Horizon House is an appropriate name for this stunning home in the north west of Ireland.
Perched on 4.39 acres of untamed coastline in Lackenagh, near Burtonport in Co Donegal, this is a one-of-a-kind coastal retreat that blends 19th century heritage with impeccable modern design.
Originally built in the 1850s, this storied 4 bed cottage has been masterfully transformed into a minimalist A-rated masterpiece, an architectural jewel wrapped in nature, steeped in history and cradled by the Atlantic Ocean.
The surrounding lands are steeped in noble legacy, with Burtonport itself founded in the late 18th century by William Burton Conyngham and later influenced by the Conyngham family, including Francis Conyngham, 2nd Marquess Conyngham. These historic ties lend a distinguished character to the area, once the domain of visionaries and landowners who shaped Donegal's early development.
Horizon House includes a beautifully and fully renovated main house of 190sqm and a separate 49 sqm converted barn, together offering 4 stylish bedrooms and 4 luxurious bathrooms.
Every inch of the property has been newly finished to the highest specification and has yet to be lived in.
The home has achieved an A3 BER thanks to extensive energy upgrades. including 100mm floor insulation, roof insulation, external insulation wrapping, an MVHR heat pump system and underfloor heating.
Two wood-burning stoves provide ambiance and warmth, while double-glazed traditional wooden sash windows at the front are complemented by sleek, art deco-inspired aluminium Crittall-style glazing throughout, flooding the interiors with natural light and framing extraordinary views.
The design is minimalist and sophisticated, with open-plan living areas, high ceilings and panoramic ocean vistas. Natural materials are seen throughout, with lime-washed painted walls lending a soft, organic texture, while travertine stone graces the bathrooms and natural stone surfaces define both kitchens. Wide plank oak flooring adds warmth and continuity across the interior.
Every detail has been curated to the highest standard, with premium finishes throughout, including Lusso fixtures that add a refined, contemporary edge. Heritage is seamlessly woven into the modern aesthetic, with highlights such as the salvaged original 1850 doorframe at the entrance and flagstones in the porch from a Spanish Armada shipwreck near Rutland Island, an extraordinary detail that speaks to the layered history of this special place.
Outside, the south-facing grounds unfold in a harmonious blend of untamed coastal beauty and refined, thoughtfully designed landscaping.
Ancient sculptural granite boulders rise among wooded areas, where 150+ year-old ash, Scots pine and sycamore trees create a powerful sense of permanence and protection, complemented by younger alder and silver birch.
The vibrant landscape, designed by renowned landscaper George Gamble is brought to life with native Irish wildflowers, hydrangea, lavender, wild rose, fernsand gunnera. A private walking path winds through the property, offering breathtaking views across the Atlantic to nearby islands including Inismil, Rutland, Iniskeeragh, Inisfree, Arranmore, Iniscoo, and Edernish. A stream also meanders through the grounds and near the water's edge, while the ruin of an 1850s stone boathouse stands as a quiet reminder of the area's rich maritime history.
Just minutes away lies some of the world's most breathtaking sandy beaches - clean, quiet, and perfect for sea swimming, strolls, or sunset picnics.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the location is unparalleled. There are 10 golf courses within an hour's drive, as well as access to the scenic Burtonport Railway Walk, nearby greenways and nature parks. The Rosses Angling Club opens up over 200 lakes within five miles for freshwater fishing, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and salmon. The sea fishing is equally extraordinary, with charter boats departing from Burtonport Harbour to fish for lobster, shrimp and more. Local sea safaris, run by a neighbour, Dennis Boyle, offer unforgettable encounters with marine wildlife, from dolphins and porpoises to whales and seals.
Horizon House is not merely a home. It is a sanctuary where nature, history, and contemporary comfort converge. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Donegal's wild coastal beauty, shaped by heritage, grounded in craftsmanship, and ready to be lived in and loved for generations to come.
Find out more about Horizon House on MyHome at www.myhome.ie/4933862 or contact selling agent James O’Flaherty of Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty on +353 1 638 2710.
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