Could This Quaint Co Clare Cottage Be Crowned Home of the Year?

House envy is catching on fast thanks to RT?’s?Home of the Year,?with some achingly charming contestants in the mix. One?100-year-old cottage extension in Clare caught our eye…

Emma Hogan and Andrew Hersey both have design?backgrounds. Needless to say, the pair have an eye for aesthetics. They took on the cottage renovation in 2010, adding two separate buildings and creating double-height ceilings, adding?light and a sense of space.

A dynamic team, Emma and Andrew transformed a once-compact, previously uninhabitable dwelling?into a breathable, animated and highly emotive house. Emma, a children’s writer and illustrator, has made it tactile and colourful, while garden centre owner Andrew compliments Emma’s fun finishes with warm grey walls.

This is a sensitive extension that retains the cottage’s century-old narrative, with stone cut walls and beams exposed and juxtaposed with the two new buildings.

Overall the house?is affordably functional and oozing with creativity whilst staying in touch with its rural roots.

RTE’s?Home of the Year?is looking for new applicants. If you feel your home has what it takes, apply online now at?rte.ie/homeoftheyear. The closing date is Monday, 18th July.?All images by?Marcin Janowski // Maann Photography?for RT’s?Home of The Year,?which can be viewed on the?RT? Player.