A restored creamery linked to a new build via a glass walkway in Camp, Mountoven, Co. Kerry is among the standout properties on the market at present.
Situated in the Dingle peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way, The Old Creamery which is on 0.34ac, was restored and extended by Avril and Walter Castellazzo of WCD Interiors who are currently based in The Cotswolds and also have a house in Inch, Co. Kerry.
They bought the creamery which was owned by the Kerry Group, after Walter fell in love with it in 2005.
“We had every intention of either living or running the Old Creamery as a fantastic high-end dog friendly holiday stay. Life, time and age just got the better of us, I am afraid,” said Avril.
“That is why the whole project has been finished with love and as if we were going to live in it ourselves.
“Walter especially could not stop until he had fulfilled his vision for this wonderful historic building in such a special part of Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way,” she added.
88-year-old Jack Downing who lives in Castlegregory, former manager of the creamery, was able to provide lots of information on the memorabilia of the creamery.
“It was quite wonderful as all the ledgers were handwritten by him”, he said.
“All the farmers had membership cards with numbers on, not their names. Jack was able to recall all the farmers’ names from any number we picked out which was amazing.
Jack also told the couple that he loved what they had created in the refurbished and enlarged property. “That was very poignant for us and much appreciated,” Avril said.
The property which blends the vernacular charm of the region with eclectic and industrial elements, was designed to offer a living experience that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in history.
“We replaced all the windows as in the original style and shape with triple glazed ones, plus new electrics and built a huge fireplace in the main room of the creamery. We also found a lovely old original green door in the creamery, which we reinstalled from the office area of the creamery into the main room,” Avril added.
“We also installed industrial skylights into the creamery roof and retiled the exterior creamery roof. We had a specialist company that came and took out all the asbestos in the old storerooms. The footprint of those old storerooms became the house at the creamery,” Avril continued.
“We made good the creamery inside and out. With walls two feet thick, I don’t think it’s going anywhere,” Avril quipped.
“We installed a mezzanine above the office area which overlooks the main creamery. We installed huge glazed doors that were bespoke made in Germany, at one end of the creamery which gives access out onto the courtyard.
“Industrial galvanised steel cattle troughs which we bought over from the Cotswolds, provide fantastic planters and are sympathetic to the industrial nature of the old creamery,” she said.
All the woodwork, gates and fencing and interior woodwork were made by Walter.
“Many are pieces we have collected over the years and much is architectural salvage. There are many antique and vintage pieces throughout. We also retained the little Juliet balcony and the old arm and pulley that were used to take the milk churns off and on the cart,” Avril said.
In the entrance hall, the fusion of old and new is immediately apparent. Floor-to-ceiling windows optimise natural light.
To the right, the open plan kitchen area provides views over the gardens and courtyard. The kitchen is kitted out with custom-made cabinetry, a central solid butcher’s block with matching stools as well as a sink with a bronzed copper faucet.
Olive wood window sills and an original 1860 Irish shelf unit add further character.
The adjoining dining and living areas also have olive wood accents. The downstairs bathroom is incorporates a roll-top bath, bespoke vanity unit with a marble top, and a Fired Earth sink.
Off this room is the plant room/utility, which houses the air-to-water heat pump that heats this section of the property. Upstairs, two bedrooms were designed to accommodate super king-sized beds, and there are en-suite shower rooms.
Moving back to the connecting hall, a sliding panelled barn door reveals the Old Creamery with its high vaulted ceilings, large German-designed doors, and eye-catching fireplace.
The gallery overlooking this space adds an artistic touch for moments of quiet contemplation.
Reclaimed Moroccan ornate teak doors with 1920s Liberty Crittall transom windows above, lead to another entertaining room with a bar and countertop created from a salvaged tree trunk from the Suez Canal in Egypt.
The room, with its industrial shutters and painted concrete floors, was designed with hosting gatherings in mind. Alternatively, it could be used as a cinema room.
The outdoor spaces at the Old Creamery were designed by landscaper Stephen Crisp. The gardens seamlessly blend natural beauty with thoughtful, functional design. A large workshop provides storage and incorporates a separate room that is plumbed.
The lush landscape is filled with native Irish fruit trees, herbs, and a variety of shrubs and flowers to provide year-round interest.
Adding to the garden’s industrial appeal, the Old Creamery boiler – a distinctive historical artefact, stands at the property’s entrance.
This feature not only serves as a nod to the building’s rich history but also acts as a striking focal point, welcoming visitors with a sense of the heritage of the property.
The Old Creamery is billed as ideal for those who wish to fully experience the breathtaking beauty and cultural richness of the Wild Atlantic Way.