Natural Inspiration

This new-build barn, situated in mature woodland with access to a private beach, provides a serene retreat that harmonises beautifully with its natural surroundings.

Located near Kinsale, Co. Cork, nestled beside a rippling stream, stands the McGoff family’s newly constructed contemporary barn. It is a bold contrast to the historic 17th-century mill house that had initially captivated the couple’s hearts. This striking juxtaposition was born from necessity, creativity, and a deep-seated desire to accommodate the ever-growing clan of Katie and Dave McGoff. In 2015, Dave and Katie, a married couple with five children – Annie May (23), Malachy (21), Kitty (18), Paddy (17), and Mary (15) – discovered the old mill and its dilapidated stables while searching for a holiday home. The mill house was breathtaking, full of history and charm, but the nearby stables left much to be desired. ‘They were a bit of an eyesore,’ Katie remarks, recalling her first impressions. Despite the stables’ disrepair, the idyllic surroundings charmed them. The sound of the stream burbling behind the property was mesmerising and encapsulated the serenity they craved.

Read more in the September issue…