Shellbrook House, Ramelton

Our brief with Shellbrook House was to renovate and extend a country farmhouse on a quiet country road on the shore near Ramelton. The two-and-a-half storey farmhouse had been unoccupied for a number of years before our client contacted us seeking a rejuvenation of the house, and on an idyllic, quiet shorefront road, we were instantly captivated by the site and existing house. The deep stone walls and 20th century fittings and finishes have a scintillating charm, accentuated by the contemporary addition to the rear and side of the house.

The extension houses the kitchen, dining and living areas of the home, and glazing opens the split-level layout to the sea and allows the spaces to soak up light. The light-filled kitchen at ground level serves as a family rendezvous, and sitting in the intermediate-level dining area provides a view over Lough Swilly. Upstairs to the living room, and you are greeted with a stunning vista over the water and across to Inishowen. The extension is then tied in to the existing house by the upstairs corridor, linking the living space to the refrubished bedroom quarters.