Buddleia Cottage was purchased by current owner Gaynor Stapleton in 2003 when it was just a three-room cottage. Stapleton completely renovated the house adding an extension designed by architect Malcolm Pim in 2004, which comprised of an open-plan living area with vaulted ceiling alongside a galley kitchen.
In 2006, a further extension in the form of a conservatory designed by Ruhm, was added to the rear and it overlooks the garden with views to the Wicklow mountains. The hardwood conservatory is now the family dining room with a refectory table on hand–thrown tiles which Stapleton imported from Portugal – where she now lives.
The cottage, though a century old, bears little resemblance to its former self as new oak flooring gives a contemporary feel, and a mixture of large double- and triple-glazed windows throw lots of light into the rooms.
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A new stove in the living area is between the two openings to the conservatory. Both have internal curtains so the room can be kept toasty in winter months.
The property has three pretty bedrooms and two bathrooms giving it 99sq m – double its original size.
Outside the gardens stretch to 0.33 of an acre "and have sun all day; as it rises on one side and sets on the other," says Stapleton. Inside the post and rail fencing is beech hedging and a low-maintenance garden with bamboo, rhododendron, clematis and Gunnera. Stapleton has used the house during winter months when she comes home to hunt, renting it out during the summers. The lime-washed cottage is just outside the village of Shillelagh with views of mountains in Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford, and is for sale through Quinn Property with an asking price of €248,000.
