IN LAST MONTH’S edition of Allianz Amazing Homes, our readers faced a tough choice as to which gorgeous self-build they wanted to see a tour of.

They chose Sarah’s Cork Home, a beautiful Georgian-style property built on a family farm outside Kinsale. As promised, we’ve paid a visit with our video crew to take you on a tour of the inspiring interior so you can get all the inspo you need for your own decor needs. 

As our winner for January, Sarah’s Cork Home will be entered into the final vote at the end of the year alongside each of our other monthly winners, as voted by you, with a chance to win a very special prize. 

In addition to the exclusive tour, we also caught up with Sarah who kindly talked us through her self-build journey. 

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve lived here?

Our home is a Georgian-style house that was built two years ago, and we’ve been living here since then. It’s built on my husband’s family farm, and he farms the land. We always knew that this is where he would live, so building here felt like a natural step for us as a family.

I moved here from the city, so living in the countryside was a big change at first, but it’s something I’ve really grown to love. It feels very grounding, and it’s lovely raising our family here.

How long did the renovation or self-build take?

From the time we broke ground to the day we moved in, the build took about 17 months. It felt long at the time, but looking back now, it was absolutely worth it.

What was the main inspiration behind the design?

I’ve always been drawn to Georgian-style homes. Even just driving past them, they always caught my eye. I love the symmetry, the proportions, and the classic finish. We wanted a home that felt timeless rather than trend-led, and that really guided the overall design.

Do you have a favourite space in the house?

The kitchen is definitely my favourite space. It’s the heart of the house and where most of our day-to-day life happens. With children, it’s rarely picture-perfect, but that’s exactly how we wanted it — a space that’s lived in and used.

We love having people over, so it’s very much a gathering space for family and friends. It’s welcoming, practical, and works for real life, which was always more important to us than having something that looked perfect all the time.

Were there any particular suppliers, designers, or materials that you used?

We focused on quality materials and classic finishes throughout the house. I always knew I wanted an in-frame kitchen, and I love the warmth and craftsmanship of wood. 

Were there any places, travels, styles, or ideas that influenced the outcome?

More than anything, it was a mindset. I kept saying that we were doing this once, so we wanted to do it right. I wanted everything — from the style to the furniture — to feel like it belonged here long term, and not something that would need upgrading in ten years. That approach really influenced every decision.

What were some of the most important design choices you made?

Choosing a timeless overall style was really important to us. We focused on proportions, layout, and finishes that would last, while also making sure the house worked for everyday family life, with good storage and practical spaces that could cope with children and busy days.

Are there any features or details you’re especially proud of?

The windows are a feature I absolutely love. I love their height and scale, and how much natural light they bring into the house. They really enhance the overall feel of the home and add to the classic Georgian style.

Did sustainability or smart technology play a part in the build?

Yes, sustainability did play a part in the build. From an efficiency point of view, the house is A-rated, which was really important to us. We focused on good insulation and modern building standards so the house would be comfortable and efficient to run long-term.

We also included smart technology where it made sense for everyday living, while keeping the overall look of the house traditional.

What surprised you most during the renovation or build process?

I was surprised by how many decisions you have to make along the way, but it really makes the finished home feel personal.

Now that it’s finished, how does the home compare to what you originally imagined?

Now that we’re living in it, I actually think it turned out even better than I imagined. Some spaces, especially how bright the house is, exceeded my expectations. It feels timeless, comfortable, and very easy to live in.

Why should your home win the Allianz Amazing Home of the Year series on The Journal?

I think our home should win because it strikes a really good balance between timeless design and modern, everyday family living. While the house has a classic, Georgian-inspired style that will stand the test of time, it’s also a very practical, lived-in home.

We have children, the house is used, it can be messy, and it’s designed to work for real life. It’s welcoming, and it’s a place where we love having family and friends over. It’s not about being picture-perfect — it’s about creating a home that feels warm, comfortable, and functional for how we actually live today. 

If you’ve built or renovated your own home and would like to see it featured on Allianz Amazing Homes, reach out to us by email at competitions@thejournal.ie with the subject line Amazing Homes or through Instagram @thejournal_ie.