In 2013 Belclare commenced work on the restoration and extension of a Victorian villa originally constructed in the 1870’s in Scilly, Kinsale, Co. Cork.
The house layout remained almost entirely as originally constructed in the late nineteenth century and when purchased consisted of six bedrooms and one bathroom on the upper floor and living room, dining room, study and kitchen on the ground floor. Since the property had been vacant for some seven years its condition was very poor and, apart from the staircase and some floorboards, there was little salvageable material.
The new design envisaged a doubling of the original 2,000 square feet to approximately 4,000 square feet and the construction of additional buildings to include a large steel utility shed and an artist studio. Maeve Cotter prepared the design, and planning permission was granted in mid 2013.
The main rooms’ detail elements were retained to include wooden shutters, plaster cornices, architraves and wood panelling. The internal renovations included complete replacement of wiring, plumbing, electrical, kitchens, and bathrooms; new joists and flooring designed to accommodate underfloor heating throughout three floors; windows, doors, plasterwork and painting. Natural gas supply was installed to provide heating whilst an air to water heat pump provides domestic hot water. The insulation and air-tightness specification helped towards a B2 building energy rating. A mechanical heat recovery system and a rainwater harvesting system were also installed.
The ground floor extensions consisted of a large south-facing kitchen, a northeast-facing conservatory, an office and a library. The upper floor was reconfigured to provide four en suite bedrooms. Finally, a semi basement was added to the western slope, which also served to strengthen the foundations of the original Victorian building. All utilities were re-led underground to the basement.
Prospect Villa in the press:
Maeve’s passion for architecture and sailing Landscaping design
June 2017
Prospect Villa is indeed a well named house. Proudly perched on a commanding site high over Kinsale, its views take in most of the town, the marina and glittering waters stretching out between the twin maritime guardians of Charles Fort and James Fort.