| Dooneen House is an architect designed residence (1980, 2,000 square feet, 186 sq.m.) is situated in a low swale to take advantage of the terrain for protection from the prevailing south west winds that sweep in off the Atlantic during the winter months. The climate is mild with a winter low of c. 7oC. The bay and mountain form a visual part of the interior living space which is intimate and cosy. The scenery is superb and the changing light a source of continual interest.
Dooneen boasts a 180 degree panorama over Dunmanus Bay and is secluded on 10 acres of rugged terrain and overlooks the headland from which the house gets its name, Dooneen. 5 minutes drive from the village of Kilcrohane, Dooneen shares the headland with just 7 other houses. The Sheep's Head peninsula (south of Bantry bay) is one of the lightest populated areas of Ireland.
The Photo Gallery will show inside the house, and one will be able to work out that internally, there is the GRANT apartment, The EAST side (with its loft) and, up the circular staircase to The STUDIO. The idea is to be able to go off and find a quiet spot within.
The house is planned for passive solar heating. As the sun moves through its daily arc it shines through the kitchen, dining area, living room and bedroom windows, warming each in turn. In addition, the whole house is heated by radiators fed from an oil-fired STANLEY stove, by which one also can cook. There are back up overnight electric heaters and standby mobile electric radiatiors. There are two standby mobile electric radiators. In warm weather hot water flows from the electric immersion. The kitchen also has a 2-plate gas ring and oven, a 4 cu.ft. refrigerator and large clotheswasher/drier. Beyond the kitchen in the store there is an upright 6-drawer freezer, and clothes drier nearby. Satellite broadband is installed and in addition to the Irish stations SKY and HOT BIRD satellite dishes bring in BBC,ITV,CNN, French, German, Italian and Spanish television.
The overall effect is of a residence with a multiplicity of possibilities. A small family will have plenty of space. Grandparents can enjoy privacy and quietness. Adult friends could holiday together comfortably. Relaxation is its essence.
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