Peace and tranquility in this Georgian-style hideaway

GEORGIAN design is all about proportion and symmetry, and while its style is easily aped, it is harder to get right than wrong.

A good modern take on the Georgian look is Suaimhneas, at Ratharoon near Kilbrittain in coastal county Cork. It isn’t a slavish copy, but is equally pleasing on the eye. And, much as Georgians furnished their houses with finds from the Empire, this house’s look also doffs a cap to imported furniture, much of it dark hued. Sleek hardwood floors, porcelain tiling and plantation shutters on the windows inside add to the sense that this house has seen a bit of the world.

It was built on a site of 1.3 acres, with a post and rail fence bounding it on a curve in the road and the aspect is southerly, the setting rural and the seaside and beaches at Harbour View and Coolmaine are a five-minute car spin away.