Transforming a Henhouse into a Charming Family Home in Ireland

In the early 1990s, Liz Pickett and her husband Roger transformed a former henhouse in County Meath, Ireland, into a charming family home, preserving its rustic charm. Liz, who grew up collecting eggs from the henhouse, inherited the property along with six other thatched cottages from her family, making her the fourth generation to live there. The couple aimed to create a home that blended seamlessly with the landscape, opting for a thatched roof and textured walls made from local sea-stones. Roger, an engineer with a passion for architecture, designed the house and collaborated with master thatcher Paul Lewis to create the thatched roof using 2,600 bundles of reeds. The construction took two years, during which they focused on showcasing the beauty of the woodwork and maintaining a bright, airy atmosphere with vaulted ceilings. Unique features, such as a mantelpiece made from a local aspen trunk and a small oval window inspired by the Neolithic Newgrange site, were incorporated to enhance the home’s character. The couple's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of their home, from the open-plan dining area to the carefully designed shelving for their china collection. Roger's love for timber is reflected in his creations from driftwood, which Liz uses for cooking and decoration. The thatched roof, untouched for over 30 years, has aged gracefully, contributing to the tranquil ambiance of their home. Ultimately, Liz and Roger feel like caretakers of their heritage, cherishing the peaceful setting that allows them to escape the outside world and enjoy their life together in Ireland.