2 Donkeys, a Dog and Decompression...

Jarred and bruised after such a long time traversing modern life with speed and rage, M. & A. decided to escape to somewhere tranquil.

Their car was cruising on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland’s Northwest, N15 from Sligo and at the height of the Circle K Petrol station at Tullaghan, they took a right turn and travelled the local road towards Kinlough L2603 and took at the first fork a right again and drove 1.8 km. further until they’ve reached a place imbedded in a bucolic scenery, where they entered a somewhat narrow country lane (called Boreens or back roads in the local lingo), and suddenly a serene, pastoral landscape, similar to a 19th century French Daubigny painting, appeared to greet them.

... W. said: "working with the unusual, romantic, laid back, the remnants of an old Irish cottage with all its decay is hard to beat, reminding us of our own decay! Memento mori! This a true appreciation of what was once was, what was nearly long gone and forgotten, was given the second chance at life by a dedication of human touch." This is what makes this place sort of unique and perhaps it’s a true piece of art.

In the last four and a half years, we persevered to build this safe haven for all of you. To have built this art form from such a truthful place and see it realised felt cathartic. We are ever greatful for having the chance to design and build this space from start to finish.

Strolling along the gravel laden pathway 140 meters further, you’ll arrive at the 4 cabins strategically built for privacy and individual nature view.

Moreover, a wooden shed is also there wherein foods are carefully prepared and served. A chill-out area for communal use is available as well.

The entire building materials, furnishings and logistical elements were locally sourced for the most part (BMG, Bundoran, Ireland) or from environmentally friendly companies (GEA Waldviertler Austria; Muji Japan; Swiss Cotton; Ökotextile Germany etc.)

The state of our planet is indeed quite frustrating, but we can take heart in knowing that it took us well intended efforts to execute the entire building work by our hands with exception of about 10% ish help from our beloved friends and family. To help lessen the so called sick building syndrome, we built the whole place in a raw, simplistic and for the most part, true to our own sustainable way as follows:

• OSB wood, heat treated, not chemically treated.

• Pine & woods – sourced from the EU, mostly from Sweden and Finland (stamped with FSC = Forest stewardship Council)

• Douglas Fir and Pine woods = sourced from Ireland.

• Screws, plaster boards, steel, metal and the rest of the building materials came from our local builder company, BMG Ltd. In Budoran, 5 km. away from us.

• Paints are primarily water based and bio degradable. Linseed Oil was used for wood treatments. Casein paint and pigments were used for the inner part of the cabins.

• Our quality «Lenny» wood stoves are made in the UK by Little Burners

• Of course plastic was used, but kept to a minimum.

• Beds and other furnishings were done by hand.