a trompe l’eoil

device that gives a level view, but hides a steep, stock-proof slope to the house) the driveway opens onto alarge balustraded terrace which provides south-westviews over the fields leading down to the water — andthere’s 350 metres of river frontage included.The drive circles to the inner and outer farmyards

and to the land, which is laid out in four paddocks.

VERDICT: Rathclare House has all the elegance andfeatures of a true country house, but on a human scale— buyers looking for a project with benefits, mightcast an eye over the property through Michael HDaniels and Co.

Location: Buttevant, Co CorkPrice: €695,000Size: 327 sq metres (3,500 sq ft)Bedrooms: 5BER rating: PendingBroadband: YesBest feature: Period charm

BER RCH

*

WANTED PROPERTY INSCHULL■ Near to Schull Village ■ House or site considered■ Qualified buyer with bank approved mortgage

■ Your privacy is assured

Please email your information to:

[email protected]


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COVER STORY COVER STORY

A modern homein harmony withits surroundings

THE Spa is a veryscenic locationoverlooking TraleeBay, with the added

benefit of a majestic mountainbackdrop.Maura Hennessy had set her

cap on finding a site in thisarea just a few minutes drivefrom Tralee and succeeded indoing so, some years ago.She bought a site replete with

a 1970s style bungalow.Although she initially toyedwith the idea of refurbishingthe house, it was too farremoved from her dream home,so she opted instead to have itdemolished and to build fromscratch.She consulted local architect

John Phelan of John PhelanArchitects Tralee.“He had a strong portfolio of

one-off, self-build projectsunlike many other architectswho turned their back on thatkind of work during the boomto concentrate on commercialwork,” observes Maura.Her brief to John was clear

and simple: to design a modernhome that works in harmonywith its surroundings whilealso maximising the flow ofnatural light into the house.While the original house was

razed, Maura did her utmost topreserve the wonderfullymature garden, including thehigh hedges and trees thatbestow a total sense of privacyon the site. As she points out,“Having an instant maturegarden is a real asset”.Her determination to save

the garden has paid dividends.From the ground floor livingquarters, the views of the lush,well-stocked garden are bothrelaxing and inspirational.As with many modern

designs, the splendour of thearchitecture is reserved for theowners and visitors, becausethe best views of both thehouse and its setting are to therear of the property.Sweeping glazed panels

extend from plinth to roof level

cutting edge, quirky andcontemporary pieces offurniture and fittings.The crisp, white Schmidt

kitchen with its clean lines, isfitted with state-of-the-art Mieleappliances. Besides its sleekdesign, one of the things Mauralikes best about her kitchen isthe amount of storage space itoffers.Casual eating can take place

around the island unit, whilemore formal meals are taken inthe dining area around thesociable oval table with itsmatching, funky white tulipswivel chairs which Maurasourced at Objekt Design Space,in Newcastle West.While several pieces attract

the eye in the living space, it’shard to see past the purpleStokke recliner chair. ThisScandinavian piece is in a classof its own and acts as anelegant centrepiece for theroom.Another eye catcher is the

fish tank (see Get the Look)with its racing red frame,which Maura notes doubles asa light by night! From the verytrendy BiOrb range, Maurapurchased it locally fromPetmania in Tralee.While there are many other

noteworthy pieces in the room,the Eileen Gray classic glassand chrome side table is welldeserving of an honourablemention. Maura confesses tohaving had this piece for a longtime and being a fan of theiconic Irish designer.In keeping with the owner’s

penchant for bright, lightfinishes, large cream marbletiles run seamlessly throughoutthe ground floor. Also on theground floor level is a homegym and children’s play room,two bathrooms and two guestbedrooms.One of the guest bedrooms

has a feature wall covered witha luxurious silver graywallpaper with a raised motifwith a tactile chenille typefinish, that Maura admits, she

in two distinct volumes linkedby a lower level, extensivelyglazed, copper-roofed lobby,which houses the stairs andalso acts as a link from themain front door entrance to therear of the house.Both volumes feature

striking balconies, located off

the first floor bedrooms, whichsuccessfully connect theoutside to the inside.Maura has a love of all things

modern, which is apparentfrom her choice of furnishingsand fittings. Her large openplan living, dining room andkitchen is home to some

Japanese prints, which theowner bought while visitingParis many years ago.The corridor space between

the two volumes is cleverlyfitted with floor-to-ceilingstorage units and there are twochic consoles set against thewalls.The stairs leading to the first

floor has an almost industrialfeel, but once again thearchitect was true to his briefto keep the house as light andairy as possible. The open

From the ground floorliving quarters, theviews of the lush,well-stocked gardenare both relaxing andinspirational

just couldn’t resist! Also in thisroom is a ‘50s style sunburstmirror and cool glass andchrome side tables. All told, it’sa sophisticated guest bedroom.The lobby area has a pair of

velvet upholstered, comfortablechairs with a striped pattern inturquoise, taupe, grape andlime. The view from thistranquil seated area extendsover the garden to the rear ofthe house. Also in this quietcorner is a gentle but veryinteresting collection of

Strong design, personal touches and stunning views have resulted ina house of dreams.Margaret O’Brien reports Pictures: Denis Scannell

>>>

treads ensure plenty of lightfilters through and the cherrywood steps add warmth to thesteel frame.Upstairs, the flooring is wide

plank maple and again the useof blonde wood reflects thelight.At first floor level, one

complete wing of the house isdedicated to the master suite.The door into the master suiteleads into a generous lobbyarea, off which is an office, acapacious bedroom, a bathroom

and steam room, plus an arrayof stylish floor-to-ceiling built-in units that afford amplestorage space.The bedroom alone is the size

of a small apartment. Wall towall glazing capitalises on thesouthern aspect and perfectlyframes the splendid view overthe bay across to themountains. When you wanderout onto the balcony, you canalso enjoy the views over themature garden and tenniscourt.

The joinery throughout thishouse is precise and perfectand the joiner in question is alocal man, John Earley, whowas assisted by AidanHennebery. Maura admits shehas an eye for detail when itcomes to joinery andwoodwork. “John’s work isfaultless I am really pleasedwith his work throughout thehouse, it’s great to find suchtalent locally.”Her love of craftsmanship

can also be seen in the


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COVER STORY COVER STORY

GETTHELOOKSome great ideas for you to use inyour home and where to get them

bespoke bookcase that occupies asignificant amount of wall space in themaster bedroom. This particular piece wasdesigned and handmade by Goose IslandWorkshop, near Castlegregory.Across the landing, in the second wing are

two children’s bedrooms, decorated as youmight expect children’s bedrooms to be, in ariot of ‘favourite’ colours with bold printsand lots of fun and character.The owner of this house took on a big task

when she set out to have this housedesigned and built. While she hired anarchitect to design the house, create theplans and to advise, she took on the project

management of the building work herself.She admits that at the time she didn’t fullyunderstand what she was letting herself infor, and reflects that while she enjoyed thechallenge, she wouldn’t necessarilyrecommend it to anyone else and is relievedthat she won’t have to do it again!While the architectural merits of this

modern family home are undeniable, theinterior’s also a great credit to its owner.This house really feels like someone’s

home, it’s full of individualistic, consideredpieces of furniture that are distinctive andpersonal. Best of all, most of the furnitureand fittings were locally sourced.

1 2

3 4

5 6

1 Height of fashion: Makea necessity a feature in itsown right with boldcolours.

2 A unique stairs givespersonality to a home, aswell as serving to linklevels.

3 Take time to find a clockthat adds character toyour home

4 Who knows what goeson behind closed doors?Glossy storage units canconceal a multitude.

5 Feel like a new blue?This shower-sidebathroom chair is readyfor a contrasting fluffywhite towel.

6 Golden moments:permanent gardenfurniture means anysunny moment can begrabbed for a cuppa anda read.

SOURCEBOOK

>>>

Architects: John Phelan Architects, No 1The Mews, Moyderwell, Tralee,T: 066- 7129704................................................................................................ .

Engineer: Warren Reidy, Castlegregory,T: 066-7139515................................................................................................ .

Builder: Tom Boyle, Ballybunion,T: 087 2342563................................................................................................ .

Electricians: Moriarty Electricians,Listowel, T: 068-21293................................................................................................ .

Joinery: John Earley, T: 087-2508287................................................................................................ .

Dining Room Table and Tulip Chairs:

OBJEKT, Mills Falls, Southquay,Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. T: 069-78223. Email: [email protected]................................................................................................ .

BiOrb Fish Tank: Petmania, Manor WestRetail Park, Tralee, T: 066-7192213................................................................................................ .

Bookcase: Goose Island Workshop,Inchaloughra, Co Kerry, T: 066-7139896................................................................................................ .

Sunburst Mirror: Hal-Lou Furnishings,Tralee, T: 066-7121266................................................................................................. .

Console Tables: Lots Furnishings Co,Listowel Road, Tralee, T: 066-7127117,www.lotsworldwide.com.

PRACTICE PROFILEJohn Phelan Architects, Tralee believein smart design. According to JohnPhelan, “in our work this meansdesigning to use less, to collaboratewith the landscape and design forsustainable life”.“Bringing in natural views andlandscapes into a building makes it amuch more desirable, relaxing andcomfortable place to live or work.”He added, “Our design philosophy is

strongly influenced by the creative useof natural light and space and theconnection to the landscape.“We incorporate sustainable designprinciples through passive solar,energy-efficient systems and earthfriendly building materials.”

■ Contact details: John PhelanArchitects, No 1 The Mews,Moyderwell, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Tel:066 7129704 or visit: www.jpa.ie


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INTERIORS INTERIORS

This week we take a look at ...

Office aidCarol O’Callaghan looks at how you can set up a mini office in your own home without too much distraction

WORK IT OUTGet the look for yourown home office

The Allegra desk integrates beautifully into a living room environment. Available in a variety of finishes (Boulevard Interiors €750).

THE idea of working from homecan seem so seductive,removing the tension of officepolitics and a boss looking over

your shoulder. It also means giving thesack to commuting in wind and rain,and making redundant the swelteringafternoons spent in west-facing officesnext to walls made entirely of doubleglazing.But before you get carried away this

new way of working can be veryisolated and requires discipline to resistthe lure of morning television andphone calls from friends asking you tojoin them for coffee or a round of golf.So ask yourself, can you really get yourhead down to work for several hours ata stretch without being easilydistracted?

If the answer’s yes, it’s absolutelyessential to have a dedicated work areaunless you live alone and can workfrom the kitchen table and never bedisturbed. The ideal is a dedicatedoffice, but space may not permit this, soyou may have to allocate a corner ofanother room, and you’ll want to do thisin a way that won’t take from theoverall look of the space.If you live in open-plan you won’t

want to turn your living space into anoffice, so consider having an attractiveconsole table which you can perch yourlaptop on during the day, and keep aselection of smart storage boxes forfiles, books and papers which candouble up as side tables, or dedicatesome shelves in your bookcases to youroffice files.

It may be you have a student in thehouse, and in an effort to make themapply nose to grindstone without thedistraction of electronic games consolesand the television, a dedicated office orstudy may be a necessity, or at leastallocating a portion of an infrequentlyused room where work or study can bedone in peace.A formal dining room lends itself well

to this alternative use as it will alreadyhave a table and straight-backed chairs,but if it’s used at meal times thenconsider buying a buffet-style table or aconsole which will double up as a desk.If there’s no option but to have the

office in a living area or a study in thebedroom — the latter being more likelywhen dealing with the needs of students— then a discreet desk with built-in

storage will do the trick. Desks with acombination of drawers and shelvingare neat and compact, and you canchoose from the plain and simple to theornate and distinguished, depending onyour own personal style.Also worth considering is the mini

office system which addresses all yourworking and storage needs withintegrated desk space and wall shelvingabove for easy access.This sort of arrangement can slot into

an unused corner, but choose somethingthat works with your existing furnitureso your new workstation doesn’t screamoffice at you every time it comes intoview.Next week we take a look at what’s hot in

the collectors market right now and may bethe antiques of the future.

A desk with deep drawers and the clever building of shelving into one of the supports wouldsuit a bedroom for the teenaged student (Malibu desk from Argos €64.99).

Opt for a stylish desk if you intend having it in your main living area where it will stand out as a statement piece (Vertigoby Roche Bobois from €4,150).

A home office will require desk space, cupboards for files, andshelving. (Wentworth desk from Casey’s Furniture €649).

A discreet desk is perfect for studying or working fromhome part-time (PC desk from Casey’s Furniture €659).

The home worker with aneye for design might liketo check out Red writingdesk by Neil and AnnabelMcCarthy of Nest Design.The glossy finish of thislittle beauty belies theskill and craftsmanshipthat have been investedin the piece, making itthe embodiment of gooddesign — attractive andpractical. €4,400 fromwww.nest-design.com.

A funky step-ladder shelvingunit will look great (from M&S€150).

Brighten up your officeA few well-chosen accessories can soften the appearance of ahome office.

Fanfare clock by Klickity,€25 (www.klickity.ie).

Storage with a difference

You can store papers andjournals in this news stand(from Meadows & Byrne €22).Below: Corner drawers will holdyour staplers and other officebits and pieces (fromwww.littlewoodsireland.ie €59).

When considering storage needs for your home office or studyopt for items that can be deployed elsewhere when needed.

Light up with hisgiant lamp byMuno, €470 fromO’Brien OfficeSystems,www.obos.ie.

The Desktidy,€30, fromwww.black-blum.com.


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DIY DIY

DIYTIPS

Q&A Do you have a DIY question you would like answered?Send it to [email protected]

Q: I’m worried about water chargesand power charges coming nextyear. What would you recommendfor a new under-counter washer for alarger family?

A. Samsung’s EcoBubble machineprovides the same wash performanceusing cold water as standard machineswith hot. Soap rich bubbles penetrateand dissolve faster into fabrics, apotential saving of 70% on energy usedfor heating water. Comes in a 7-12Kgmachine, vast in an under the countermodel. From €499.

Q. What is the most ‘intelligent’washing machine on the market thisyear?

A. I think a machine that adds its owndetergent has to be a winner! TheSiemens i-Dos adds just the rightamount of liquid required for each loadautomatically and to millilitre precision.Fuzzy logic doesn’t come cheap, butthese quality machines should last adecade or more. €1,149.99.

Q. When I line dry my clothes,especially towels and jeans, theyturn to cardboard. Any tricks forsoftness?

A. As well as using a fabric softener toseparate the fibres, try adding a halfcup of white vinegar to the wash cycleto flush out the detergent. Finally, putthem into the dryer for just 10 minutes,and then take straight out to the lineon a windy day.

Create an easy-to-make magneticboard for notices for the familyWHAT YOU NEED:

■ A large picture frame, easily foundsecond hand

■ A piece of sheet metal cut to fit theframe, making the edges safe

■ Strong decorative magnets. Tryeducational or toy shops for these.Assign a different design to eachchild.

■ A small metal bucket or basket witha single handle to hang on a hook bythe frame. A garden centre may havean ornamental type to suit.

■ Metal paint. Spray or tinned with aprimer to match.

■ A wipe board and pen (optional)

■ Ribbon (optional)

1 Remove glass from the frame andmeasure up the back board.

2 Have a piece of sheet metal cut tosize at your DIY supplier.

3 Clean the metal to remove oilyresidue

4 Spray to colour. Metallics are funor stencil a large first letter forfamily members in a contrastingacrylic paint to divide the boardup.

5 Paint up and replace frame. Usesmall tacks if the backing board isnot tight

6 Hang the message board on flatgallery-style mounts screwed tothe wall to prevent swinging.

7 Place the wipe board by the sideof the main board for quick alerts,Secure the pen to the board withribbon.

8 Place magnets for each person inthe bucket/basket on a nice hookfor an easy grab to pin up noticesquickly.

■ Go further: Below each child’s area, pin a card or plastic folder (easily found atany stationers) for larger paperwork to be dropped off and picked up.

This EcoBubble machine from Samsung takes unashamed centrestage with its oversized attractive porthole and high performance.

Elfa shelving with the addition of pretty trugs andfabric hangingbaskets to bring the load to the washer. An afternoon’s worktames this rangy utility room and the whole lot can move withyou. Howards Storage World. www.hsw.ie.

PUT LAUNDRYROOMS TOGOOD WORKKya deLongchamps sets out to stop your laundryfrom becoming an ugly, space-devouring nightmare

E ven a sleek contemporaryhome has its back stage chaosof human life to deal with. Theriver of laundry flowing across

the house is just one of our many hum-drum preoccupations, and, leftdisorganised, it can become an ugly,space devouring nightmare. Let’s putthose utility areas and dedicatedlaundry rooms to good work.

INTEGRATED UTILITY AREASIf you have to have the laundrymachines in your kitchen (let’s face it,the plumbing and venting is rightthere), disguise in storage outstrips anyworries over mechanical noise.Contemporary washers and dryersboast excellent low decibels and lowvibration with the odd moist slap andbreathy hum of a spin cycle. If you’replanning out the kitchen considercloseting supplies and machines in astack in a tall, properly ventilatedpantry cupboard, taking up as little as asingle 500mm kitchen unit, using thereverse of the door for hooks andslender wire shelving. Tailor in enoughroom to take your household cleaningproducts too.In a galley or double galley, a pull

down ironing board set into a press inthe wall is less ankle bruising thanwrestling with the full board every timeyou need chase a crease in thehusband’s boxers. B&Q offers a300X950mm model set behind a drawerfor €87.25. If you want to disguise awashing nook from visitors, followMartha Stewart’s perky advice, adding ahiding blind that pulls down from theceiling and hooks to the floor whenneeded. Alternatively, with thedetergent under wraps, put that iconicglittering chassis and mesmeric largeporthole on full unapologetic display.Whatever the space, being close to the

back door will coax your environmentalconscience to take the washing out tothe line when possible. If ventilating thedryer through a wall is problematic, oryou have taken your utility room to anunusual location, choose a condensermachine with a water collector.

STAND ALONE LAUNDRIESOnce you have had the run of a fullydetailed utility room, you will wonderhow you ever stirred the pasta over anacre of crumpled undergarments. If youare lucky enough to have a self-contained utility room or (angels pleasesing out here) a properly ventilatedbasement, you can afford to make it asbleakly practical as you like. There is a

lot to be said for a family engine roomwhere you can cheerfully dump yourdirty linen without ceremony. Hiddenfrom view and open to domesticcontempt, it’s critical to instigate goodhousekeeping habits immediately.Generous sorting bins for coloureds andwhites will encourage the family topitch their clothes in the rightdirection, and a folding surface mighteven suggest they fish the load out too.We love the Littlewoods white wickerLights/Darks linen bin at €47.www.littlewoodireland.ie.Floor space allows for gadgets. The

Dri-Buddy from JML is a handy free-standing dryer that can take up to 10kgof wet clothes right on their hangersand uses a fraction of the power of adryer. €69.59. www.jmldirect.com.A laundry chute from upstairs, (a

brilliant device of the hospitalityindustry) can lead directly to generousbaskets to be chucked straight into thewasher. Given ventilation andplumbing, it makes equally good senseto put the utility room upstairs wheremost of the clothes and linen lurk. Twomachines are reasonably easy toaccommodate and, in a stack, nothing atall. Again it’s storage and backing uppungent loads that leads to disaster.Stacked machines place you upright

for one stage of conducting washingfrom one drum to the other. Large upfacing portholes are dreamy to set andload and can be emptied in one swoop ofthe arms. A wall-mounted clothes aireror shelving can be set on brackets,making good use of otherwise deadspace. Try IKEA’s Grundtal at €29.99.Old-style crank-up airers keep the itemsout of your way if the ceiling heightallows.

MULTI-TASKING UTILITY AREASMore often than not, the utility area isstaged around a back door, and it formspart of a much larger brief as thegatekeeper of the house. Logically, alaundry should be at the back doorwhere heavy loads of washing can betaken outside by the shortest route andthe ventilation grille for the dryer shotthrough the wall.Try to make the space as ergonomic,

practical and downright pleasant aspossible. Include a decorative themewith a good flow into the adjoiningrooms. A second very utilitarian sink isa Godsend for hand-washing, cuttingflowers and a thousand maddeningrinsing tasks.Rail mounted shelving is an ideal

addition where you can’t manage floor

standing blind cupboards and can beconstructed to use the wall spacearound the machines in a variety ofdepths to carry everything from neatlyfolded linens and towels to detergents. Ifyou can handle a drill and a spirit level,system shelving of this kind is asatisfying rooky DIY odyssey.Laundry baskets on the floor are

inevitable for most families and, whereyou’re really pushed, washable drawstring laundry bags set on strong hookswill both store and hide. Ventilated pull

forward clothes bins disguised in built-in presses can streamline a polite utilityarea, freeing up floor space. If you’reripping out a kitchen, keep thosecarcasses and doors for use elsewhere.They can be assembled into a neatterrace of cupboards to serve the utilityroom.

GO FURTHERWhere laundry room meets mudroom,elect one area or length of wall for arack for coats and a place to perch and

take off shoes and boots. A built in‘hutch’ in timber, a sort of glorifiedbench enclosed by high shelving, sideelements, integrated hanging, a shoestore and even a stately pediment isquaintly estate style.A direct route to a shower room from

the backdoor utility room is fantastic ifyou have keen, mud spatteredsportsmen and women, who will bedelighted to dump their kit, and get re-gentrified before facing the family. Thatextra loo is a firm favourite for urgent

filthy children careering in from thegarden who ‘have to go!’ If you have afew hundred euro, follow the Americantrend for the dedicated wet corner dog-shower in the utility room, basically atiled waterproofed area with a floordrain, hand held shower and shortsurrounding screen to save spatter.I must admit my greatest addition to

my tiny utility room was a radio to stopme going completely barmy whileironing. Match this to a view and itbecomes an empty-headed pleasure.


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WISH LISTFeel like flirting with some new additions foryour interiors to brighten up September?Esther McCarthy takes a look at what’s out there

Chase away the blues with the Toronto chair set, €80 for twofrom M&S.

Definitely don’t return to sender this picture-perfect Postcardcushion, available from Heatons for €10.

Revel in a relaxing bath with theDivine Calm products from theWellbeing range at The Body Shop.

This glorious 2-foot tall Chinese goddess is €55 atLa Maison Chic, the interior design boutique onAbbeygate Street in Galway city opened thissummer. It's got an impressive designer fabrics andwallpapers library including Colefax, Arte, Pierre Freyand Zoffany. www.lasmaisonchic.ie.

Colourful stripes like this Larson armchair can lift a wholeroom €570 from M&S.

Get tickled pink and brighten up any room withthe Soho chair from Next Interiors, €630.

Don’t forget the garden just because it’s September. Checkout these modern planters from TK Maxx €19.99 each.

Have a hoot with this quirky Owl cushion, €8, available from Penneys.

Light up your boudoir withthis girlie Rose flower lamp,€39 from Next.

This chic Capri leather sofa comes in a range of colours andcombinations. Available for €1,935 for leather (€1,515 for fabric) atSquare Deal Interiors, Cork.


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WEB WATCH

ASK THEINTERIORS

Left: A bold art print on which, up close,you can read the full and complete text ofyour favourite classic work.

DESIGNER

Every week Esther N McCarthy spotlights interiors sites. Ifyou have a favourite, email: [email protected]

1 Spineless Classics

Have you a favourite book? A story thatchanged your life, or shaped the way youthought, or changed your perspective onsomething? Did you swoon at WutheringHeights or get hooked on horses afterdevouring Black Beauty?The creators of this site believe a favouritebook can be a significant part of who you are— and they want to help you tell the world— or at least anyone who comes into yourhouse — about it.A straightforward, no nonsense and —pardon the pun — novel site that creates fulltext posters — a whole book on a singlesheet.It promises “A bold art print on which, upclose, you can read the full and complete textof your favourite classic work, right from ‘Itwas the best of times’ to ‘A far, far greaterthing’.”

■ Spinelessclassics.com

2 Pedlars

A colourful, lively site – “Stuff welove that you’ll love too” — it’s worth aclick for the vintage tab alone. Theyhave everything from the delightful tothe doubtful — American children’sshoe lasts, anyone? — but it’s allentertaining. Charlie and Caroline’s blogis a good read too, they’re talking aboutheading off to Frankfurt in search ofnew products for the site. The prints andposters are cool as well. I really like thelimited edition Lion print but at £175 itwill remain caged on the internet ratherthan adorning my sitting room.

■ www.Pedlars.co.uk

Gerry Condon of Gerry CondonDesign answers your questions.Email: [email protected]

Q Our two children havemoved out, so we’re thinkingof knocking the wall betweentheir bedrooms to create onelarger guest room — is it a

messy job?

A. It depends on the thickness andconstruction of the dividing wall — a150mm thick stud partition should berelatively simple, but a solid wall of300mm or more may be a supportingwall, so you’ll definitely need to getprofessional advice first. Once the wallis gone, the ceiling and walls should becompletely replastered – not just thedamaged area – to get a decent finish.Depending on the size of the rooms, youmight consider a large arched openinginstead — it will be much easier torepair and give your guests a separatesleeping and living area. Or how aboutfitting full height fold-away doorsbetween the rooms (giving the option ofa single or double room)?

Q. For mobility reasons, I have acouncil grant to build a ground floorbedroom. As I’ll really miss mylovely upstairs front bedroom,however, are there any alternatives?

A. I can understand your reluctance toleave your upstairs bedroom. But in thelong run, there are many benefits of a

purpose-built ground floor bedroom anden-suite — so I think you should proceedwith that anyway, ensuring it has lots ofnatural light and access to your garden.In the meantime, think about installinga stair lift or wheelchair through-floorlift (see www.irishstairlifts.ie) and haveyour existing first-floor bathroomconverted to suit your needs. Dependingon the layout of your home, you couldalso convert your ground-floor livingroom into your new bedroom completewith ensuite and extend your kitchen/dining area into a nice new lounge withaccess to the garden.

Q. My shower is leaking through thehallway ceiling below — even thoughI installed a waterproofing system allaround the unit and sealed the tiles.Help!

A. I’m afraid it’s time to call in a goodplumber to get to the root of thisproblem. He’ll be able to tell you if theunit has to come out altogether — and ifso, it’s hardly worth putting it back in.My advice is to start investigating thewide range of new and exciting showerson the market — and invest in a powershower if possible.Either way, you can’t afford to leave

this problem unresolved as it will dountold damage to the fabric of yourhouse, destroying the plaster ceiling anddamaging electrics.

ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDEN by Grace Maher

GARDENNOTESIN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK by Charlie Wilkins

Late bloomer hydrangea Annabel can look outrageously inappropriate whilst stillholding all the glamour of a disappointing summer.

AUTUMN: September marks atransformation in the growthpattern of all plants. Throughthese changes we recogniseautumn and how it is slippingthrough summer’s branches. Wemust therefore give ear to thebeauty and fragility of aging.Trees are taking off their lushgreen garments, and once more Inotice the wheel of the year as itturns through the cycle of theseasons.From mid-month the nights

will be getting longer and, onemust assume, colder, so there willbe a danger of fungi of one kindor another appearing on allbedding plants. If dead flowersare left on the beds then thesewill act as centres of infectionwhich will eventually move downto attack stems and leaves.For this reason, remove all

spent blooms and yes, docontinue to feed if the plants areat all presentable.Despite the lack of strong

sunshine in many areas beddingschemes have been given awelcome boost and a littlefeeding now will keep the displaygoing right into October.Phostrogen or Miracle Growapplied via their specialdispensers (or the watering can)will not take long but it willsurely work wonders.

VERMIN: Rats are making theirwinter ‘runs’ this month and thebase of neglected town and citygarden hedges, are high on theirlist of options.Try to keep the base of these

clear of obstruction from grass,weeds and wind-blown rubbish.On farms, look for regular rat

runs between food and nest sitesand for tracks in mud or dust. Inhomes and outbuildings, look forgreasy smears down low for ratslike to press their bodies againstwalls and timber as they movearound.In the open, be observant and

look for signs of nests in earthenbanks, under rock piles,discarded lengths of timber, dryrubbish, overgrown hedges andespecially in compost heapswhich are badly made, poorlymaintained, and never turned.To control rats or mice, you

need to understand them. Rats

are nature’s greatest survivorsand they can live where you andI would almost certainly perish!Intelligent and adaptable, theycan swim, climb walls, jumpobstacles and smartly chew theirway through concrete, plastic,and most forms of buildingmaterial.Extremely sociable, they live in

colonies of up to severalhundred, and because they needto drink every day, they alwaysnest and live close to water.Gardeners with pools and waterfeatures please take note.Control vermin with the likes

of Storm block bait which isavailable at all garden centresand farm supply outlets. Lay thisbait as directed on the packet.

LATE BLOOMS: DuringSeptember the most stunningautumn flowers arrive,confounding our expectation notalone in their arrival but in theirbashful tints.There is nothing timid or shy,

however, about the arrival of thenerines and late agapanthus forboth withstand strong winds anddrenching spray better thanmost. Neither is there anyreluctance in the tall, blue-flowered willow gentian, nor in

the cardinal red of penstemons,the purple and mauve of the coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) orthe silken pink of the Kaffir lily.Even the hydrangea Annabel

(which is easily battered andbruised) can look outrageouslyinappropriate whilst still holdingall the glamour of adisappointing summer.It may harbour the ache of

regret, but it survives none theless.

FOLIAGE: Eventually all ourgarden flowers will go to sleep,but leaves and good foliage willstill hold sway.Melianthus major is one of

these. Its blue-green leaves(which look as if it has beenedged and crimped with pinkingshears) now come their best, anda dewy morning will spangleeach tooth on each leaf withsparkling clear water droplet.In any garden, Melianthus will

add exoticism to a bed or provideimpact standing alone in a (blue)pot, and even though it will becut cruelly in prolonged frostyweather, it will always come backagain from ground level.Keen flower arrangers simply

love this plant and who canblame them?

AS with all vegetables the crucialperiod is the first few weeks that theyare in the soil. This is the time thatthey can become most stressed ifnutrients, space, light and water arenot available to them.

Winter VegetablesVegetables which have been planted

in the summertime and are harvestedthroughout the winter includecabbages, leeks, carrots, parsnips,cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts,kale, chard and spinach to name themain ones.

With leeks, carrots and parsnips theywill survive well into the winter.Harvest them as you require them asthey tend to be frost hardy. Parsnipsand carrots often taste better after afrost as it sweetens them up! However,if like last year there is a considerableamount of snow then it is better to digthem up and store them indoors.

BrassicasThe brassicas, such as cabbage,

cauliflower, broccoli and brusselssprouts, just need to be kept weed freein the early weeks. Afterwards they

grow quite tall and wide and are able tocompete with weeds. Do watch out forcaterpillars on brassicas and removethem if you see them. This is especiallyimportant in February and March.

Green leavesKale, chard and spinach provide

really useful green leaves throughoutthe autumn and winter.Winter salad leaves such as winter

purslane, vit and winter lettuces canalmost provide a year round supply ofsalad. However, if you have sownwinter varieties you will also notice a

severe slow down in growth inDecember and January. However, withthe first flush of heat in springtimewinter salad leaves spurt into growth.

Sowing crops in winterIn November you can prepare the

ground to sow broad beans. Theserequire a long growing season. Garliccan also be sown and will be ready toharvest earlier than spring sowngarlic.

■ Next week we will be looking at preparingyour garden for winter.

■ Blackrock Flower and Garden Club resume meetings forautumn and winter on Tuesday next at 7.30pm in theUrsuline Secondary School. A floral demonstration isplanned and new members and visitors welcome.

■ Conna and District Flower and Garden Club will holdtheir Annual Horticultural Show in the Community Hallon Sunday, September 11. Doors open at 3pm.

■ Kinsale Flower and Garden Club presents WelcomeAutumn by Una Fleming at their meeting on Thursdaynext in St Multose Hall at 8pm. New members andvisitors welcome.

■ Bantry Flower and Garden club begin a new season onMonday next with a demonstration by Sheila Gilbertentitled Autumn Reflections in the Westlodge Hotel at8pm. Visitors, old and new members welcome.

■ The next Farmers Market at Hosfords Enniskeane will beheld tomorrow from noon to 5.30pm. The market willbe held under cover if the weather is inclement.

■ East Cork Flower Club will host Teresa Barry of Barry’sNurseries, Killeagh on Monday next at 8pm in St Johnthe Baptist National School Midleton.

■ Youghal Flower and Garden Club will host a GalaDemonstration with Sandra Finnegan on Tuesday,September 13, in the Walter Raleigh Hotel beginning at8pm with a wine reception. Admission €12 — proceedsin aid of Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. Ticketsavailable from Patricia at 0861233742 or Carol at 024-91811.

■ Fermoy Flower and Garden Club will host a floraldemonstration with Theresa Collins entitled seasons ofmists and mellow fruitfulness in the Adair Hall onTuesday next at 8pm. Visitors welcome.

■ Cobh Flower and Horticulture Club will resume theirmeetings at Cobh Community Centre on Monday nextat 8pm. A floral talk and demonstration will be given byTim and Margaret Mulchinock of Blackwater Floralaccessories. Refreshments served, all welcome.

■ Cork Garden Club Ashton School resume theirmeetings on Thursday next at 8pm when MarySweetnam of Waterside Garden Centre will speak onautumn colour. This club boasts a good number of malemembers and more are invited to attend this firstmeeting (on a complimentary basis) with a view tojoining.

■ Cork Flower Club will have a preparation night onTuesday next for the flower festival in St Luke’s ChurchDouglas on September 24. Full details of the festival willappear here next week.

■ Griffin’s Slug Club Dripsey for children resumes nextSaturday at 3pm. For gardeners, a free talk on gardendesign made simple will be given on Tuesday andThursday next at noon. T: 021-7334286.

by Charlie WilkinsFrameless

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CUSTOM MADEGLASS WIND BREAKERS

CORK GLASSCENTRE

NATIONWIDE SERVICEUnit 3 | Kinsale Road Industrial Estate, | Kinsale Road | Cork

Tel: 021-4315036Email: [email protected]

Visit our site for other productswww.corkglass.ie


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IN THE GARDEN IN THE GARDEN

Style to hook the birdsA little investment could turn your garden into a worthy habitat for birds and other wildlife, Kya deLongchamps reports

Ideal for tits to have some gymnastic feasting, Ceramic Fat Snax Feeder from B&Q, €4.75 for theFeeder and Snax pack €2.05.

Sparrows, once abundant in Ireland, now struggle in numbers in many rural areas. A birdbath is vital to keeping their feathers to insulating perfection.

O ver the winter your plant-rich,well sheltered garden couldprove a vital habitat for birdsand other wildlife, so bring

some life into your garden lifestyle witha few new practices and low costinvestments.

MICRO-ENVIRONMENTSIn the suburbs, and even in rural areaswhere fields are stripped of traditionalcopses and field margins, you can playyour part in coaxing back the dwindlingnumbers of song birds and vulnerableanimals vying with development andcommercially aggressive farm practices.Get started with a completely free

project that only takes a little sacrificein that sylvan third of an acre. In onequiet corner of the garden let the grassgrow, and throw in cuttings from treesand shrubs to degrade naturally. Thisinstantly creates a small environmentfor insects, slugs and snails to thriveand with that rich food source andhiding, birds and even hedgehogs willfollow. A paving slab or two provides a‘smashing’ place for blackbirds andthrushes to open shells. Lift the bladesfor that last cut of the winter, leavingthe grass a little longer.

FEATHERED HOSPITALITYDedicated wild bird food takes intoaccount the dietary needs of native andmigratory birds visiting Ireland overwinter and is widely available. You caneven order to your door onlineeverything you need to get your gardenflocking. Variety in food will addvariety to the birds you can cater to.Black sunflower seeds and millet are topfavourites, with peanuts and fat balls astage-set for charmingfeathery fights amongtits and finches. Breadis not recommendedfood for birds and oncewet will freeze brickhard in coldconditions. A bird tabledoesn’t even require agarden. Raising thetable lifts the birds out of the immediatedanger of stalking predators, and makesthe table easier to stock and keep cleanof disease. A roof and the platform itselfprovide extra places to hang as well asscatter food. Birdwatch Irelandwww.birdwatchireland.ie offers asimple plan for an ideal hanging feederon their website using plywood, hooksand light metal chain. Enclosed hanging

feeders, are rodent resistant, but ratsand mice remain superb athletes.Suspended hangers from a hook on abalcony, adhered to window glass, orstage around the trees where you canenjoy a multi-level show.

INTRODUCE A ROOSTIf you put in nesting boxes in thespring, choose a box design to suit thespecies, and don’t attempt to ‘feed’ any

nesting birds by pushinganything through theaccess. Prices vary from€15-€30 per box,depending on theirdetailing. Camera boxeswith everything you needto see the action start at€129 from Bird WatchIreland. If you are

interested in homing bats in yourgarden and have a suitable tree orbuilding, there is an excellent PDF todownload covering the subject and aconstruction project for a box at BatConservations Ireland.www.batconservationireland.com.Ensure to vouch for tanalised timberand galvanised screws for longevity. Asmall wooden bat model from Chic Hens

is just €18.75. www.chic-hens.ie. Wateris vital and pooled water can be scarceover winter. Birds must keep in goodcondition to insulate their fragilebodies, re-applying oil from their preenglands. Any shallow dish-shapedcontainer with sloping sides and atextured surface will do. An unwanteddustbin lid with its shallow profilemakes an excellent slosh spot. Ashallow fall to the edge of the pond willinvite hedgehogs, badgers and foxes todrink without the danger of drowning.

SPRING PLANTING NOTESDiverse planting will encouragedifferent insect and animal life withshelter, berries and perching places. Ifyou’re doing some planting in theseuseful dormant winter months, top onthe list from Birdwatch Ireland are:

■ Cotoneaster.■ Pyracantha (red berried varieties).■ Ivies.■ Honeysuckle- evergreen and semi-evergreen.■ Holly.■ Mountain Ash.■ Hawthorn.■ Crab apples.

A paving slab ortwo provides a‘smashing’ placefor blackbirds

O’Neill’s secret Clondeglassgarden well worth exploringGardener’s walled enclosure will be the centre for seminar, writes Charlie Wilkins

If you require some really good autumn-flowering perennials (such as Echinacea White Swan), or you are trying to source a rarespecimen like Hot Papaya, then make sure you arrive early at the Fota seminar on September 24 because at least three specialist nurserieswill be in attendance.

THE bright daysof autumn are afine time to walkthrough a wood

or beneath an avenue ofstately trees, but I’m surea visit to Clondeglass, thesecret garden of DermotO’Neill in Co Laois,would be far nicer.I watched his

ornamental exploitsdevelop on TV last yearand marvelled at notalone his purposefulnessbut the way he overcamethe turmoil of his humansuffering.Determination is surely

his middle name. Hispleasure, of course, is ingrowing, and wherebetter to do this than in awalled garden?Dermot made Clon-

deglass into a place ofrepose and intangibleconsolation where theannoyances of the worldoutside (and his health)were cooled of their sting.When tending and

planting during eachepisode he got down onthe earth time and timeagain rummaging amongleaves and petals toexplain how the workshould be undertaken.He showed us through

the medium of movingpictures how to becomealert to the nuances ofcolour and scent,movement and texture.Through this

programme I, and manymore countrywide, havebecome circumspect ofwild tulips, scenteddaffodils, blue-colouredanemones and exotichellebores, all of whichexactly suit the low,faltering light that comesat the start of each year.So for all those who

watched and enjoyedDermot’s Secret Garden Ihave good news.On Saturday,

September 24, at FotaHouse in CarrigtwohillCo Cork, Ireland’s best-

loved gardening expertDermot O’Neill will hosta one-day seminarentitled Dermot’s SecretGarden.He presents magically

and through hisenthusiasm and passioncharms audienceseverywhere he appears.Dermot will be joined

by well-known Corkgardening expert BrianCross, whose famousgardens at Lake-mount,Glanmire are open byappointment to the publicthroughout the year.During the morning

session, a shortpresentation will be givenby Bill Wigham of Gee-Upsoil additive, acomplimentary bag ofwhich will be given toeach visitor at theconclusion of theseminar.Both Dermot and Brian

will co-host a moduleentitled PlantCombinations for

Autumn Colour.After lunch, which is

optional, a question andanswer session will takeplace with both speakers.Following this, they willbring participants on atour of the newly restoredgreenhouse within theextensive FotaArboretum.Alternatively, a

complimentary guidedwalk through the gardenswill be conducted by Fotahead gardener DavidO’Regan.A number of rare plant

specialists will attend theseminar, including BillChase of Deelish GardenCentre, Skibbereen,Gerry Harford of thePotting Shed, Wexford,and Oliver Schurmann ofMount Venus Nursery.Tickets for this event cost€50 (lunch €10 extra) andas places are strictlylimited due to seatingcapacity, booking at 021-4815543 is essential.

THREE WAYS TO...Stop tomatoestasting bitter1 Grow them in growbags or big pots, large enough to

minimise the chances of drying out and enabling theplants to find the nutrients they need.

2 Don’t overfeed them as this can make them tastebitter.

3 Avoid sitting them in over-heated greenhouses asexceptionally high temperatures can alter theirflavour.

MAKE 2012 A BLOOMING GOOD YEARWe have 1000’s of spring floweringbulbs just waiting to be planted

Huge selection for window boxes,tubs, beds, rockeries and naturalizing.

Talk to Sheila our Qualified HorticulturalAdvisor everyThursday 10am - 12.00 noon

Enjoy a FREE Cup of Coffee in our Clay Pot Café during talks

Open 7 Days at Carrigrohane Road,CorkAny enquiries please call 021 4933433

Carrigrohane Road, Cork 021 4933420Cork Road, Bandon 023 8844450

www.atkins.iefor full listing of models on sale

SEPTEMBER SALE(1st-15th September)

UPTO 33% OFF30” Hydro

40cc, 15”

15hp 38”outfront15HP 38”Outfront

30” Hydro

40cc 15”

WAS €3699 2 ONLY €2699

WAS €2,419 3 ONLY €1999

WAS €899 10 ONLY €599

7p

WAS €479 5 ONLY €399

7HP KohlerPower Drive


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ANTIQUES & FINE ART ADVERTISING

DIARYGALLERY DISPLAYThe National Gallery ofIreland is marking ArchiveAwareness Month thismonth with a specialdisplay of material fromthe Yeats archive and theCentre for the Study ofIrish Art. Some of thegallery’s finest works areon view as part of aspecial presentationentitled Masterpiecesfrom the Collection............................................................... .

ANTIQUE SALEThere will be a sale ofantiques, art, silver,jewellery and collectiblesat the Ashgrove AuctionRooms, Ballybrittas, CoLaois next Tuesday at4.30pm............................................................... .

DUBLIN AUCTIONIn Dublin de Veres willhold a house contentsauction at Westbury,Willowbank, Monkstown,on September 19............................................................... .

HOUSE SALEIn England the largesthouse sale of the yeartakes place in WestSussex from September13-15. Christie’s willconduct a three-day saleof over 1,000 lots atCowdray Park. On offer isproperty from the homeof Lord Cowdray andfrom Dunecht, theScottish home of LordCowdray’s brother, theHon Charles Pearson.Estimates range from£100 to over £250,000.Weetman DickinsonPearson (1856-1927), 1stViscount Cowdray,developed his family firm,S Pearson and Son Ltd,from a small company inBradford into one of themost successful businessempires of the 20thcentury............................................................... .

AUCTION ROOMSThe next sale at LimerickAuction Rooms takesplace on September 11 at2.30pm............................................................... .

CRAWFORD GALLERYFledglings is the title ofan exhibition by recentgraduates of theCrawford at the LavitGallery from September 6— 17. It features work byLucy Buckley, TomDalton, Helen Doherty,June Fairhead, Joe Healy,Margaret Horgan, LauraMangan, Frank McGrath,Jill Neill, Carmen Nesdale,Tina O’Sullivan, SvetlanaShuks and SabineWeissbach.

Autumn auction season starts soonJapanese and Chinese collectables to woo buyers at Hegarty sale, Des O’Sullivan reports

Clockwise from left: The Decision by Dan O’Neill (1920-1974) at Adams in Dublin next Wednesday, estimated at €25,000-€35,000. A Cork silver sugar bowl made c1780 byCarden Terry from the Jill Cox Collection sale also at Adams. A satsuma onion-shaped vase at the Hegarty sale in Bandon tomorrow, estimated at €400-€600. LaClownesse assise by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec at Christie's sale of prints in London on September 21, estimated at £180,000-220,000.

T he autumn Irishauction seasongets underway inforce over the

coming weeks. After arelatively quiet August,things kick off again inSeptember. Collectors

should be out in force atsales in Cork and Dublinnext week. The Bandonsale at Hegarty’stomorrow features someunusual Japanese andChinese collectables fromthe estate of the late

Georgette Ellison. InDublin, James Adam willauction the Jill Coxcollection nextWednesday. The late MrsCox was proprietor of theBeaufield Mews inStillorgan and the sale is

strong in collectable Irishsilver and glass. Her artcollection will comeunder the hammer in theevening sale at 6pm.There are some highlycollectable pieces. Therewill be a house contents

auction by de Veres inMonkstown, Co Dublin inSeptember 19 andO’Donovan andAssociates will hold a 600lot sale at North Quay inNewcastlewest onSeptember 10.

This 19thcenturyFrenchcommode isat theMatthewsAuctioneerssale atSallymountHouse, Fore,CoWestmeathtomorrow.

Carriage is feature lot

A horse carriagein excellentcondition is afeature lot at the

house clearance sale atSallymount Estate, Fore,Co Westmeath, at 2.30pmtomorrow.Matthews Auctioneers

of Oldcastle will conducta sale which features aRegency four doorbookcase, an 18th centuryGainsborough chair, a19th century Frenchcommode, a set of eightIrish Queen Anne chairs,a pair of large Oriental

vases and an inlaidoccasional table.An antique dining table

with an accompanyingset of 10 chairs alsofeatures in the sale.There are some

mounted African gameheads, antique Hardyfishing rods, a Victorianmarble-topped gildedconsole table and mirror,light fittings, rugs,antique tin toys and anAmerican Eagle gold coinamong over 400 lots.Estimates range fromunder €100 to over€30,000.There is viewing on the

premises today andtomorrow from 11am.

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE CALL OR EMAILGer Duggan Tel: 021-4802192 email: [email protected]

O’Donovan & AssociatesNewcastlewest

House Clearance, Antique & ArtOver 600 lots. Saturday, Sept 10th at 11am

Viewing daily week prior to sale 10am – 5.30pm

Tel 069 62713 or 087 9977340– www.odonovan.ie –

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Documents

Property 3/9/11