In 2002, Gina Moloney and former partner Bernard bought a small cottage on Hainault Rd, Foxrock with the intention of renovating. Instead, they knocked the house down and built two identical ultra-modern large family homes on the site, one for themselves and one to sell. Its twin, Pinehurst next door, sold for €2.25 million in 2005 and now Stillwater, reduced recently from €1.45m, is for sale through Hunters Estate Agents for €1.385m
Bernard, an architect with Moloney O’Beirne, designed this smart home and Gina designed the interiors. The attention to detail in Stillwater is staggering. Along with the iLight mood lighting, surround sound and dancing flame fireplace, the television is concealed behind a remote controlled picture lift. A large bespoke glass and copper installation, designed by Michelle O’Donnell of Glasshammer Designs, sits on a runner that acts as a moveable wall between the dining area and the study depending on which section is to be closed off.
Passive energy
Stillwater has geothermal heating and a heat recovery system which takes steam from the showers to reheat the water supply. The master bedroom has wooden louvered panels on the solid glass wall overlooking the south facing garden which allows winter sun to heat the room but prevents intense heat building up in the summer months.
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The house is mainly open plan with high ceilings and lots of light thanks to the 13 foot glass walls to the rear. There are many feature picture windows which capture elements of the garden bringing a tropical element to the all white interiors.
This 278sq m (2,992sq ft) house has two kitchens, the main one is a sleek custom design by Valcucine with an enormous central island which operates as a chef’s table for entertaining and is fitted out with Miele and Smeg units. It spills out to the paved garden with tinted folding glass doors allowing a seamless divide between the exterior and interior.
The second kitchen has a Liebherr fridge and freezer, dual wine coolers, more ovens and a large appliance garage. The spacious living area with solid-oak flooring overlooks the pond and houses the remote controlled picture lift concealing the 50 inch television with integrated ceiling speakers. A large family room, study, and bathroom in dark sage hues complete this floor.
Moving upstairs along the custom-built staircase to the bedrooms, the master suite is dramatic with a full height glass wall overlooking the garden, a large dressing room, double bath and shower units in the en suite and, again, lots of gadgets to keep technophiles captivated. Three further bedrooms and a large family bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath and raindance showerhead all meet at a central light-filled atrium.
The south facing garden is in keeping with the sleek lines of the house. Large tropical ferns, palms and bamboo give a jungle-like feel in contrast to the white walls. A modern pond filled with lilies and irises also houses goldfish whose numbers have declined due to a visiting heron whom Gina describes as “just brazen”.
Stillwater House is built for luxurious entertaining to the highest specifications and will be a dream home for those who love clean lines and hi-tech.
