Located in picturesque countryside near Roundwood in Co.Wicklow, Lake Park was originally part of the Shelton Abbey estate. Built in 1835 it’s one of three important lake houses. Steeped in literary history it was once home to Edna O’Brien, one of Ireland’s most celebrated novelists and subsequently Irish poet Richard Murphy. So when Stephen had the chance to buy this historic idyll in 2007, he couldn’t resist the opportunity.

Having spent five years searching for his ideal home, the wonderful setting of Lake Park ticked all the right boxes for Stephen, ‘I wanted total privacy in a wild and beautiful landscape within commuting distance of Dublin airport, with no road noise or light pollution. Despite the house’s obvious air of abandonment, the dramatic scenery eclipsed any of the reservations I might have had on that count. Ultimately, I could see an incredible opportunity to create a truly special home.’ says Stephen.

Running a development and design studio in London, enabled Stephen to embrace the project with confidence and use his knowledge and contacts to ensure the refurbishment of this house was done to a very high standard. ‘I designed every single aspect specifically for the house and I was hugely sensitive about ensuring that its original character was retained and any improvements integrated seamlessly,’ explains Stephen.