See Inside This Thoughtfully Restored Cottage Retreat In West Cork

Nestled in the hills of Bandon, interior designer Geri O’Toole recently completed a heartfelt project for a family living far from Ireland’s shores …

A couple from Co Laois and Northern Ireland, now based in the Bahamas, dreamed of creating a retreat for their young family. With two daughters and a demanding travel schedule, they were drawn to the idea of a quiet Irish haven where they could reconnect and unwind. The property they chose was a charming, though timeworn, country cottage.

Steeped in history and character, it held all the raw potential to become an idyllic holiday home. Geri Designs’ mission was clear: to restore and enhance the cottage, breathing new life into it while preserving its authentic charm and low-ceilinged intimacy that makes it so special. It has become a refuge filled with soul that only comes from stories lived within its walls. Curated but never contrived.

Throughout the renovation, Geri focused on bringing light and warmth in with a soft colour palette, natural materials, traditional finishes and carefully chosen artwork to reflect the family’s unique interests. The result is a home that feels both personal and timeless, built for summer evenings or fireside winters.

For the family, this cottage is more a sanctuary than a holiday home. The couple can recharge and the girls can roam in the serenity of the Irish countryside.

A Warm Welcome

The Whiskey Room immediately sets the tone. Designed as a welcoming nook for the comforting feel of home, it’s perfect for a quiet drink. It also features the old cottage wall, elevated with a tumbled limestone floor. Discreet John Cullen lighting adds a warm glow, with hidden spots in the cabinetry.

The Traditionally Modern Kitchen

Flowing naturally from the living area is the heart of the home that embraces a classic aesthetic, grounded in tradition yet updated for modern family life. The cottage-style doors were limewashed to soften the space with a naturally textured, matte finish. Arches were added to pull you through to the pantry and mud room.

Original timber beams were given new life; painstakingly stripped back to their bare bones, revealing the grain and imperfections that only time can create. This unexpected detail adds depth, turning the ceiling into a design statement all its own, while celebrating the history etched into the timber. Hand-cut and laid tiles form a beautiful backsplash, while a natural veined marble adorns the worktops.

Comfortable Living Spaces

The living room, just off the kitchen, is perfect for relaxing in front of the TV after a long day exploring. One of the standout features is the antique rose pink fireplace that Geri sourced, framed by antique brick from France, laid in a striking herringbone pattern that draws the eye and showcases the expert craftsmanship.

The Mudroom

At the back of the cottage, the mudroom blends design with utility. An ochre palette offsets green-painted windows and doors, connecting it to the garden through a Dutch-style door, which Geri designed to give it a quaint character. It’s a hardworking room with a natural marble sink, but it’s also an inviting threshold.

A Master Suite Made For Rest

The ceiling in the master bedroom, wallpapered in a delicate print, draws the eye upward to create a cocooning effect. A bespoke headboard is upholstered in an antique, aged-look fabric from Pierre Frey, with just the right patina to reflect the home’s history. Geri and her team played with contrasts throughout; juxtaposing antiques with a modern edge to inspire a layered look.

A Childhood Dream

Upstairs, the girls’ whimsical bedrooms are something out of a storybook with charming wallpaper, custom designed bunk beds and cosy corners to read or play. Throughout the rooms, Geri and the client worked closely to select a variety of interesting wallpapers; each adding its own personality and mood.