Once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, Co Meath is a pretty special place. With lush landscapes of rolling pastures, plus good transport links to Dublin, it's a popular spot. Kilcock has another claim to fame – they say it is the only place on Earth (and yes, that is a big boast) that has a river, canal, train line and road, all running parallel to one another. I'm not sure how useful that may be in daily life, but it's definitely something to use as an icebreaker with your new neighbours, should Clonlyon tempt your fancy.
The 376sq m (4,047sq ft) contemporary detached property sits on approximately 1.78 acres, and was built by owners Louise and Derek Platt in 2007. There was a house on the site when the couple bought it in 2005. "The year we were married," remembers Louise. "It was a two-storey redbrick, and we all but knocked it. We lived in it for two years." But all the while, the young couple were imagining what they could do on the site.
“Derek has a construction background, so he has a connection to architects and design. It became a big project,” Louise says. “I didn’t quite think it was going to be as big as it was. An epic journey.”
The couple’s adventure extended to five bedrooms upstairs, and a double-height entrance hall, kitchen/dining, familyroom, gamesroom and sittingroom downstairs. The split-level design includes double-height areas, and an orientation to maximise the light. There’s also a separate office space and double garage.
"My favourite room is the kitchen," says Louise. "I love my bedroom too. It's over the kitchen area, which is south facing, so both rooms get excellent light. I can lie in my bed and see all four seasons out of the window. It's like an ever-changing painting." The couple worked with architect Tom Grey, who at the time was with Michael McNamara Architects, to realise their ideas. "He talked our talk," says Louise. "He was into the same modern, clean design we were into. We just wanted something a little bit different from the run of the mill square country house."
Location
They got it in spades, and their modern, light-filled home is now for sale for €950,000. David Costello, who is looking after the sale for Sherry FitzGerald Royal, describes the house’s appeal. “There is a wonderful balance of elegance and comfort throughout, and the location is excellent, with well-renowned schools nearby and within easy access to Dublin.”
These schools include Scoil Mhuire, the Boyne Community School, Castleknock College and Clongowes Wood, and Louise says her three children can get the bus to school just outside the house. "It's a great location," she says. "It's five minutes to Summerhill, 10 to Kilcock. And you can be in Blanchardstown or Liffey Valley in 25 minutes."
Derek built a track around the perimeter to allow the children cycle or go-kart safely. The landscaping, also designed by Derek, includes a woodland area, and two terraces where you can catch the sun all day long. Dotted through the gardens are water features, a little bridge, vegetable gardens and even a hen enclosure. The couple and their children are moving closer to Louise’s family, and while they have already bought their new house, they already have ideas for it. Another epic journey, perhaps?
