Residence at Ashford: A Journey of Considered Design
When this project first came to me through Architectural Spaces about their project, I was immediately drawn to the site. Set on the edge of the prestigious grounds of Ashford Castle and looking toward the iconic Guinness Tower, it’s a place with a strong sense of history and character. From the outset, it felt important to respect that while creating a home that feels calm, functional, and connected to its surroundings.
The original house followed a traditional four-room layout, centred around a large chimney, which shaped how the space was used. By making the bold decision to remove the central chimney, the floor plan opened up, allowing the existing structure to be reworked into a quieter, more private wing for the bedrooms and bathrooms.
This shift made room for a new wrap-around extension that sits alongside the original house. I wanted the main living areas to sit here, opening out toward the surrounding landscape and making the most of the views. More practical spaces, like the kitchen, pantry, and laundry, were positioned to the rear, so the layout feels natural and easy to move through.
Inside, the approach was to keep things simple and considered. I was drawn to materials for their texture and warmth - oak timber floors, concrete, and natural fabrics - allowing them to sit together quietly without overpowering the space. From the beginning, there was also a strong focus on how the project was delivered, not just how it looks. Every tradesperson involved was local, which helped keep the build grounded in its place and ensured a real connection between the house and the community around it.
That same approach guided the sourcing of materials, which were selected as locally as possible wherever appropriate. A number of key finishes were also supplied in collaboration with The Design Barn, contributing to a palette that feels authentic and rooted while still refined.
We also pulled colours directly from the external landscape, bringing the forest’s hues inside to create a seamless transition between the built environment and nature. In the private quarters, the aesthetic remains simple and clean, with linens and tactile textures used to create a sense of calm and ease.
Warmth runs throughout the home, particularly in the use of bronzed and copper finishes, which sit naturally within the material palette. This warmth, together with the emphasis on local craft, sourcing, and landscape-led colour, helps the house feel honest in how it has been made as well as how it is experienced.
To elevate the living experience, we layered in luxury details that remain almost invisible to the eye. Hidden lighting, electric blinds, and a sophisticated audio-visual system with integrated speakers make the home effortless to enjoy and easy to manage. Every item within these walls has been carefully curated, resulting in a beautiful amalgamation of functional necessity and aesthetic sophistication. This is a home designed not just to be looked at, but to be experienced.
