Beneath the Turrets

Tucked within the grounds of a turreted castle near Dublin, this former Victorian barn – once part of an idealised ‘model’ farm – has been transformed into a richly atmospheric retreat. Designer Suzie Mc Adam approached the project by allowing the building’s history to speak, adding touches that feel both unexpected and inevitable: “It was about creating moments of delight while respecting the original architecture,” she explains. The result is a home that feels entirely at ease in its landscape, yet alive with personality – a place where every corner tells a story.

Now a private retreat for American clients, the property offers sanctuary from the bustle of city life while providing a base for European travels. Working alongside architect Coli O’Donoghue of DMOD Architects, who preserved the barn’s character while introducing sensitive architectural interventions, McAdam shaped interiors that feel playful and bespoke, yet deeply respectful of the building’s past.

The long, narrow footprint of the house posed challenges, but also opportunities. The addition of a Powder Room and Primary Ensuite allowed for the creation of intimate jewel-box spaces and a serene master retreat. “The brief was refreshingly open-ended – a designer’s dream,” says Mc Adam. “From the outset, there was a natural synergy with our clients, who have a deep appreciation for art and antiques.”

Upstairs, the Primary Ensuite takes a quieter, more restorative tone. Walls in a soft, earthy pink form a backdrop for layers of stone, brass and fabric. Centred beneath a generous picture window, a Drummonds Spey cast iron bath with ball-and-claw feet provides the perfect vantage point onto rolling fields. Opposite, the Spittal freestanding shower provides a striking counterpoint to the softness of the room. Its brass framework and exposed pipework add an architectural quality, transforming the shower into a sculptural presence. “I had seen this piece years ago, and it stayed with me,” says Mc Adam.“ It isn’t just a shower – it’s a work of art. It brings a sense of old-world luxury while still feeling fresh.”

In every detail, from the intimate bathrooms to the larger living spaces, Mc Adam has orchestrated a dialogue between past and present. It is a quality she also recognises in Drummonds’ work: “Their products strike the perfect balance between classic elegance and modern functionality… Each piece feels like an heirloom, while still offering the comfort and durability expected in a modern home.”

The result is a home that feels lived-in yet entirely extraordinary, where function and beauty coexist seamlessly. “Design should feel effortless, but layered with personality and meaning,” Mc Adam reflects – and nowhere is that more apparent than here, in a former barn that has been quietly, spectacularly reborn.