Maria Fenlon, daughter of former Wexford hurling captain Jimmy O'Brien, started her career as a sculptor and art teacher. Then, after an approach from a builder to design a showhouse, Fenlon returned to college to study interior design. In 2002, she established her award-winning interior design consultancy.
Currently based in Brussels with husband Michael, a company director, and their three daughters, Fenlon is back and forth to Ireland overseeing projects here and in Belgium.
In 2012, Fenlon teamed with young architect Manfredi Nicoletti, who left a position with designer Antonio Citterio in order to be based in Brussels.
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At present her projects include a communications centre for a Belgian-based multinational and the renovation of Belvedere Church in association with architect Liam McLoughlin in Naas.The Fenlons purchased 9 Carrighill Lower in 2002. Designed by architect Cyril O'Brien and built by Jim Burke, Fenlon extended the property to include a further bedroom and living space bringing the total footprint to 241sq m (2,594sq ft).
Set on 0.3 of an acre, the contemporary bungalow also has an office in the garden which Fenlon used as her studio. Having been in Brussels for more than five years, Fenlon is in search of a larger studio nearer Dublin airport and has placed the property on the market with Gunne and an asking price of €450,000.
The interiors bear all the hallmarks of a designer: clean lines, neutral palettes and a fine en suite master bedroom which also features a walk-in wardrobe and dressingroom.
The house has four bedrooms, a lounge, diningroom, sunroom and a room that Fenlon refers to as “flexible”. It has been utilised as a playroom, bedroom and office at different stages.
The kitchen is contemporary and streamlined with all gadgets hidden out of sight.
Featuring Smeg appliances and marble flooring, the centrepiece is a large granite-topped island
Outside, the gardens have a mixture of shrubs and box hedging with ample scope for green-fingered enthusiasts to develop further.
