A dated 1970s bungalow in County Waterford, Ireland, has been transformed into a stunning seaside-themed family retreat that perfectly captures the essence of coastal living. Clodagh Higginson, a London-based communications company owner originally from Waterford, has successfully navigated the delicate balance between coastal charm and sophisticated design, creating a space that feels both luxurious and authentically weathered by time.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property presented significant challenges when Higginson purchased it eight years ago. The bungalow had remained untouched since the 1970s, featuring orange pine ceilings, rotting carpets, and a boarded-up fireplace that would have deterred most buyers. However, the home's clifftop location and private sandy cove at the end of the garden made the investment worthwhile for Higginson, who wanted to own property in her home county.
"I think if you'd seen it when we bought it, you'd have wondered why we even bothered to go at it," Higginson explains. The transformation began with a simple but effective strategy recommended by a successful London designer: whitening out all walls, ceilings, and the brick fireplace in the living room. This inexpensive approach created the blank canvas needed for the beach-inspired retreat while providing financial flexibility to invest in quality wool carpets throughout the home.
The renovation philosophy centered on using high-quality natural materials that would age beautifully over time. Higginson chose tactile finishes including sheepskin rugs in living spaces, rattan armchairs in the dining room, marble vanity units in bathrooms, and a fluted Belfast sink in the kitchen. These elements prevent the design from becoming a superficial imitation of seaside style, instead creating authentic depth and character.
"An interior scheme will stand or fall based on the quality of materials you choose," Higginson notes. "Solid wood, rattan, bamboo, 100% cotton or linen will all last longer and age better over time." She emphasizes that luxury doesn't require enormous expense, pointing out that high-street stores offer quality natural fiber options. Even budget-friendly finds, like seat pads from Harvey Norman, can elevate a space when they feature premium materials like linen and cotton-velvet blends.
The kitchen showcases this commitment to quality with handmade cabinets crafted by Declan Sexton & Sons, a second-generation family workshop in Waterford. The solid wood cabinets received a lime-wash finish designed to evoke driftwood texture and the color of chalky white sand. Brassware from Perrin & Rowe and Porter Bathroom brought warmth and timeless elegance to both kitchen and bathroom spaces.
One of the home's most successful transformations occurred in the dining room, formerly a cold conservatory. Now bathed in natural light, this white, sun-drenched space requires minimal decoration as full-length windows frame the extraordinary coastal scenery. The room features an old pine table that Higginson transported from London and refreshed using Annie Sloan paints, embracing the lived-in aesthetic she favors. "I like a lived-in look," she explains, "and this table has plenty of digs and marks on it."
Character pieces throughout the home tell stories of local history and personal journey. Two dark brown antique chests from Waterford-based antiquesireland.ie punctuate the subdued seaside palette in bedrooms, while a stag's head above the fireplace carries particular significance. The piece was present when Higginson bought the property, and faded letters reading "Balmoral" on its back suggest connections to Lord Waterford's former hunting lodge that once occupied the site. "In summer, I'll pop sunglasses on him and a red nose at Christmas time," Higginson laughs. "He's part of the family now."
The home's artistic touches blend international and local influences seamlessly. Quirky prints from London's Print Club, run by Higginson's brother and sister-in-law, mix with works by Irish artists including Emer Aspel, Rosemary Tritschler, and Sorrell Reilly. The hallway, painted in Dulux's French Grey, reads as striking green and demonstrates Higginson's belief that transitional spaces offer opportunities for bold choices. "I think you can have a lot of fun in a hallway because you don't linger there too long," she explains.
Higginson's design philosophy extends beyond coastal properties, advocating that seaside-inspired interiors can work anywhere. "You can create this look anywhere because it's rooted in natural materials, and the palette of blues and beige is easy to work with," she advises. The versatility of duck-egg blue allows for seasonal adaptations, pairing beautifully with mustard and claret for autumn transitions.
The renovation also addressed contemporary environmental concerns, earning the property an A1 energy rating through complete retrofitting with external insulation and solar panels. An EV charger provides modern convenience while maintaining the home's authentic character. This combination of sustainability and style reflects Higginson's comprehensive approach to the project.
After years of interior design experience gained through multiple property renovations and professional collaboration with clients in the built environment sector, including boutique hotel developers, Higginson has developed an encyclopedic knowledge of design principles. Her approach emphasizes buying only pieces you love rather than following trends, and she learned crucial floorplan principles from Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman's BBC Maestro course.
The completed transformation represents more than a successful renovation; it embodies a philosophy of patient, thoughtful design that honors both place and materials. "With my notions, I'd love to think the interior would sit comfortably in The Hamptons," Higginson admits tentatively. Given the home's sophisticated blend of comfort, character, and coastal charm, Hamptons residents would indeed find much to admire in this Irish seaside retreat that proves excellent design transcends geography.
