Astrid Madsen
Renovating a cottage is a labour of love, a journey that often involves unexpected challenges, creativity, and unwavering determination.
Sinead Campbell embarked on such a journey about a year ago when she decided to undertake a cottage renovation project in County Donegal. Her grandparents’ house, steeped in tradition, was transformed into a modern multicultural home.
Understanding the Existing Structure
Sinead’s journey began with a deep appreciation for the cottage’s history. Her grandad had built this stone house in the 1950s, using quality materials to withstand the wild Donegal weather. However, as she embarked on the renovation, she discovered that her grandfather’s approach to construction presented some unique challenges.
Overview
House size: approx. 100sq
Bedrooms: 2
Heating and hot water: oil combi boiler
Ventilation: natural
The cottage consisted of a traditional layout, including a small family sitting room with an open fire. To preserve the country cottage feel, Sinead drew inspiration from online mood boards, travel experiences, and Indian influences from her fiancé. The fusion of these elements was a daunting task but essential to capturing the essence of the cottage.
Preserving Character and Adding Upgrades
Preserving the character of the cottage while introducing modern upgrades required a delicate balance. One crucial aspect was the windows. The original sash windows had been replaced, but Sinead was determined to return to the cottage’s authentic design. After careful consideration, she opted for a sash effect triple glazed uPVC model, which combined the charm of timber with the practicality of modern materials. The cream finish chosen for the windows complemented the cottage’s aesthetic perfectly.
Another character-defining element was the shiplap timber ceiling, painstakingly taken down and restored. This effort paid off, contributing to the authentic ambiance of the renovated cottage. Sinead also retained some furnishings from her grandparents’ house and added unique pieces collected from various sources, including their travels.
Overcoming Challenges
The renovation journey was not without its share of challenges. Sinead faced the daunting task of excavating the cottage’s interior to replace uneven concrete floors and replumb around the rocky foundation. The bathroom, integrated into the rock during a 1970s extension, added to the complexity. The day the digger arrived to break the rock and redo the floor levels, doubt crept in. However, Sinead’s unwavering vision and support from her team kept her on course.
Lockdown measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the renovation. Supply chain disruptions and logistical issues became additional hurdles to overcome. Sinead’s dedication and her father’s project management skills were invaluable during this challenging period. With a commitment to keeping the budget on track, the renovation team made strategic decisions and adapted to the circumstances.
Upgrading and Innovating
As the renovation progressed, various upgrades and innovations were introduced. The addition of patio doors expanded the living space, connecting the interior with the outdoors. New floors were installed throughout the cottage, and walls were insulated from the inside, improving energy efficiency.
While the roof did not require replacement, other essential maintenance tasks were addressed. The septic tank had been upgraded recently, and the cottage had a private well, eliminating the need to connect to the mains. Fascia and soffit were replaced with uPVC black guttering, enhancing the cottage’s exterior aesthetics.
A Second-Hand Kitchen with a Modern Twist
To maintain their budget and introduce a unique touch, Sinead and her team opted for a second-hand kitchen, with new appliances. They found 26 kitchen units on a buy-and-sell website and transformed them with fresh paint and new handles. The electrician added lights to the cabinets, creating a modern and functional kitchen that perfectly suited the cottage’s character.
Timeline and Supplier List
The renovation project had a timeline that extended over several months, reflecting the challenges faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The timeline and the list of suppliers are essential aspects for anyone considering a similar renovation project in County Donegal. Here’s a brief overview:
- January 2020: Project start
- March 2020: Lockdown
- May 2020: Build start
- November 2020: Moved in
Sourcing materials and managing the project’s cash flow were significant challenges. Preordering and careful budget planning helped keep the renovation on track. Local suppliers played a vital role in ensuring that the project could proceed smoothly, despite external challenges.
Heating and Hot Water Upgrades
Innovations weren’t limited to aesthetics; upgrades were made for heating and hot water systems. The existing boiler, located inside the house, was moved outside into a shed built specifically for this purpose. The hot press in one of the bedrooms was removed, and a new hot water tank was placed next to the boiler. These changes improved both functionality and space utilisation.
The decision to use oil central heating was influenced by the cottage’s insulation standards, which were not high enough to qualify for a heat pump grant. To enhance efficiency, a combi boiler was chosen, making the best of the situation.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
In retrospect, Sinead couldn’t be happier with the results of her renovation project. What began as a plan to renovate to a simple standard evolved into a labor of love. The cottage, with its rich history, became a home that resonated deeply with Sinead and her fiancé. The renovation journey not only preserved the cottage’s character but also added their unique touch.
Sinead’s story is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and adaptability. It shows that even in the face of challenges like a pandemic and supply chain disruptions, a dedicated team and a clear goal can lead to a successful and rewarding renovation project. As they continue to enjoy their cottage in County Donegal, Sinead and her fiancé plan to extend their home, further enhancing its charm and functionality.
Q&A with Sinead
Favourite features?
The windows and looking out at the view through them. We made them bigger than they originally had been for extra light.
Would you do it again?
I’m a glutton for punishment, so yes, I would do with again. It was so much fun.
What was the biggest splurge?
Plumbing and heating. But we had decided to invest in that from the beginning.
What would you change?
Because of the water pressure, we went with an electric shower but would have liked a waterfall shower instead.
Top Tips
Be prepared. Keep a journal, folders, a schedule of when materials are coming. Get professionals to help where needed – for example if measurements are off, delay labour. Being prepared got me through it. And having a fiancé who’s very organised, and a father who was there every day keeping an eye on things.
DIY. Yes, you can do it. I’m a nurse with no DIY experience, and the reality is, you can do a lot. It’s a great feeling to look back on what you’ve accomplished.
Communicate clearly with trades. We had a deadline to work to and that was our goal. We had clear tasks to get there, and that made it easier to get everyone on board.
Suppliers
Windows
G Kilpatrick Windows & Conservatories, gkilpatrick.ie
Stove
Donegal Plumbing and Heating, irishstoves.ie
Bathrooms Tiles
Kstyle Donegal,
k-style-ltd.business.site
Hardware
Irwin Hardware, georgeirwin.ie
Furniture
Patterson Furnishings, pattersonskitchens.ie
Kitchen
DoneDeal, donedeal.ie
Photography
Paul Linsday Photography, paullindsayphoto.co.uk
