The Great House Revival: How artist turned Cork city centre shop into dream home

Inside 42 Douglas Street as Hugh Wallace visits Cora Murphy's studio and home, formerly the 'front-room shop' of Mary and Desmond Lynch

After: 42 Douglas Street. Pictures: Neil J Smyth

The words "This is the place" are written above the door of 42 Douglas Street — the home and studio of Cora Murphy.

It sums up how artist Cora  feels — that she's finally arrived "home", to the first she's owned herself. Cora wanted to move in by her 50th birthday. She bought the former shop, a Victorian terrace, in Douglas Street, Cork City, for €182,000 and her budget for works is €120,000.