The Cliffe at the Quay

Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

Originally the family home of the entrepreneurial Johnston family, The Cliffe at the Quay was a prominent Victorian-style house on Donegal Town’s quayside in the 1950s. However, by the mid-2000s, it had fallen into disrepair and remained derelict for 20 years.

Today the house is vibrant as a boutique guesthouse consisting of three suites. The project was driven by a desire to provide maximum impact with minimal construction work, meaning lower costs and minimising environmental impact in terms of energy and materials used.

A feasibility appraisal was undertaken to determine how many bedrooms could be accommodated within the existing structure to serve the tourist market. The brief called for an innovative design to preserve the original house rather than demolish it and provide a series of spaces that offer all the striking elements of a boutique stay.

Internally, the design prioritises quality over quantity, reconfiguring the floor plan to accommodate three thoughtfully designed suites – each featuring a living area with a kitchenette and an en-suite bedroom. With a keen focus on budget and the exterior form and aesthetic, the efficient redesign remains within the original structure’s footprint, avoiding any additional floor area.

Externally, the character of the Victorian style house has been fully restored to its former glory with meticulous detail evident in its red brick façade and beautiful iron and timberwork embellishment. To enhance the guest experience, two 15 sq.m lightweight terraces extend from the Riverside Suites, offering valuable outdoor space for hot tubs and relaxation with unrivaled views of the bay. However, the ground conditions on this side of the building were poor, with evidence of subsidence affecting the house.

To address this, a series of mini piles were extended to a depth of 13 meters to reach firm ground. A lightweight metal structure was then installed, resting on the pile caps, while additional bracing was tied back to the house’s substructure to provide stability. These structural reinforcements ensure both the integrity of the building and the longevity of the terraces.

The terraces introduce a contemporary contrast to the historic façade, featuring slim black metal balustrades that stand in subtle juxtaposition to the ornate Victorian embellishments at the front of the building. Charred timber cladding lines the terrace walls, seamlessly integrating with the structure while also forming a planter and a backdrop for branding – ensuring that every material choice contributes to a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic.

This boutique accommodation is the perfect base for a getaway and welcomes guests all year round.