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T he Old School House has all the mod cons, while maintaining a period and Mediterranean feel.
The Old School House in Newcastle, Co Wicklow. For sale at €995,000 with Sherry Fitgerald.
The living room and Italian fireplace at the Old School House in Newcastle, Co Wicklow.
The kitchen at the Old School House in Newcastle, Co Wicklow.
The patio in the extensive gardens of the Old School House in Newcastle, Co Wicklow.
One of three ensuite bedrooms in the Old School House in Newcastle, Co Wicklow.
One the Mediterranean-style bathrooms in the Old School House in Newcastle, Co Wicklow.
One of three ensuite bedrooms in the Old School House in Newcastle, Co Wicklow.
The family room in the Old School House in Newcastle, Co Wicklow.
An original arch detail from the Old School House's first life as a coach house.
For more than 100 years the Old School House has been part of the fabric of Newcastle, County Wicklow and now after extensive restoration it is seeking a new owner.
O riginally a coach house dating back to the mid 19th century, the three-bedroomed building was pared back to its core in 2013 to begin a restoration project which took three years to complete.
The roof was replaced with salvaged Blue Bangor slate. A new wood-framed structure was built within the thick stone walls, and a modern extension was carefully added to ensure it blends seamlessly with the original building, including high ceilings and soft plasterwork.
The entire house was also insulated and other modern comforts and efficiencies were also added, including underfloor heating and A-rated PVC windows, with sash windows in the restored part of the house. The result is an energy rating of BER B3.
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During restoration, that was the key word. This remains a 19th century coach house, with all the charm and detail associated with a period home, right down to the bronze light switches. However, the modernisation of the building, has ensured its future as a practical, comfortable family home.
A stained-glass panel creates a feature window under a decorative ceiling in the entrance hallway, and all travel through the coach house’s original arched brick portal to get to the main living area. There are door hinges from 150 years ago that remain on this arch as a decorative feature.
There is an open plan kitchen, dining area and living room, opening out on to a south facing patio. A hand-crafted Italian stone fireplace takes centre stage, complete with large wood burner for cosy nights in. It was constructed by a conservation specialist trained in Venice.
There is an additional family room, which could be converted to a fourth bedroom. Currently there are three ensuite bedrooms, but the property was originally designed to provide for four bedrooms.
All three bedrooms enjoy garden views and display their own unique character. The master has French doors opening out on to the garden, the second bedroom has the feel of a Tuscan villa and the third used to be a study so comes with a range of built-in bookshelves and a large built-in wardrobe.
There is a garage that could be is plastered, insulated and ready to be used as as a home office, gym, storage or additional guest suite – subject to planning permission.
The Mediterranean feel felt inside continues outdoors in the mature gardens. To the front, lawns and a gravel driveway flanked by trees. To the rear a garden laid out over three levels, with a sunken patio and dining area complete with outdoor fireplace.
The Old School House in Newcastle is on the market for €995,000 with Sherry FitzGerald Wicklow Town.
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