Coastal Inspiration

After visiting Ireland on numerous painting holidays, Sue and her husband Mark decided to take the plunge and buy a traditional cottage with an inspiring coastal setting, and sweeping views of the Iveragh Peninsula.

- Penny Crawford-Collins

Back in 2010 Sue came from the States to Ireland with a group of artists to paint and after renting a local artist’s cottage she was totally charmed by it and the surrounding area. ‘Everywhere I looked inside and out, I saw a painting. So from that point I started painting Irish landscapes and interiors, and back in the States these paintings proved to be really popular, so I knew that a few more trips to Ireland would be on the cards,’ says Sue.

Sue planned a second trip and Mark came with her to see the landscape she was so inspired by. He also loved it and on their next trip they decided they really wanted to buy a place. ‘I had always been charmed by this cottage and had driven past it many times in order to paint, so when I saw it was up for sale I knew it was meant to be,’ explains Sue.

The couple completed the sale in 2013, when buyers were ‘as rare as hen’s teeth’ according to their solicitor, and having only spent twenty minutes inside the cottage they admit they were a little nervous about their decision to buy and did have a few sleepless nights over it. Despite this they embraced the decision and with great enthusiasm they booked a container to bring over their things, scouring the States for items that would suit the property. ‘I went all over New England to my favourite antique shops. I found the table and chairs in Essex MA. They were made in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the 1920s and set the tone for the ‘American Gothic’ style I tend to gravitate towards,’ says Sue.