Classic won’t go out of style
DECK the halls with boughs of holly — and with a hallway like this one at Darragh, Ennis, the Christmas season can get off to a flying start. Curved, classic and a bit of a showstopper, it’s the high point of a house where joinery is king and as good as you’ll get.
Created by Tom Calwood of Calwood Design in Galway, the work in this property is head and shoulders above your average build.
From the sweeping staircase to the unique walnut kitchen, to the doors, architrave and built-in units, it’s unerring master craftsmanship.
And it’s the entrance hallway that sets the marker for the rest of the property. The most important focal point in any house, it’s an example of why mean, covered spaces don’t have the same effect as an open, double-height foyer. Here, the staircase sets the scene and gives dramatic emphasis: the upside is that a big hallway offers a more ergonomic use of space and eliminates dark and wasteful corridors.
In this house, the curved landing, the tactile walnut handrail and walnut risers all speak of elegance and expense. The effect is immediate, theatrical and impressive. The staircase sums up the level of detail in a house full of intensive care.
Architrave and skirting are not average: the design is bespoke and the lengths were pre-sprayed before installation, so the finish is professional and faultless.
The doors, which on the ground floor are glazed, are in solid walnut and while the architrave is cream, there isn’t the usual colour disjunction in more standard fittings.
The kitchen uses the same material, but with smooth curves and concave elements to show off the maker’s craft.
And in an era of statement island units, there’s a clever quadrant piece that slots in effortlessly to the L-shape of the kitchen fittings. Dressed in cream granite and with a soft, polished curve of breakfast bar, this is an understated but classic piece.
There are no flashy touches at this property. This is a house with a long life span; a classic that won’t go out of style.
Floored in marble from the hallway through to the open-plan modern living space, the south-west end is the working, family area. On the opposite side are the formal, interconnected reception rooms.
The kitchen is to the south of the property and the sunroom projection is perfect for the circular dining table.
The lower end of the room is defined by a Liscannor stone firebreast and two curved leather couches. Behind this ensemble, double doors lead to the paved patio area.
The utility is tucked away at the back of the house, closer to the back door and giving access onto the garden and patio. This multi-functional room is fitted with more standard, cream shaker units.
Across the hall, and again at the back end of the house, is a dedicated playroom with storage room, fully plumbed to convert to en suite guest use, if required. A ground floor bathroom is also nearby and again, the attention to detail is reflected in the quality of fittings in this, the smallest room of the house
The formal living rooms are floored in deep walnut and the look is rich and comfortable from the dining to the living room.
Furniture was sourced in Italy and there’s a mix of antique and classic pieces. The styling combines dark wood and elegant upholstery in shades of coffee cream and antique gold — it’s a pleasure to view and hard to believe that three little children live here.
High ceilings, understated cornicing, lush curtains and delicate furniture offer a gracious living space in impeccable taste. And the Christmas decorations look perfect in a house of this style and size.
Fireplaces are well above average, with a hand-carved marble piece in the main living and a traditional cast-iron fireplace in the dining room. Both rooms are connected by glass double doors with separate access to the hallway.
The upper floor has a five-star master suite that includes a alcove of mahogany units, inside a carved, proscenium arch. Each bedroom is themed, from Barbie Pink to Thomas the Tank red and blue, and the guest suite is luxurious. All rooms are finished in the best possible taste and the main bathroom is a joy.
In total, the house has six bedrooms, two en suite, and four opening off the curved landing. The staircase continues up to the attic floor where there are two more rooms and a large storage space.
Outside, there’s a Tobermore driveway wrapping around both sides of the house and a large Liscannor patio at the rear, with a garden pond alongside.
At the very end of the garden, there’s a wooden play house and on the eastern end of the property, a large lofted garage.
This is a faultless, headache-less buy. For buyers in the Ennis/Shannon/Limerick area, it’s on the marekt with Sherry FitzGerald McMahon for €975,000.
A perfect Christmas present, in fact.
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