This 68 sqm townhouse is part of a row of 8 townhouses converted from a former Salt Warehouse in Westport Quay on Clew Bay in Mayo, Ireland. The initial renovation of the historic property was reimagined in the late 1980s/early 1990s, built originally as holiday lets. The direct waterfront views and charming stone fronted facade and retaining walls are key to its unique appeal. The property was purchased in 2025 by Interior Designer Karen Mackay and had not been updated since originally converted in 1990. It existed as a long term rental, therefore there was much updating needed to bring it back to life as a design inspired coastal property worthy of its stellar location and breathtaking views.
A limited budget meant adapting some existing features while replacing others. The first and major bit of work was replacing the main 1st floor bedroom window (small in scale and it didn't close) with a much larger triple pane unit that allowed for fire egress. Replacing the rear light fixture, removing the climbing ivy, power washing the stone and rendered facades, painting the front windows and door in 'Keem Bay' by Colourtrend, and replacing door hardware with 'antique' brass nautical themed ones brought the exterior back to life.
Inside the major work was painting all ceilings, walls, trim and doors, removing old carpeting, replacing the entry door with a glass and paneled one, updating the mantle breast, kitchen cabinets and painting both in 'French Press' a deep brown by Benjamin Moore. The walls & ceilings were painted in Loft White by Little Greene Paint Co. The trim, skirting, architrave, doors and stair railings were all painted in 'Pale Oak' by Benjamin Moore.
Adding a new storage closet in the entry made from v-groove boards, replacing louvered doors in the sitting area, a new kitchen faucet, along with all new bathroom hardware, including a fluted tub front, new vanity with stone top and larger lighted mirror brought key features up to date. The carpeting on stairs and 1st floor is a neutral wool berber style. The 2nd bedroom closets were painted a bright blue in 'Long Weekend' from Colourtrend. A new lighted round mirror, new sink faucet combined with a small remnant of wallpaper from 'Timorous Beasties' and a woven ceiling shade, pared with affordable IKEA side shelves and an upholstered cream double bed frame make a small guest bedroom feel cozy and interesting.
The main bedroom has the new larger window, the closets and sink were removed to expand the room. A white four poster bed, antique dresser, navy linen drapery and blue velvet side chair, both from RH.com, give a texture and nautical feel to a simple room with a fabulous view.
The ground floor benefitted from a rough hewn wood island from Avoca Handweavers to add more storage for the kitchen, a black metal pedestal dining table, hide covered bench and rug, a post-modern swivel chair, woven stools, and an RH library chair in a grey linen with antique bronze nailheads. A long custom taupe velvet sofa from Sofa.com pared with marble nesting side tables, including a little hand painted footstool add practical seating with style. A large curio cabinet (EZ Living Furniture) provides loads of storage and compliments the beautiful Fortuny silk ceiling fixture.
Finally, replacing the entry door with a glass/paneled one and adding blackened whale hooks, and a French wallpaper depicting a coral reef in black and white detail (Wildatlantique.com) all add to the coastal style as soon as you enter. The books, pictures, paintings and sea inspired o'bjet de art, all elevate this simple and worn out rental while honouring it's location and the beautiful views of Clew Bay, Clare Island & Croagh Patrick.