Tralee family property The Studio is a work of craft

A design-conscious couple created a ‘home of two halves’, writes Tommy Barker.

AN interior designer and a quantity surveyor set to work to build this striking Co Kerry home called The Studio, and they did it in two tranches, starting in 2002, and making allowances for a soon-to-follow extension.

An architect (a brother) gave the plans the once-over, and the finished result is a bit of a design triumph, with separate shaped wings joined by a two-level glass corridor — not bad by half.

The finished house, some 2,500 sq ft of stylish space, is on a site of 0.7 of an acre, and has had a price reduction from 2008 levels, to now be offered at €595,000 by agents DNG WH Giles.

Bedrooms are divided left and right, with the parents’ room in the older section, and noisier kids in the other, so everyone’s peace is respected.

They also successfully linked the inside and the great outdoors, where a back garden pergola, extensive decking and water-feature/pond all combine to fashion a fashionable ‘outdoor room.’

The Studio has an east west-aspect, and internally there’s a large hall, a front-to-back 31’ by 12’ living room, with feature gas fire set in a cut stone chimney breast, the separate kitchen has cherrywood units, integrated appliances, and French doors to the decking and patio, plus a ground level office/study/bedroom, shower room, utility and bedroom. Overhead are a landing/seating area, massive master bedroom with en suite wet room, and two other bedrooms plus bathroom.

A BER cert is awaited, but should be good thanks to K-glass in the link corridor, Swedex glazing and good insulation standards.

VERDICT: sheer good taste and high building standards in a ready-to-go contemporary Kerry home, within a walk of Tralee town.