Irish cottage renovation

Irish cottage renovation – save on your materials

We are lucky here in Ireland to have stunning landscapes and beautiful rural areas. It is no surprise that many people want to get out of a big city and move to a quieter place and enjoy a different pace of life.

Our countryside is littered with old cottages in varying states and conditions. Some have been maintained over the years and belong on a postcard or in a movie while some have become derelict and need a new lease of life. Recent popular movies have only increased the popularity of these types of houses.

With modern 5G internet connections, it is entirely possible to enjoy both an idylic Irish rural lifestyle but be totally connected to the rest of the world for work and entertainment.

But where do you start with Irish cottage renovation project?

It is not to be underestimated but renovating it can be a fun and exciting project. Not only can it add value to your property, but it can also preserve a piece of Irish heritage.

Once you have found your ideal Irish cottage renovation project you need to assess it’s condition and this is normally done pre-sale so at least you have some idea of what you are dealing with.

You can then start to imagine and sketch out how you want it all to look at the end.

You will need to employ a suitable Engineer or Architect along with an experienced builder – one that knows the nuances of these older cottages. Most were built without foundations and with thick stone walls covered in lime. Many had thatch roofs initially and these were typically replaced with tin or slate roofs over time.

But as an initial guideline – we think these are very important points to keep in mind;

Keep the Original Charm:

One of the most important aspects of renovating an Irish cottage is to preserve its original charm. Irish cottages are known for their unique architecture, originally featuring thatched roofs, whitewashed walls, and small windows. When renovating, it’s important to maintain these features as much as possible, while also making necessary upgrades. This will ensure that your cottage retains its character and authenticity.

Upgrade the Essentials:

While it’s important to keep the original charm, it’s also important to make necessary upgrades to the essentials. This includes things like plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.

You might want to install a new solid fuel stove or oil boiler along with hot water storage cylinder.

If you are replacing timbers or creating new stud walls you will need suitable wood and you can see the options for these all here.

Insulation is a massive part of this type of project as it can get very cold in Ireland in these cottages all throughout the year. Many people are going for the likes of this natural Sheep Wool insulation in older cottages but you can use the more modern insulation boards in the floors and walls and mineral roll insulation in the ceiling and attic.

Air Tightness membranes will reduce draughts and keep the cottage cosy and you can use air tightness tape to seal around windows and doors too.

These upgrades may not be visible, but they are crucial for your comfort and safety. Make sure to hire a professional to handle these upgrades if you have no experience yourself, as they can be complex and require specific skills.

Add Modern Amenities:

While Irish cottages are known for their simplicity, adding modern amenities can make them more comfortable and appealing. This can include things like a modern kitchen, bathroom, and entertainment system. However, it’s important to balance modern upgrades with the original charm of the cottage. For example, you can add a modern kitchen with sleek appliances, but choose the likes of an older looking Belfast sink.

Make Use of Natural Materials:

Irish cottages are often made of natural materials like stone, wood, and thatch. When renovating, try to make use of these materials as much as possible. This will not only enhance the rustic charm of the cottage but also make it more sustainable.

Thatching might be a challenge in regards to finding an available Thatcher but you can still use modern slates and get a gorgeous look.

Many people also install new VELUX roof windows to let in extra light – you can see the options here and these even include powered models if you can’t reach up to the ceiling to open and close them.

Maximize Natural Light:

Irish cottages are known for their small windows, which were designed to keep out the wind and rain. However, this can also make them feel dark and cramped. When renovating, try to maximize natural light as much as possible. This can include installing skylights, or incorporating glass doors.

Not only will this make the cottage feel brighter and more spacious, but it will also enhance the views of the surrounding countryside.

Incorporate Greenery:

Irish cottages are often surrounded by lush greenery, which adds to their charm and tranquility. When renovating, try to incorporate greenery as much as possible. This can include planting a garden, adding window boxes, or incorporating potted plants. Not only will this enhance the cottage’s natural beauty, but it will also improve the air quality and create a sense of calm and relaxation.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere:

Irish cottages are known for their cozy, welcoming atmosphere. When renovating, try to create a similar atmosphere by incorporating soft furnishings, warm lighting, and personal touches. This can include things like plush sofas, soft blankets, and family photos.

An Irish cottage renovation project can be a fun and rewarding project, but it’s important to do it right. By preserving the original charm, upgrading the essentials, adding modern amenities, making use of natural materials, maximizing natural light, incorporating greenery, and creating a cosy space you can pull the door behind you and be in your happy place every time.

Where to find a property like this?

We are based in beautiful County Sligo on the Wild Atlantic Way and the first thing to do would be to check out local estate agent websites like E&M Scanlon’s here in Ballymote – their website is here.

The property used in the photo for this article is a local one and a good example of what can be available.

There may be some grants available depending on the location and condition of the cottage too. You can see some info about that on the Government website here.

We can help you save money on loads of the materials you need and we deliver right across Ireland. Just contact us anytime to ask any questions and get a quote etc for larger bulk orders.