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WITH VIEWS OVER the Irish Sea on the dramatic Howth Peninsula, this contemporary home is certainly at one with its surroundings – and its name is a little misleading too. Hidden within more than seven acres of private grounds and located by the coast, this remarkable building offers a mix of seclusion, design excellence and uninterrupted natural beauty. And to top it all off, it’s within easy reach of Dublin city centre. It may be called Heather Cottage, but there’s nothing cottage-like about it.
It’s clear that Heather Cottage has been designed with a deep respect for the peninsula’s environment. Clad in locally sourced Howth stone, the building appears almost embedded in the hillside, its ochre-toned exterior echoing the textures and colours of the surrounding cliffs. A zinc roof, chosen for both durability and sustainability, crowns the structure and incorporates two elevated terraces that provide spectacular vantage points over the coastline.
Designed by architect Andrzej Wejchert of AD Wejchert and Partners, the home feels less like a conventional luxury property and more like a carefully composed retreat shaped by the landscape itself. From its commanding position on the Hill of Howth, the property enjoys sweeping views across Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island and the ever-changing Irish Sea, with every room oriented towards the horizon.
Internally, the home unfolds across a whopping 340 m² of beautifully considered living space. The split-level layout separates the entertaining and living areas from the bedrooms, creating a natural sense of flow while maintaining intimacy.
Expansive windows allow daylight to pour into the interiors while framing uninterrupted sea views from almost every angle. At the heart of the home is a sophisticated kitchen with sleek white siltstone worktops, seamlessly connected to open plan dining and living spaces. A dual-aspect fireplace subtly divides the main living room into distinct zones, offering warmth without impacting the visual openness of the design.
It’s evident that every detail inside Heather Cottage has been executed to the highest standard. White-oiled oak flooring and elegant Liscannor stone tiles run throughout the property, complemented by underfloor gas heating that ensures comfort year-round. Carefully crafted joinery, glass balustrades and bespoke shelving contribute to the understated sophistication of the interiors.
There are five luxurious bedroom suites, alongside a sixth room that’s currently as a home office. The main suite is particularly impressive, featuring a spa-like bathroom akin to a five-star hotel. Several bedrooms open directly onto private terraces, strengthening the connection between indoors and out.
Bathrooms throughout the house have a distinctly boutique quality, fitted with Philippe Starck sanitary ware and Hansgrohe fittings. Oversized en suite bathrooms, many with freestanding baths, reinforce the sense of indulgence that this home exudes.
What truly sets Heather Cottage apart is its setting. The property is enveloped by over 300 acres of protected landscape designated under a Special Area Amenity Order, which is one of the highest levels of planning protection in Ireland. This ensures that no future development can ruin the views or privacy enjoyed here.
The grounds themselves include newly constructed tennis facilities and stables, appealing to sporting and equestrian lovers. And nearby beaches, yacht clubs and golf courses are sure to keep everyone busy.
Despite its privacy, Heather Cottage remains well-connected. Howth village, known for its fabulous seafood restaurants, cafés and its marina, lies just moments away, while Dublin city centre can be reached in about half an hour. Dublin Airport is only 20 minutes from the property, making it ideally positioned for anyone who often travels internationally.
It’s no surprise that the rich landscape surrounding Heather Cottage has long inspired writers and artists, most famously Samuel Beckett and James Joyce. Whoever buys Heather Cottage will surely find it hard not to wake up to inspiration every day.
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