One of the great things about building your own house, the thing that makes up for all those headaches they so revel in in Grand Designs, is that you get to build exactly what you want.
The owners of Clonhaston Lodge, who built the house in 2000, wanted space, plenty of bedrooms – there are six, all en-suite – a choice of large formal rooms, and a country-style kitchen. They also wanted an enclosed garden for the children to play in safety, and a dog run so the animals could do so too.
The results are a redbrick dormer, in a style that is so familiar across the country you could almost call it the contemporary Irish vernacular. And, at 464sq m (5,000sq ft), you also get space in spades. Set in the middle of its two-acre site, it’s quiet and peaceful, but not isolated. The gardens are landscaped with patios, lawns and ornamental shrubbery. Once inside, the first thing to greet you is a spacious hall, with a large marble fireplace to give your winter parties that grand entrance vibe.
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Cosy feel
This leads to a sitting room with a bay window, a living/family room and on to the kitchen, which has a tiled floor, stove and redbrick walls for a cosy feel.
The units are solid oak, with polished granite work tops, and it’s clear that another thing on the owners’ must-have list was quality materials and fine craftsmanship throughout. The house is also very bright and filled with natural light.
The dining room adds more drama with a 4.6m (15ft) ceiling and French windows to the gardens. There’s also a utility room, study, TV room, and bathroom on the ground floor, as well as a guest bedroom, and the master, which has a bay window, en-suite and walk in wardrobe.
Upstairs the landing doubles up as a library area, and the other four bedrooms lead off. All are en-suite, and two have walk-in wardrobes. As a dormer, the upstairs bedrooms have charming sloped ceilings, window seats, and storage in the eaves.
Whether you're working in Kildare or commuting to Dublin, Newbridge is a brilliant spot. Right in the heart of horse country, the Curragh, Naas Racecourse and Punchestown are all near by, as is the National Stud plus riding stables and livery yards. The Curragh itself is an amazing place to walk. Golf-lovers are spoiled for choice too with Dunmurry Springs, Naas, Palmerstown, The Curragh (again) and the K-Club.
There’s shopping in Newbridge, Naas and at Kildare Village, and plenty of good schools. Clonhaston Lodge is for sale in walk-in condition with Jordan Auctioneers at a guide of €975,000.
