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Name: Caitriona Hughes (@pebblebeachhouse2020)
Age: 40
Occupation: Stay at home mum
Location: North county Dublin
What type of house? It is a new build: a part single storey part two storey house
How many bedrooms and bathrooms? We have three bedrooms and four bathrooms, and can use our den as a guest bedroom when needed.
When did you move in? Three months ago.
Who lives there? I live here with my husband Jonathan and four children: Ríain (11), Caoimhe (9), Maitiú (6) and Fiadh (4).
What made you choose this design over others?
We wanted a design that would fully take advantage of all movements of the sun, from rising to setting, and of course that would allow us to enjoy the sea views. Shaping the design with our architect was something we really enjoyed.
What are some of the smartest storage solutions in your home?
Practicality, functionality and storage were high on our priority list when designing this home. It is such a relief to finally have somewhere to put the coats, hats, gloves, boots, shoes, wetsuits, and everything else that comes with a family of six.
We now have a closet at the front door and also a boot room by the back door which takes care of the majority of all that. We also have a separate (tiny) laundry room, which I love, as baskets of washing were the bane of my life. Lots of people say they want a huge utility rooms, but ours is super compact and works perfectly.
Is there any part of your home that makes it unique?
I think our four-angled east facing windows are pretty unique. Instead of facing directly into our neighbours’ houses, they point out to the sea. So we have total privacy and can fully appreciate all those sunrises. I love following the sun around the house with our morning, afternoon and evening terraces.
How does a typical day start in your home?
Right now we are living a much slower paced life. I would normally wake at 7.30am and go downstairs into the kitchen, make sure the kids are sorted with their breakfast and then I bring up a coffee to the balcony off the master suite (weather permitting of course). I would then usually do some form of exercise outside, be it a swim, a run or a beach workout.
How does a typical day end in your home?
In the evening after the dinner clean up and kids’ bedtimes, we would take full advantage of a sunset, if it’s on offer. Our open plan kitchen living room lights up bright orange during a good sunset, it opens out to the evening terrace and truly is a sight to behold Bedtime is around 11pm.
Would you change anything if you were doing it again?
It’s all very new to us now and we haven’t spent a winter in the house so that could change things but currently I wouldn’t do a thing differently with the design or decor.
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Looking forward to the annual quick dip in Lough Owel Mullingar tomorrow. In and out followed by a nip if whiskey and home for the turkey dinner what more could you ask for? Compliments if the holiday to all of the combatant Journo commenters (is that a word?), I don’t always agree with your point of view but can’t help checking them out.
Been able to swim would surely be the most important thing
Don’t make any necessary journeys.
Don’t wear a swimsuit you pussies
That should be wet suit
Swimsuit is funnier
I’m swimming in Courtown Hrb on Christmas Day. My first time and I’m in my 60′s I’d hardly swim in the sea in July unless it was in Spain or somewhere. But it’s a dare and it’s for Hope Cancer Support Services https://www.gofundme.com/xmasswimwebb16hopecancersupport
We’re having a swim in the Liffey who’s up for it()
dont go swimming in the sea
I’ll be swimming in Woodstown beach tomorrow. Looking forward to the ritual.
Dont do it.simple as.
Some do it for charity
have your say