Cork, Cork, Ireland

The story of Rose Lodge on the Blackrock Road is a tale of two halves. Starting its life in 1890 as a significant home it was bought by the current owner is 2018. They set about transforming the property working diligently in retaining the character and era of its origin while giving it a modern twist more in keeping with how families live today. It now presents as a five bedroomed detached family home extending to approx. 4,857 sq. ft. This home sits perfectly on its half-acre of mature gardens and offers a privacy seldom found in a home this well located close to all amenities and services.
Rose Lodge is real old Cork, surrounded by stone walls, the property was completely stripped back to make way for its 21st century make over. Its original age and design gave a blueprint to follow when developing the new, it ensured that spacious rooms with tremendous floor to ceiling height could be the norm throughout. This home is something very special. The external has an attractiveness from all sides making it difficult to establish the front from the rear as both elevations are pleasing and have their own unique appeal. Given the extent of space surrounding the property it is constantly bathed in sunlight.
The transformation of Rose Lodge carefully overseen by the owners came about by a combination of talents and experts to give what is an amazing finished product. Keeping things Irish and as much as possible local, the talents of Cork based John Butt Architect was engaged to explore and design the new layout. OBR carried out the construction with Brian O'Kennedys office kept a close eye on the engineering side. Roisin O'Brien interior designer choreographed the internal finishing touches while Ilsa Rutgers Cork based landscape designer took charge of extensive gardens and grounds. David Kiely kitchens established in Cork since 1978 was tasked with the bespoke fitted furniture to include Christoff kitchen with Lacanche range cooker as well as fitting the utility room, book cases, display cabinets and dressing rooms/robes. Sanitary ware was chosen to again compliment the room being fitted and range from Rocha to Laura Ashley and from Bayswater to Neptune to ensure an element of matching character. Miele appliances are the standard range throughout the kitchen. Mullan, Irish made bespoke lighting customised and tailored the lighting which allowed for the creative freedom to make this homes interior design truly unique. Subtle tones in paint colours from the Farrow and Ball range were used throughout the house. The attention to the smaller and finer details is what matters when creating and making a home like Rose Lodge special. Skirtings, mouldings and architrave were all sourced and chosen with care to make sure that they complimented the original age and extensive floor to ceiling heights as well as the spacious rooms. Any original element that could be used was used in this new home including the original front door as well as original fireplaces.
The accommodation within extending to 4,857 sq. ft. now boasts a welcoming reception hall with sweeping staircase, an impressive dual aspect lounge of 500sq. ft. alone, an extensive room that takes care of no less than four functions of living, family and dining room as well as kitchen, a study, an adaptable reception room currently home to a fully kitted out gym complete with sauna and steam room, utility room and guest bathroom are all located at entry level. The first floor gives rise to the main bedroom suite located above the impressive lounge and takes up the same amount of space spread out over the bedroom, dressing room and en-suite. Two addition en-suite double bedrooms are located at this level with a relaxation space at landing. The second floor is home to two further double bedrooms supported by a full bathroom. This home boasts a B2 energy rating which could with ease move to an A if consideration was given to enclosing the two feature fireplaces with stoves. There is underfloor heating fitted throughout the entire ground floor footprint changing to radiators chosen from a range of traditional style in keeping with character at the upper levels.
Adapting to the varying shapes of this home a series of new bespoke windows were designed to fit the spaces perfectly. Alu Clad were used and double height sash windows coupled with the newer form of glide and slide combine with fixed glazed panel where necessary to capture as much natural daylight throughout. This home is one that could be altered and changed with ease to change the flow and use of accommodation to match how the next family might live here. The main living space currently giving four functions is laid out as one expansive room and could be divided to give more rooms as each element has their own natural light. The gym room could become an independent space given its location within the property and the study offers a space for a myriad of functions. The owners of this home have enjoyed living in Rose Lodge just as it is and how they had planned it to be.
This home is set well back from the road via private avenue along with electric gate access set between stone pillars. It is easy to lose yourself here and not know exactly where you are given the peace and tranquillity the grounds of this home give.
It home sits perfectly positioned on its site of approx. 0.5 acres with wide open lawns beautifully manicured with two distinct areas. The front of the property is surrounded by planted spaces housing mature box hedge softening the approach. Strategically placed flowering beds are located directly adjacent to the house packed with Limelight Hydrangea specifically chosen as the lime green to cream white flower heads give bursts of changing colours.
A sunken lawn to the front over two levels with wide steps and low walls framed by a bank of mature trees is encased against the backdrop of stone wall. The lower walls topped with limestone give a home to box hedge perimeter and encloses the space from the driveway. Discreet lighting illuminate. The property has a wide driveway with plenty of parking.
On the southern side to the rear of the property a limestone patio runs directly outside the main living rooms. This patio is sun trapped, enclosed, private and perfectly sheltered with the backdrop of old stone walls enclosing it. The lawn on this side of the property is wide and well maintained ideal for family outdoor activities from trampoline bouncing to football playing and everything in between. The rear patio has low walls with built in lighting and offers ideal naturally formed seating spots. Again mature trees are perfectly placed throughout the garden. A cobble lock pathway leads to a side pedestrian gate. On the eastern side directly outside the gym is another extensive limestone patio enclosed by planted beds with Limelight Hydrangea giving privacy to this space.
Viewing of this home is a must to appreciate all that it has to offer.

Reception hall
Accessed via wide limestone flagstones this home invites with it sage green original front door with arched fanlight overhead. Moulded architrave with acorn return depicts the age of the original property. The reception hall is wide and welcoming and carries an extensive floor to ceiling height setting the tone and expectation of what is to come within this home. Finished with limestone tiles laid in a traditional pattern this reception is beautiful. The amount of natural light streaming in from the arched window at the half landing cannot be overstated. Extra high and wide skirting and architrave with panelled wall and discreet door to under stairs storage. The staircase is sweeping with wide steps and a beautiful curve as it rises to the first floor. It enjoys the same panelled treatment to that on the walls below.
Lounge
Measuring 10 meters by 5 meters (over 500 sq. ft alone) this room is simply beautiful. Keeping the footprint of this room in its original form allowed the new owners to create something very special. The room is dual aspect looking out over the front and rear gardens. A beautiful curved wall encasing three extra-large sash windows look out over the front while two sister windows in the rear elevation give views of the rear garden. A feature fireplace of white marble original to the house sits proud at the centre finished with cast iron inset and black marble heart. The back wall now hosts an extensive bookcase cum display cabinet befitting a room like this. Fabrics and carpets are finished in neutral tones throughout the room all complimented by the bespoke panelling which sets this room apart. Cornicing and centre rose with central feature lights, wall light and display lights on the book case blend well to give a calming ambience.
Kitchen - Dining Room - Family Room - Living Room
The scale and extent of this room allows for four uses with ease. The extent of this space is hard to convey and many would have looked to divide the space into individual closed rooms . At design stage the owners wanted to make sure that all family functions could take place in the one place while at the same time giving each of those functions their own dedicated space. The entire room is finished with engineered oak flooring running in wide planks throughout and with underfloor heating makes this entire room cosy and relaxing. Window styles change and adapt to the different areas of the room from sash windows in the living room to fixed glazing in the family space, glide and slide glazing in the dining room and opening windows as hip height in the kitchen along with upper level glazing and fixed roof light. The room is predominantly south facing and enjoys dual aspect in the kitchen and dining room.
Kitchen
Handcrafted designed Christoff Kitchen by David Kiely kitchens. This kitchen is arranged in an open plan layout where one large area is created by having the kitchen flow into another living space. This designed layout is family friendly and ideal for entertaining. A Christoff Kitchen is instantly recognisable with its distinct two tone colours. The main kitchen is hand painted in elegant schoolhouse white while deep blue is used in the island and larder presses which creates a fabulous contrast. All are dressed with brass handles. The worktop throughout is Eternal glow by Silestone. Arranged around a spectacular island unit which acts as additional dining this in-frame kitchen offers a host of cupboards at lower and upper levels. The island has its own sink making prep work very easy. Presses vary from pull out larder to display cabinets and includes that all important coffee station. The showstopper in this kitchen is the Lacanche Range "a serious cooker for a serious cook". This range has all the bells and whistles finished in deep navy with brass dressing to complement the kitchen. It is inset with built in extractor overhead and side cupboards to encase it. A second sink with Quooker tap takes up position beneath gable windows looking out over the gardens to the front. Appliances within the kitchen are integrated and from the Miele range to include fridge, freezer microwave, dishwasher and of course a wine cooler.
Dining Room
Located just off the open plan kitchen the dining room sits inside a wall of glide and slide glazing which open out onto the rear limestone patio and gardens beyond. A fixed rooflight sits above the dining table. The back wall is tastefully fitted with a David Kiely bespoke dresser finished in schoolhouse white to match the kitchen and has glazing at the upper level, fitted with lights. An ideal spot to store that special crockery and glasses for entertaining.
Family Room
The family room is arranged around a built in fireplace with gas fire fitted. This cosy family room connects the dining and kitchen areas and enjoys extensive fixed glazing complete with deep set window seat all encased in limed oak detail looking out over the rear gardens and patio.
Living Room
Located as you enter from the entrance hall the living room can be arranged so that it turns its back on the rest of the room making a more independent space. A bank of sash windows looks out over the rear gardens. The back wall is fitted head to toe with a designed unit finished in cream tones with a limed oak counter top blending it with the rest of this room. It takes care of storage as well as home to the wall mounted TV.
Study
With a floor to ceiling height of 11 ft. and accessed off the reception hall this study is a peaceful room set away from the main activities of the home. This room offers a host of uses from teenage den to home office or additional reception room depending on needs. This room is beautifully panelled and has a bespoke unit fitted against the back wall. This unit has storage facilities as well as open shelving and has a smart TV fitted which can double up for conference calls should the need arise. Lights within the fitted unit, central light, picture lights all blend to make for a very calming room. Natural light floods from the two extra-large windows looking out over the front garden. Finished with cornicing and centre rose and decorated in neutral tones. A feature fireplace original to the home is fitted and after much work restoring it to its former glory after years of paint work it sits proudly in speckled black and white marble with cast iron inset and black marble heart.
Utility Room
This Utility room is very practical and provides extra space and storage in this home for bigger appliances which helps to keep the kitchen clutter and noise free. Stepped shaker style and painted in the colour skimming stone. A matching cloaks with baskets beneath take care of shoes and coats. Plenty of black marble counter top space set back to allow laundry to hang overhead. Sink unit fitted with washing machine and tumble dryer set beneath. Fully tiled floor, a number of double tall presses accommodates all the usual needed in a utility room. Fully glazed door to rear garden flooding this utility with natural light.
Guest Bathroom
This bathroom is a full wet room and is decorated in appealing tones of grey and white. The three piece suite is white in colour with black attachments. Walk in shower complete with fixed Raindance shower head and moveable showerhead attachment. Wall hung WC with Roca oval sink set within a bespoke vanity unit with vanity mirror over. Fully tiled in two tones.
Gym
The gym room is this home is again extensive in size and is arranged in such a way that its function could alter with ease. The same attention to detail was put into the finishing of this room to ensure it could withstand heavy bench pressing yet soft enough that it could change to a comfortable living space if required. This room enjoys a host of glazing leading out onto a limestone patio directly outside on the eastern elevation. It could make for a beautiful relaxing morning room. Fitted with herringbone hardwood floor the room has a vaulted ceiling height with exposed beams and lighting plan on tracks.
Sauna and Steam
Discreetly set to the back of the gym is a sauna and steam room sitting side by side. Both rooms are from the Swedish brand of Tyle Helo and take care of tired muscles after a heavy workout.
Staircase, landing
A sweeping staircase with and easy step bring you to the upper levels of this home. The staircase is made to sit perfectly in its place and gives a feature to both the reception hall at lower level and the landing above. Passing an extra high gable window at the mid-way point the staircase and landing is flooded with natural light. The curved banister of mahogany sits on top of wrought iron spindles. The landing of this home is a space all of its own and enjoys a sister gable window on the opposite side again bringing lots of natural light. A recess inside this window offers a perfect relaxation space. Staircase to upper level finished with teak thread. Remote access Velux overhead for easy ventilation and maximum light.
Main Bedroom Suite
Taking up the exact footprint of the lounge below it this suite offers all that a person could need. Giving three specific rooms to include dressing room, bathroom and the bedroom itself.
Main Bedroom
The bedroom is arranged with a sister curved wall to that in the lounge sporting three extensive sash windows. The room is finished with pleasing interior design colours, is carpeted for comfort and offers plenty of relaxation private quiet space inside the windows looking out over the gardens. Cornicing and centre light in keeping with the character of this home.
Dressing Room
Fitted from top to toe and wall to wall is a beautiful dressing room. Keeping the theme of David Kiely fitted units this room is extensive and caters for every storage need. Mirrored robes are used in spaces to punch the light around the room from the gable window. Shoe racks, pull down rails, open shelving, drawer units and long hanging spaces combine to give the best this room can offer. A clever vanity mirror is tucked away with vanity mirror over.
En-Suite
The en-suite of Rose Lodge is a tremendous size and is fully fitted with four piece bathroom suite. A free standing scroll top bath tub sits beneath the gable window and gives beautiful relaxing views out over the gardens. A walk in double shower arranged in wet room standard takes up position with a change in tile stile to mark the transition. The walk in shower is enclosed with fixed glazing and has both fixed raindance shower head as well as lower shower attachment. A bespoke vanity unit by Neptune range sits beneath a matching vanity mirror with lights either side. The vanity offers double sinks set into marble top with heritage taps and storage beneath. A pedestal Bayswater WC completes the suite here. Heated towel rail coupled with traditional radiator. This room is softened with the use of wood panelling painted white to dado height and sandstone paint colour overhead. The floor is tiled in large white porcelain non slip tiles bringing the entire room together.
Bedroom 2
Located looking out over the front garden this is a lovey spacious room. It enjoys wall to wall fitted robes offering a host of storage space. The room has two windows maximising the natural light and allows easy accommodation of a super king bed as well as study/vanity area.
En-Suite
The en-suite to bedroom 2 is particularly bright and finished with three piece white bathroom suite. A walk in shower with fixed glazing couples with wall hung WC and a bespoke vanity unit. The vanity gives a punch of colour to the room and offers storage with cupboards and drawers beneath. A selection of complementing tiling takes up position from full height to dado height and fully tiled floor all in neutral appealing tones and blends well with the paintwork. Heated towel rail
Bedroom 3
Another lovely spacious bedroom this time looking out over the rear gardens. Arranged with wall to wall robes giving tremendous storage. This bedroom given is southern position is not afraid to use punch out tones in its colour scheme on a feature wall which blends with the soft furnishing of carpets and cornicing to give a lovely room.
En-suite
Similar to that at bedroom 2 the en-suite of this room is bright with lots of natural light and finished with three piece white bathroom suite. A walk in shower with fixed glazing couples with wall hung WC and a bespoke vanity unit. The vanity gives a punch of colour to the room and offers storage with cupboards and drawers beneath. A selection of complementing tiling takes up position from full height to dado height and fully tiled floor all in neutral appealing tones and blends well with the paintwork. Heated towel rail
Bedroom 4
Located at second floor level this bedroom is a teenagers dream away from the rest of the home. A fine double room finished in bold tones this bedroom gives a host of storage within fitted robes. A sky window couples with a gable window to bounce natural light through. Additional storage in the eves.
Bedroom 5
Similar to that of Bedroom 4 this bedroom is located at second floor level and could be a bedroom or an independent teenagers living space away from the rest of the home. A fine double room finished in bold tones this bedroom gives a host of storage within fitted robes. A sky window couples with a gable window to bounce natural light through. Additional storage in the eves.
Bathroom
This bathroom acts as a Jack & Jill arrangement on the top floor landing to service both bedrooms 4 and 5. Fitted with three piece white shower suite the bathroom is wonderfully bright with the use of a large Velux window. Fully tiled in pleasing tones
Storage Shed
Located adjacent to the gym and accessed from the patio/garden outside this storage shed caters for all outdoor and garden storage needs.
Outside
This home sits perfectly on its site of approx. 0.5 acres with wide open lawns perfectly manicured with two distinct areas. The front of the property is surrounded by planted spaces housing mature box hedge softening the approach. Strategically placed flowering beds are located directly adjacent to the house packed with Limelight Hydrangea specifically chosen as the lime green changing to cream white flower heads give bursts of changing colours. A sunken lawn over two levels to the front with wide steps and low walls framed by a bank of mature trees all encased against the backdrop of a stone wall. The lower walls topped with limestone give a home to box hedge perimeter and encloses the space from the driveway. Discreet lighting illuminate. The property has a wide driveway with plenty of parking.
On the southern side to the rear of the property a limestone patio runs directly outside the main living rooms. This patio is sun trapped, enclosed, private and perfectly sheltered with the backdrop of old stone walls enclosing it. The lawn on this side of the property is wide and well maintained ideal for family outdoor activities from trampoline bouncing to football playing and everything in between. This patio has low walls with built in lighting and offers ideal naturally formed seating spots. Mature trees to include a beautiful apple tree full of fruit and silver birch are perfectly placed throughout the garden. A cobble lock pathway leads to a side pedestrian gate. Planted flowering beds are located directly adjacent to the house offering a host of plants with changing colours throughout the season. A beautiful Aser is set on its own within one of these beds to keep a level of interest. On the eastern side directly outside the gym is another extensive limestone patio enclosed by planted beds with Limelight Hydrangea giving privacy to this space.

Features
Magnificent mature 5 bed family home
4,857 Sq. Ft. with a host of reception rooms
B2 Energy Rating
Underfloor heating
Half acre of walled in mature gardens
En-suite bedrooms
Sauna & Steam Room
Home Gym