It started with a small log cabin, a country retreat on 3.5 acres, just 10km from Dunshaughlin and half an hour from Dublin. But the owners of the aptly named Log House wanted more.
"It was one of the first timber houses to come in from Scandinavia," the owner says. Limited by the original size, he decided to add another bedroom and a larger kitchen. But working with architect Paul Sinnott of Stewart Sinnott Studio and builder Val Ledwithe of JV Ledwithe, things began to grow.
“It’s an interesting example of what very talented people can do for you,” the owner says in what seems like an understatement. Unlike some timber frame houses, which, once rendered and clad, give no sense of their woody under-structure, The Log House is unapologetically all about its materials.
And although it sits beautifully on a gorgeously planted site, thanks to the collaboration with landscape architect Anthony Ryan of Hayes Ryan Landscape Architecture, it could just as easily be at home in some National Park or ski resort.
“The fact that it’s a wooden building surrounded by forest makes it very special,” says the owner.
“You’re totally connected to your environment, and it’s also completely cool in summer and well insulated in the winter.” For sale with Savills for €850,000, the Log House has five bedrooms, the marvellous master having an en suite and its own private balcony.
There is also a sauna and gym, a modern kitchen, a wine cellar/pantry, and a large sittingroom or diningroom with a sheltered sun terrace.
The accommodation comes to 378 sq m (4,078 sq ft) approximately.
Outside is a double garage and in addition to the landscaped gardens, you get a two acre paddock as well. The owners upgraded everything in 2010, including the installation of splendid bathrooms to add to the sense of getting-away- from-it-all loveliness.
Dunsany itself is a sporting hub for horse-riding, racing and golf. There are schools close by in Navan and Dunshaughlin, so even though you feel as if you're in another world, you're actually very well connected.
The Log House isn’t your usual style of house, but then again, who wants to live in the usual style? Viewing recommended.
