Struggling to find suitable properties for sale in Howth, Robin Blandford is open to a unique solution – a paid-for house swap. Blandford, a Howth resident and coast guard member, has been searching for the right house in the area for over a year with little success. Now, he and his wife are suggesting the idea of swapping their cottage for another house in the hope of finding a suitable property. Their cottage, called Hillcrest Cottage, is the perfect option for anyone looking to downsize and stay in the Howth area.
Guy Doherty, Blandford’s estate agent from Sherry FitzGerald, believes this approach is unusual but sees it as a great opportunity. He acknowledges that the swap would require both houses to be independently valued and the difference worked out. This paid-for house swap idea targets an older demographic who want to downsize but prefer to remain in the same locality.
For Blandford, it is essential to stay locally due to his role as the deputy officer in charge of the coast guard station in Howth. Being on-call 24/7, he needs quick access to the coast. Blandford explains, “I work with a team of coast guards, all of whom have pagers. When the pager goes off, we drop everything and head to the coast immediately. It can be dangerous, but we’re all well-trained.”
Blandford has been working with the coast guard in a voluntary capacity for over 20 years. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of D4H, a global software company serving coast guards worldwide. His company is based in the Bailey Lighthouse in Howth, which adds to the appeal of staying in the area.
The Blandfords purchased their cottage, situated in a protected architectural conservation area, in 2016. Despite its good condition, the cottage required extensive renovations such as insulation, plumbing, and rewiring. The renovation process took six months, during which they made several improvements to maximize the space and natural light. They knocked through internal walls to create an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area, changed the layout, restored original oak floors in the living room, and added a raised internal deck for an enhanced view.
The interior design of the cottage is a reflection of the Blandfords’ taste. They installed Italian tiles in the hallway and painted the walls a dark grey shade. In the kitchen, they opted for black units and a storage island, complemented by a self-installed copper splashback. The cottage’s uniqueness shines through in details like a nautical-style large round mirror on the wall and plants strategically placed for a touch of greenery.
The Blandfords enjoy entertaining guests in their cottage, which they find particularly suitable for such occasions. The glass doors in the kitchen open to a south-facing patio and garden, creating an inviting space for gatherings. They have hosted their wedding reception and a birthday celebration in the cottage, making use of the spacious garden to accommodate their guests.
In terms of bedrooms, the Blandfords have wallpapered and decorated each room, creating individualized spaces for their two children. They have also invested in smart electrics, allowing them to control the heating, lighting, and sound system remotely. Outside, the back garden has been beautifully landscaped with a well-kept lawn, colorful flower beds, and a shed.
Despite all the effort put into renovating Hillcrest Cottage, the Blandfords have decided that they need more space for their growing family. As a result, they are planning to move and are open to selling their cottage for €895,000 or considering a suitable home swap in the Howth area.
In conclusion, Robin Blandford’s unique house swap proposition in Howth offers a creative solution for those looking to downsize while staying in the locality. With its stunning renovations, charming design, and the convenience of living near the coast guard station, Hillcrest Cottage is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a smaller home. Whether through a paid-for swap or a traditional sale, the Blandfords are excited to find their next home in Howth.
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