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WINNER of 'BEST HOUSE' 2014 at the Architecture Ireland Awards- RIAI. The Cow House is a recently restored 19th Century farm building set in the grounds of June Blake's internationally acclaimed garden. This beautiful contemporary renovation was designed by Architect's Michael Kelly and Dan Costelloe. The Cow House has its own timber and glass elevation set back behind the restored granite elevation. It has an independent ground floor structure of timber posts, timber/steel flitch beams and timber joists, supporting first floor timber structural frames which in turn support the 15m long laminated timber ridge beam. This enables the rafters to span from the ridge to the walls permitting the roof space to accommodate two en-suite bedrooms. The partitions are formed from European birch faced ...WINNER of 'BEST HOUSE' 2014 at the Architecture Ireland Awards- RIAI. The Cow House is a recently restored 19th Century farm building set in the grounds of June Blake's internationally acclaimed garden. This beautiful contemporary renovation was designed by Architect's Michael Kelly and Dan Costelloe. The Cow House has its own timber and glass elevation set back behind the restored granite elevation. It has an independent ground floor structure of timber posts, timber/steel flitch beams and timber joists, supporting first floor timber structural frames which in turn support the 15m long laminated timber ridge beam. This enables the rafters to span from the ridge to the walls permitting the roof space to accommodate two en-suite bedrooms. The partitions are formed from European birch faced plywood.
The ground floor is one space for cooking, dining and sitting. The floor is a heated polished concrete floor cast from local sand and granite. The floor steps as the original cow houses stepped. The kitchen island is formed from the same cast concrete. The granite walls on the east and south have been lined with solid Douglas Fir.
The stairs is baroque in conception and design. The lower section is formed from cast concrete, dense, solid and load bearing in contrast with the upper section, a semi solid hanging assembly of laminated plywood.
Upstairs there are two unique bedrooms with glass lined en suite bathrooms. Four bespoke roof lights allow light and sunshine to animate all spaces within the house.
The contemporary garden is set within the grounds of a Victorian Steward's house and farmyard. 'June Blake's Garden is that rare thing, a plant collector's paradise with a strong design framework. The planting is bold, brave and brilliant.' Jane Powers, Sunday Times.' The effect is startling in it's beauty, like the spilt content's of a jewellery box'. Fionnula Fallon, The Irish Garden. ' June's new garden is a rare treat, a modern garden that draws in the visitor and wraps them in flowers, welcoming yet stylish, and an example of virtuoso design and expert plantsmanship.' Shirley Lanigan, The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland.
The Cow House is a dream location for garden lovers. It is within walking distance of the acclaimed Hunting Brook Garden owned by June's brother Jimi. Russborough House and Garden is 5 only km from The Cow House. Other gardens within a short distance are Mount Usher, Powerscourt and The Dillon Garden. There are many other interesting private gardens which June has access to.
Activities within easy distance:
Hill walking / Hiking in the Wicklow Mountains
Water sports on Blessington Lake.
Punchestown Racecourse is 13 km, Curragh Racecourse is 30km, Leopardstown Racecourse is 25km
Golf courses – South County/ Lisheen Springs Golf Club is 3km, Citywest Golf Course is 6km, Palmerstown House 15km, K Club is 18km, Tulfarris Golf Club is 15km and many more within a short distance.
The amenities of Dublin City are a thirty minute drive.
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We were met by Dara who gave us the warmest welcome and showed us around the amazing Cow House. We had booked because it stood within the grounds of June Blakes wonderful garden, it was the garden we had come to see but oh boy...More
We stayed in the Cow House which is a very modern design accommodation. Large area downstairs with comfortable seating, dining table and fully equipped kitchen. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs. Very friendly and welcoming hosts who have plenty of good tips and advice for...More
No wonder, the Cow House won an architecture award after completion in 2014. It is a true gem. A very comfortable wooden house inside an old stone "mantle". Being an architect, I loved the detailing and the use of materials. The house is compact but...More
We spent three nights staying in the self catering accommodation onsite. The Cow House has been converted to an extremely high and unique standard. The interior is open plan which made it great to share with friends. The welcome we received from June, Dara and...More
Stayed for about 10 wonderful days. June Blake is a great host. We rented The Cow House and our friends rented the adjacent Turkey House. The architecture of these places is truly remarkable. The wood work and construction are stunning, the engineering and workmanship amazing....More
Such a beautiful place to stay, brilliant location and easy to access. Internally the house is cosy and perfect for the winter weather. We all found the owner and family to be very friendly and very helpful, going out of their way to make sure...More
We spent a wonderful week at the Cow House; a unique and special holiday home. The location right outside of Blessington was perfect for us. A short trip to anything we wanted to visit including my wife's hometown, Russborough House, the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Brittas...More
Guests at the “Cow House” can explore the enthusiasm from June for beauty and attention to detail: In the garden and in the house.
The historical house radiates warmth and security, even though the architecture is modern. Lots of light is in the house, an...More