Douglas, Cork, Ireland

Sans Souci, Douglas Road, Cork, T12 E9X9,
When the current owners of Sans Souci first saw this home back in 2017, they fell in love with the wonderful mature south facing gardens and knew they had found their "Sans Souci", a haven of nature and tranquillity within walking distance of the city centre. They spent the first 12 months getting to know the site, studying the suns path across the site and understanding how best to position their new home to maximize light, aspect, and the wonderful garden bounded by the 200 year old limestone walls that demarcate the 0.39acre site. They spent time in the gardens at various periods throughout the days and months to make sure that they were well informed as to what changes they would embark on. They meandered between the rooms to understand how the light flowed and how best to maximise their living experience in their new family home. After much design drafts on paper twisting and turning and moving walls one way and then the other a decision was made to create something completely new. A home that would pay tribute to the property that had stood on the site for the previous 100 years.
The old Sans Souci I have no doubt would be very proud of the brand new home which now stands majestically positioned on its 0.39 acre site captivating all to be enjoyed by its positioning on a south / south west axis. This home is beautiful, constructed in 2020 it is bespoke in all elements from design to layout to fittings and it is sure to stand the test of time for the next 100 years. This home was built with longevity in mind and the family who built it had plans to grow old there. Little did they know that the offer of "The Dream Job" would come their way so soon after building their "dream home" affording the opportunity to another family to enjoy the spoils of their hard work.
While many would have just focused on the new structure itself at Sans Souci there was as much thoughts and work brought to bear on the external hard landscaping and garden. The gardens (designed by Peter Dowdall) present as exceptionally mature relative to the house itself. Under supervision many of the existing plants were carefully conserved and transplanted for safe keeping during the build cycle. Original Cork limestone salvaged from the original garden walls and patio boundaries were used to rebuild the driveway walls and edging around the garden. Mature trees were protected and nurtured reacclimatising to their new surroundings, in fact this home has one of the last remaining ancient blight free Ash trees in the region. The substantial large patio area maximises the wonderful southern aspect of the site and the surrounding garden to create a large outdoor dining and seating area, surrounded by purpose built planters exploding with wonderful colour and fragrance from the carefully selected planting and flowers. The patio area and hard landscaping was purposefully designed to match the internal floor levels so there is a seamless inside-outside flow to the home and the patio and garden act as a natural extension of the house.
Boasting approx. 3,000 sq. ft. of space laid out over two levels this home can be host to either five or four bedrooms depending on the next owners requirements. The property is appealing, hand clad by expert stone masons in Donegal Quartz stone with modern triple glazed large sliders to maximise inside-outside living. Engineered Cedar blends well with the external materials and a bright fireman red front door invites.
This home is a modern A2 Ber rated property which is to be expected when it is so efficiently run. There is no fossil fuel whatsoever used in the property with feature built in Bioethanol fires producing the homely effect of a real open fireplace without the associated fossil fuel pollution. It has underfloor heating at both levels as well as heat recover ventilation and individual room temperature adjustments. There is quality in abundance in the use of finishes both inside and out. Cullen View interiors took charge of the extensive bespoke fitted kitchen, walk in dressing room and fitted robes in all other bedrooms as well as the utility and walk in cloak room. Velfac and Reynaers glazing were used in the windows and the large 3.2m high slider glazing. Flush panel internal doors with shadow gap skirting and architrave. The sanitary ware is from the Sonas range complimented by Calacatta quality tiling. 120 x 60 Porcelain floor tiles ( Ceramic Rondine, Italian) were used internally and their matching counterparts externally were used to give that inside - outside look.
The owners of this home would say that it was designed so that everyone and everything could have its place. They have created a comfortable well used home in which to live, one that is easy to keep tidy during the hectic days of family life. Its location is second to none with easy access by foot to Cork city centre in one direction or Douglas village in the other. The medical facilities of The Bons Hospital, The Mercy Hospital, CUH and Mater Private are all within minutes reach. Primary and second level schools abound in the area while third level at UCC are all within walking or cycling distance. The public bus should it be needed runs at almost 10 minute intervals stopping right outside the door, with multiple routes serving the city centre, pharmaceutical hubs at Ringaskiddy/Carrigaline, large employers at Apple and Dell/EMC.
The property is exceptionally private and is enclosed by native Cork limestone walls that date back to the 19th Century. It is accessed via a deep set back splayed entrance with electric gates with featured walls either side in keeping with the boundary. The original limestone wall plate was kept and takes centre stage announcing Sans Souci

Entrance
The entrance of this home is set back sitting secretly within a backdrop of Donegal Quartz stone and smooth render with an overhang of cedar complete with recessed lights. Flagged in limestone and porcelain tile to match the patio, it leads to a fireman red front door with floor to ceiling side glazed panel. The arrival into the entrance hall is welcoming, finished with porcelain tile matching that to the outside flags. One of two fixed glazed panel with window seat greets you showing off the manicured gardens. A second fixed hall window allows maximum light into this welcoming hallway and offers a seductive window picture of the garden, with the window framing a natural view of a large planter with a focal magnificent olive tree.
Kitchen cum Dining Room cum Family room
Two steps from the entrance hall lands into the most wonderful of spaces. Flooded with maximum natural light it almost feels like you are outdoors. A wall of sliding glazing in double height looks out over the patios and gardens beyond while the use of fixed glazed panels at higher, roof and lower levels give selective views of all aspects of this site.
Kitchen
The kitchen is fitted by Cullen View Interiors in bold navy and punched out with complimenting oak cabinets. An island unit measuring 2.9m x 1.1m sits at its centre and all else revolves around it. The island in Calacatta Gold quartz has a waterfall edge and is fitted with a generous overhang to allow for four or five people to casually dine. Tall double larder presses with pull out drawers are the norm. One of these acts as a hideaway permanent coffee station. A deep bowel sink unit sits withing the island. An instant boiling water Quooker tap provides not only instant boiling water removing the need for a kettle, but also pure filtered tap water and instant cold sparkling water. Additional storage is catered from beneath the quartz counter top space with lower pull out drawers.
A Bora pure hob and extractor sit within the counter top along the back wall. No need for a splashback here as a fixed window is used in its place giving calming views out across to the old limestone wall planted beautifully; a soothing view while cooking or eating at the countertop. Overhead cabinets in two tone form a canopy along the back wall complete with fixed roof light and recessed lights . Appliances are all integrated and include double oven, separate combi oven, American Fridge/Freezer, Wine cooler and dishwasher. The true winning feature of this kitchen is the walk in larder press. It is fully shelved and caters for a multitude.
Dining Room
A 10 person dining table for more formal dining in this room sits inside a wall of moving glazed panels that run floor to ceiling. These glazed sliding doors given their scale and size were specifically designed, sourced and supplied by Reynaers to give what is a flawless finish. Extensive patio outside and when doors are opened it is a seamless movement from inside to out.
Family Room
Set off the kitchen and dining room is a cosy family room. Again this section of the room enjoys a wealth of glazing including a stunning corner window to maximise glimpses of nature and ensure the natural light flows throughout the entire room. Interior designed and finished in two tone with a punched out feature colour wall to complement the kitchen. This family room is arranged around a raised fitted unit in two tone colours matching the rest of the room. Inset bioethanol fire modern in style with cedar lats.
The entire room is treated to the same floor finish of neutral porcelain tiles cosy to walk on with the underfloor heating. The lighting plan reads well with teardrop lights over the island, recessed lights in the kitchen space, bespoke light feature centred in the family room and centred light over the dining table.
Lounge
Painted in deep blue this room is cosy, inviting and relaxing. The owners of this home wanted a nod to the old and sourced a salvaged parquet floor, with the help of O'Flynns flooring, which they laid in herringbone in the lounge. A wall of sliding glazing leads out onto a separate patio which catches the western evening sunlight. This room is centred around a feature Salerno White marble fireplace with black hearth fitted with bioethanol fire. Samsung frame TV built in overhead. Feature centred light fitting. An olde world door is used to move from this room to the home office and panelling on the back of the entry door compliments.
Home Office
Located off the lounge this home office is nicely located looking out over the front via extensive glazing. Finished with engineered board laminate floor and naturally bright it is an ideal place to work from.
Teenage Den - Bedroom 5
A perfectly square room allowing for a myriad of uses either as an additional family room, games room, children's playroom/den, or a fifth bedroom. . Currently taking up the position of teenage den the room is beautifully bright and finished with neutral laminate floor. A pocket door slides to give access to the guest bathroom.

Guest Bathroom
Located at ground floor the guest bathroom/wet room is lovely. It has a Jack and Jill arrangement and is accessed off the entrance hall or en-suite to the fifth bedroom. Finished with three piece white suite to include black trellis shower cubicle, pedestal WC. Feature wall hung hand carved Himalayan stone sink. This room is beautifully tiled in themes of black and white.
Utility Room
Fully fitted utility room by Cullen View Interiors with appliances fitted at hip height level with fitted trays to facilitate loading and unloading of laundry. This room abounds on all sides with cupboards at lower and upper level as well as tall presses to take care of all storage needs, all finished in neutral colour tones. Low level cupboards give a clever seating arrangement here for removal of muddy shoes. Sink unit fitted within quartz counter top space. Door to side garden and outside.
Walk in cloak room
A must in every house is a cloak room like this. Fitted top to toe with open shelving this room caters for everything from sports gear to buggies to shoes and coats.
Stairs - landing
Handcrafted floating staircase from AJD stairs in Kilkenny finished in European Oak treads, glazed balustrade and oak handrail with discreet low level lighting fitted to lead the way. Leading to the first floor passing a fabulous deep set window complete with window seat along the way. Wonderfully bright and spacious landing. Walk in linen press.
Main Bedroom suite
This is a true bedroom suite cleverly arranged. The bedroom is just that, given over for sleeping as its only function this room is generous in size and is set with a wall of glazing looking out over the gardens.
Dressing Room
Designed by Cullen view interiors maximum use has been made of this dressing room. Abounding with floor to ceiling open and closed cupboards, pull out drawers, low and high level hanging as well as open shelves everything has its place here. A dressing table sitting beneath a gable windows is certainly where any woman of the house would be delighted to get ready for the day or indeed could serve as an additional spot for work/home administration.
En-Suite
Beautifully finished with appealing tiles from the Calcatta range this en-suite is fitted with four piece suite. A sculpted freestanding bath with chrome freestanding taps and shower attachment stands off to one side. A bespoke lusso sink unit with double sink fitted sits beneath an extensive vanity mirror fitting with lighting, in-built demister function and blue tooth capabilities to accommodate your play list while soaking in the bath. Wall hung WC and walk in shower with Raindance shower complete this room. Heated towel rail and unfloor heating.
Bedroom 2
A fine super king room fitted with wall to wall robes. Beautifully bright with extensive glazing.

Bedroom 3
Another super king room fitted with wall to wall robes. Beautifully bright with extensive glazing.
Bedroom 4
Beautifully decorated and tremendously bright super king room. This room enjoys slide robes fitted to take care of all storage needs.
Family bathroom
This is a fine family bathroom fitted with four piece bathroom suite. The suite comprises a deep inset bath tub with waterfall tap fixture, pedestal sink, wall hung sink with fitted vanity storage drawers and vanity mirror overhead. A walk in shower cubicle completes the suite. Fully tiled in tasteful appealing tiles. Heated towel rail and underfloor heating.
Garage
A great addition to any home is a garage. This garage is finished with electric roller shutter door and has a polished concrete floor. Attached to the house is offers a myriad of uses not only as a garage but could double up as another games room, home gym/exercise area. Pre-fitted with 6 square electrical cabling rapid car charge cabled for solar.
Outside
The outside of this home is designed so that all spaces are permanently used. A patio finished in external porcelain tile a sister to those used inside runs the entire length of the house changing in transition and adapting to the spaces it adjoins internally. The patio directly outside the main living space offers all day dining, and the house is pre-wired for an automated electrical awning over this patio while the patio outside the lounge is arranged with relaxed seating set around a fire pit. Raised beds topped with limestone caps between the patio and garden are planted with a host of variations from Olive trees to Hydrangeas, lavender and cat mint in late summer, tulips, a magnolia tree and Japanese cherry blossoms in late spring into early summer. A discreet outdoor lighting plan with low level on the patio under the pleached mature beech hedge, showcasing the old stone walls and mature trees on the boundary and higher level on the house makes a lovely nighttime setting. The gardens offer an extensive lawn with robotic mower in place to keep it neat and tidy at all times. A sunken trampoline as well as goal posts takes up a fraction of the garden space. The gardens are surrounded by mature trees and flowering beds with a host of colours and species that flourish at varying times of the year. The use of old Cork limestone creating the enclosures of these flowering beds gives an air of maturity throughout the gardens that blend seamlessly with the original walls forming the borders of the grounds. A hidden rockery garden is set to the side of the garage creating a stone beach effect. This is lined on one side with a row of fruit (apple and pear) trees carefully mounted along the old limestone wall to create a wall of fresh fruit in summer. A separate patio rotunda at the apex of this space captures light until late afternoon, creating a secluded private morning outdoor coffee space. This is an independent space and could with ease take a polytunnel. Currently used as a kids games space it captures wonderful daytime sunshine for those days when you want to lose yourself in nature with a coffee before the day starts. The property is accessed by a setback splayed driveway with electric gates fitted. Planted spaces flank the driveway with creeping climbers popping up along the olde stone walls. A run of newer limestone border encases box hedging directly adjacent to the property framing it. Ample parking and turning space.