Transformed cottage up for Home of Year

A GEORGIAN granite house in Wicklow, an extended 1930s cottage in Waterford, and a period townhouse in Galway, are lined up for the next round of Home Of The Year on RTÉ1 on Tuesday, March 12, at 8.30pm.

When Craig Dee and Matthew O’Rourke purchased the cottage in Waterford in 2018, it was in a bad state of repair.

They rebuilt the cottage section whilst retaining the vernacular shape of the existing building, and added a link corridor and a two-story extension clad in black charred larch.

Craig and Matthew have a keen interest in Danish design and the retro ‘Mad Men’ styling of the mid-century era, and favoured simplistic and clean lines of contemporary living and pops of colour adding natural greenery throughout the home.

Their family and friends admire the aesthetic of the home and the couple love the space they have created, and how it’s full of warmth and represents them.

Kieran and Maire Bennett live in the Georgian granite house in Wicklow with their daughter.

The property was built in 1790 as a small two-up-two-down for a worker from the local manor house, and the couple purchased it in 2000.

Kieran and Maire describe their home as an interesting tapestry of history, with the new and old seamlessly knitted together.

They have mixed antiques, to enhance the period character of their home, with modern elements using splashes of colour and pattern throughout to create a style of home that is unique to them, both comfortable and calm where nothing is too precious!

Lynne O’ Loughlin and Alan Brogan live in the period townhouse in Galway with their triplets.

The home is approximately 100 years old, and though it was in need of some repair when they moved in, the couple fell in love with its original features and set about creating a wonderful family home.

They completely renovated the house, adding a semi-basement and creating an additional living area, making it a three-story home. With three young kids, storage was a priority, and they have countless secret storage areas throughout the home.

Lynne and Alan wanted to make the most of the authentic characteristics of the home but compliment them with a fresh, vibrant style. Lynne describes the interiors as classic with an eclectic twist.

Judges Hugh Wallace, Amanda Bone, and Sara Cosgrave view the properties and choose a winner for the final.