When Siobhan Spivack purchased her charming cottage in Wexford, she was well aware that it was built using an ancient Irish building method called cob. Unlike many others who live in these types of homes without knowing their construction, Spivack was prepared for the unique challenges that came with her cob cottage.
Cob is a mixture of compacted mud and straw, sometimes combined with other materials like blood, urine, dung, or hair, to create an incredibly strong structure. These cob cottages, some of which are over 200 years old, are found predominantly in the east and south-east of Ireland.
Spivack encountered some unexpected roommates when she moved in. The house was damp, filled with slugs, worms, and various insects. The wooden floorboards swelled due to moisture, leading to further investigations that uncovered leaks and piping issues.
Despite the challenges, Spivack decided to renovate the property instead of moving. Working with her builder, Des Byrne, they created plans for a wooden extension over the existing flat-roofed areas. The entire house was gutted to address leaks and improve insulation. The result is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom modern home that still maintains the integrity of the original cob structure.
Throughout the renovations, Spivack prioritized preserving the character of the building. She incorporated exposed sections of the original mud walls and created unique features, like shelves, from the solid material. The interiors of the cottage were designed with a traditional theme, featuring reclaimed furniture and salvaged items.
Cob cottages have advantages such as excellent sound insulation and great thermal mass, making them easy to heat. They are also cost-effective and environmentally friendly, leading to a recent resurgence in the construction of cob homes.
Outside the cottage, Spivack enjoys a 3.2-acre property with a garden, fruit trees, and a block-built shed. There are also facilities for her cat-boarding business, stables for horses, and various pens and paddocks.
Although Spivack loves her renovated cottage, she is considering moving due to her growing interest in horses and the need for more land. Overall, she is proud of the transformation the cottage has undergone and believes it is a unique and special home.
The cottage is currently listed for sale by an online estate agency for €495,000.
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