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Houzz Tour: A Victorian Double-fronted Home Gets a Fresh Makeover
Intriguing and unusual salvage yard finds sit comfortably with original period details in this charming family home
When the price was lowered on this large Victorian house in Helen’s Bay, Co Down, Northern Ireland, it didn’t take long for Jill O’Neill and Justin Lowry to put in an offer. “We’d seen it four months before, but it was too pricey,” says O’Neill. “Then it came down in price and we visited again. After that we were smitten!”
The house, which had only had three previous owners, was in a pretty sound condition and had a generous-sized garden, plus much of the work that needed to be done was cosmetic rather than a complete overhaul. “The house was well cared for, but the work was just not to our standard,” she adds.
The house, which had only had three previous owners, was in a pretty sound condition and had a generous-sized garden, plus much of the work that needed to be done was cosmetic rather than a complete overhaul. “The house was well cared for, but the work was just not to our standard,” she adds.
Working together running their salvage and design company means there’s no such thing as a totally completed project for this creative couple. “We were still working on the house when we moved in. In fact, we still are,” says O’Neill. “There’s always something to do!”
However, it rarely feels like too much work for the pair, who are both mad about salvage, upcycling and renovating old houses. “We wanted the house to feel updated, but to have a nod to tradition,” says O’Neill, who also owns Refound, a company that works with artists to upcycle old pieces. “Some people think it’s a bit out there, but it’s a really comfy and workable home with lots of interesting trinkets and character.”
Original Herbert Terry Anglepoise standard lamp; Persian rug; Globe-Wernicke bookcase all On The Square Emporium. Parker Knoll chair and copper-topped table, Refound.
However, it rarely feels like too much work for the pair, who are both mad about salvage, upcycling and renovating old houses. “We wanted the house to feel updated, but to have a nod to tradition,” says O’Neill, who also owns Refound, a company that works with artists to upcycle old pieces. “Some people think it’s a bit out there, but it’s a really comfy and workable home with lots of interesting trinkets and character.”
Original Herbert Terry Anglepoise standard lamp; Persian rug; Globe-Wernicke bookcase all On The Square Emporium. Parker Knoll chair and copper-topped table, Refound.
Knocking down a wall between two rooms offered the opportunity to create one large open-plan kitchen and living space. Tackling the living room end was largely a redecoration job. They covered the ceiling in wallpaper, masking the fact that it was in poor condition. “It probably could have done with being replastered,” O’Neill admits, “but we’re really happy with the wallpaper feature.”
Ceiling wallpaper, Zoffany at Atelier Design.
Ceiling wallpaper, Zoffany at Atelier Design.
One of the most important jobs they had to tackle was working on the chimneys. On discovering one of the ground floor ones was damaged, they decided to swap the fireplaces in the living room and dining space.
“It was a big job, as we had to replace the flues,” says O’Neill. “It was also difficult finding the right guy for the job.” Fortunately, the renovation was successful and both fireplaces have been gloriously restored. Finishing them off with slate hearths adds a contemporary touch.
Walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball.
See 12 fireplaces and wood-burning stoves to totally covet
“It was a big job, as we had to replace the flues,” says O’Neill. “It was also difficult finding the right guy for the job.” Fortunately, the renovation was successful and both fireplaces have been gloriously restored. Finishing them off with slate hearths adds a contemporary touch.
Walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball.
See 12 fireplaces and wood-burning stoves to totally covet
Most of the kitchen has been made from salvaged materials, including the wood for the shelving either side of the sink and the wooden breakfast bar. Large grey ceramic floor tiles increase the sense of space, while the reconditioned Aga adds a cosy note.
Ercol table and chairs; Stools; Belfast sink; vintage lighting, all On The Square Emporium.
Ercol table and chairs; Stools; Belfast sink; vintage lighting, all On The Square Emporium.
“We had a kitchen-maker craft the units to our design using softwood, then added a granite worktop,” says O’Neill. “I like the reclaimed look. It has a touch of industrial style and the wood has been treated with a soft grey wash, which gives it a bit of warmth.”
A vintage haberdashery unit slots neatly under the stairs, making good use of the available space by holding all the family’s kitchen essentials. “We built the wall around it,” says O’Neill.
Built-in or freestanding? Find out the storage solutions that will work best in your home
Built-in or freestanding? Find out the storage solutions that will work best in your home
Working on the house project, which is constantly evolving, never gets boring for the couple, who are modern-day magpies. “We’ve recently added a library and a smoking room decorated in shades of deep red,” says O’Neill.
Decorated in a deep shade of blue, there’s a feeling of drama in the dining room. The table, which was made from an industrial sewing machine, was upcycled in Refound’s workshop, while the large mirror was a gift from O’Neill’s sister, who owns a restaurant in Belfast. “The chairs are old café chairs and we never intended to keep them. We’ll replace them eventually,” she says.
Woodwork painted in Harbour Grey, Zoffany. Metalline wallpaper, Tektura at Lee Austin Design.
Woodwork painted in Harbour Grey, Zoffany. Metalline wallpaper, Tektura at Lee Austin Design.
The retro chest was discovered by Lowry, and sits in a snug next to the dining room. This comes in handy at Christmas time, when the dining table can extend to accommodate 16 people. “We call this room the den,” says O’Neill. “There are lots of toys in there and a comfy sofa.”
The couple saved money in the master bedroom by keeping the existing carpet and putting the funds towards a handsome, Art Deco-style American rosewood bed, which they found for a bargain price in a closing-down sale in Belfast.
Walls covered in Brunswick wallpaper, Tektura Wallcoverings; painted in Mushroom-Quarter, Zoffany.
Walls covered in Brunswick wallpaper, Tektura Wallcoverings; painted in Mushroom-Quarter, Zoffany.
Harvey, their two-and-half-year-old son, is about to move into a new room, which will feature an old school blackboard. “My husband hates repro,” says O’Neill, “so if it’s not old, we don’t get it.”
The doors, which lead into a cloakroom, came from an old telephone box salvaged from the Stormont Estate, Northern Ireland’s Parliament buildings.
Running an auction house and salvage yard means inevitably a lot of stock ends up creeping into their home, where they move it around and switch it back into the store as they get tired of various pieces.
“It’s a disaster!” says O’Neill with a hoot of laughter. “We also have lots of outhouses, which are currently full of taxidermy. There’s a lot more in the house than I would like and at some point I’m going to have to say no!”
What do you think of this revamped house? Do you live in a home full of vintage pieces? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
“It’s a disaster!” says O’Neill with a hoot of laughter. “We also have lots of outhouses, which are currently full of taxidermy. There’s a lot more in the house than I would like and at some point I’m going to have to say no!”
What do you think of this revamped house? Do you live in a home full of vintage pieces? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here Jill O’Neill, Justin Lowry and their young son, Harvey
Location Helen’s Bay, Co Down
Property A Victorian double-fronted house
Size 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Designer Jill O’Neill of On The Square Emporium
Photos by Ruth Maria Murphy
Justin Lowry and Jill O’Neill, who got married last year, bought this house a week before their son, Harvey, was born. “It was a pretty hectic few months,” O’Neill admits. “The previous owners had been living here for 40 years and we had to do a fair bit of work on the chimneys, wiring and windows.”
The couple, who run On The Square Emporium, an auction house and salvage yard in Belfast, were attracted to the generous proportions of the house, which is known locally as Rust Hall. “We loved the feel of it,” says O’Neill. “It was so welcoming and obviously a lovely family home. The couple before us were just so sweet, too. It’s also where Justin grew up, so we knew what the area was like.”
One of the first spaces they tackled was the beautiful hallway, complete with original stained-glass windows, which needed little work apart from some repainting. When they ripped up the carpet, they were thrilled to discover the parquet flooring beneath. “It was such a great find,” says O’Neill.
Walls painted in Wedgewood Blue, Zoffany.