Carraig na Mara

Carraig na Mara: A Timeless Coastal Garden Design

Carraig na Mara, a Victorian gem designed by English architect George Wilkinson, sits proudly among similar historic houses along the coastline of Killiney Beach. Known for its distinctive rustic granite blockwork and battlemented towers, the home boasts a dramatic, defensive architectural presence. It offers breathtaking views stretching from Bray Head to Killiney Hill and beyond, demanding a garden design that harmonises with its maritime setting.

Transforming this beloved family home into a stylish outdoor sanctuary was a project we embraced wholeheartedly. The property’s proximity to the sea influenced our choice of resilient, coastal-friendly plants that can withstand salty breezes. The expansive rear garden slopes gently towards the sea, with a cliff providing natural separation. Steps down the cliff offer private beach access.

By organising areas based on family activities and preferences, we created a cohesive and inviting space where the family can feel together or entertain friends. A meandering pathway, constructed from resin bond, weaves throughout the garden. The colour of the stone was selected to coordinate with the paving and granite featured on the house, seamlessly connecting the main house to these newly defined zones.

We revamped the patio to the rear of the house using Egyptian limestone paving, providing a sophisticated and durable surface. Sitting areas were created at different levels, including a sunken dining area and an elevated section covered with a pergola. These distinct zones offer superb views of Killiney Hill and Dalkey Island, making this garden a true coastal haven. The tiles throughout the garden were selected with care, ensuring they complement the overall design and provide durability against the elements.

The existing patio was modernised with an eye towards maintaining the stunning views. Plans were made for a future outdoor sauna to enhance relaxation. At the front, we improved the planting, parking, and access to the house, introducing a chic tiled pathway reminiscent of traditional Victorian styles. We redesigned the area to provide better space for car parking and access to the front door, as well as for storage of the bins. Materials like sandstone gravel and granite sett cobbles tie the new design to the house’s architecture, while strategic planting softens the landscape and adds vibrant textures and colours.

Our design approach ensures a seamless connection between the home and its stunning surroundings. Elevating and sinking seating areas maintains privacy without compromising views. The larger dining space, nestled in the garden’s corner, features a stylish Irish-made dining set from Finn and Elder, complemented by oceanic hues and Corten steel lights that evoke a coastal ambience. The Big Green Egg barbecue serves as a centrepiece for outdoor cooking and entertaining.

The smaller, cosy chill area, with turquoise tiles and a timber pergola, offers a perfect retreat for intimate gatherings around a fire pit. The extended patio and central steps reveal expansive views, with coastal plants providing fragrance and privacy. The landscape design, expertly implemented by Foxcover Landscapes, was meticulously curated with lighting to enhance the garden’s ambience at night.

Returning months later, we were thrilled to see how the garden had flourished. The owner’s delight in the garden’s evolution affirmed our efforts, as the thoughtfully designed zones blended effortlessly with their environment. This project was a joy to create, and we are proud to have crafted a space that will be cherished for years to come, offering a private haven for family gatherings and shared moments with friends. The clients are very pleased and are eager to learn about the plants and gardening in their new garden to keep it looking elegant into the future.