My dear old island home
Neidín is a lovely traditional, stone-built farmhouse on the quieter side of the south Kerry island with vast sea views taking in the Blaskets and the Dingle peninsula.
The house has been totally renovated by an Icelandic architect and that cool, northern touch is clear.
This is not a pitch-pine, jam-crock conversion but a makeover more in keeping with the new Tiger dawn than the Celtic Twilight.
However, all the good qualities of the vernacular remain, including old stone and slate, which are used both outside and in but subtly.
The Valentia slate that covers the floors was quarried almost next door and there is a restrained use of old stone in the interior, which is mostly smooth plastered.
On the outside the dormer windows and porch are given emphasis with a plaster trim, but to all intents and purposes, the house remains untouched.
Inside, its a different matter: all internal divisions have been removed to create a large living space with overhead mezzanine that is sometimes used as a guest bedroom. A stainless steel, spiral staircase gives access to this level and is self-consciously modern.
Effectively, the house has just one bedroom, with it's own set of French doors to the rear garden. Next door is the main bathroom which comes with a jacuzzi bath.
All of the ground floor rooms have underfloor heating a necessity with slate or tiled floors in our climate.
Despite having just two bedrooms, rooms are large, with the main kitchen/living area measuring 33' by 13' and the lounge, with its glass gable having dimensions of 21' by 13'.
The house has been earning its own keep in summer lettings and is now on the market at €300,000 through Paul Stephenson of Sherry FitzGerald O'Connell. He suggests it could still bring in an average of €700 per week during holidays.
However, anyone looking for a top class holiday home will want to keep this house for themselves.
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