A Luxurious Coastal Home in Donegal, Ireland

A Threshold to the Landscape

Donegal’s beauty comes with exposure. “There’s a lot of strong winds around here,” Ewing explains, prompting the creation of a sheltered arrival courtyard formed by two buildings set slightly into the site. The house is designed as an upside-down home, with living spaces above and bedrooms below, “to make the most of the views.”

An Entrance of Light and Orientation

Inside, the entrance hall marks a transition from tradition to modernity. Sliding sash windows and lower ceilings give way to a dramatic internal axis. “It’s like a catwalk bringing you right through into the house,” Ewing says.

Light pours down from above, chandeliers add ceremony, and the staircase descends discreetly. “You don’t see it, which is good because it doesn’t interrupt the sea view.” Curves are used sparingly, ensuring they command attention where they appear.

A Kitchen Organised in Layers

The kitchen unfolds across three connected zones: dining, living, and cooking. The clients wanted a traditional feel, so cabinetry is classic in form but muted in colour, allowing it to sit comfortably within a modern shell.

“It’s a lovely kitchen to be in because it’s so bright and airy,” says Ewing. Roof lights illuminate the island, chandeliers introduce drama, and generous storage is subtly integrated. A window seat anchors the space. “Anytime we do a window seat, people just love them.”

The adjacent living area lowers the ceiling for warmth, while carefully positioning the fire and television ensures the sea view remains central. “That panoramic view of the water is really what this house is all about.”

Dining and the Outdoor Connection

The dining area sits beside the kitchen, enjoying a vaulted ceiling and uninterrupted views. From here, doors lead directly onto a large external deck, resolving a common challenge of upside-down houses.

Family Spaces and the Coach House

A separate wing houses the back entrance, playroom, WC, and a highly practical boot room. Designed for Donegal’s climate, it includes a Belfast sink, integrated matwell, and extensive storage. “Everything here has got to be durable,” Ewing explains.

Quiet Rooms and Guest Retreats

Opposite the main living spaces, a more formal lounge offers an alternative setting. With herringbone oak floors, a classical fireplace, and refined detailing, it is designed for quieter moments while still enjoying expansive sea views.

Glass, Landscape, and the Atlantic

At the rear, the house shifts toward transparency. While rooflines and materials remain consistent, glass takes precedence. A west-facing garden captures evening sun, framing the Atlantic in all its changeable moods.

“It’s all about the glass. It’s all about the view,” Ewing reflects. This Donegal home is a beautiful response to place: elegant, resilient, and deeply attuned to life on the edge of Europe.

Explore the rest of this beautiful home in full here.