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Wrought Iron Beds Dispite problems with my Facebook page since the update I managed to come across this fab website for interiors – Eclectic Interiors. It seems to be a real home grown affair run by Selina Gettins where she restores, paints and renovat …

It is the dream of many cottage lovers to be able to live and run a successful and rewarding business from their cottage and recently I had the good fortune to meet with a couple who have done just that. On one of the hardiest days of the year my fabulous Focus ice-skated cross country from Carlow to Moate in Co. Westmeath to visit the cottage of Helen and Brendan Doherty – better known as the Caraiosa Centre.

Obviously the first place you have to start when renovating a cottage is with the foundations. Unless your cottage is built on solid bedrock (envious glance at Connemara cottages…) then chances are you will have to do some structural repairs to the foundations before you begin any renovation work. Needless to say at the outset an engineer is required for this.

I love this cottage, beautiful thatch, old red sash windows and white walls and all in a modern home! This cottage would be fantastic for someone looking to retire to a comfortable, modern cottage for some peace and quiet and the sound of the ocean. I could also see this as a retreat for an artist, crafts person or musician… Dingle itself is such a hub of craft and creativity. The auctioneers recommend it as a summer house but it would be a pity if this was not loved all year round! Unfortunatley there are no interior pictures so we’ll have to user our imaginations cottageologists!

It’s time for a little eye candy for all you cottage enthusiasts out there, I came across this beautiful Thatched cottage for sale in Lissycasey, Co. Clare this week. It ticks all the right boxes with its neat thatch, half door, sliding sash windows, barge and rough render – and that is only on the outside!