Edit Design Studio | Waterville House

Waterville House

Perched above the Waterville estuary, this once ordinary bungalow has been reimagined as a vibrant, joy filled family home. The project reflects both the spirit of its coastal setting and the dynamic lifestyle of the family who live there.

Homeowners Henry Hunt and Lorraine Casey, also behind The Smugglers Inn on the Wild Atlantic Way, returned to us following a successful collaboration on their hotel. That established trust became the foundation for a deeply personal transformation, a home designed to evolve alongside their young family.

The design approach began with a clear intention: to create a sense of joy. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the interiors draw on natural light, coastal tones and the ever changing estuary views. A cohesive visual language flows throughout the house, with repeated colours and patterns connecting each space while allowing individual rooms to serve distinct functions.

Originally, the bungalow’s layout felt fragmented, with awkward transitions and underused areas. The redesign focused on improving flow and functionality. The ground floor was opened up through careful reconfiguration, while the previously uninsulated attic was transformed into a calm master suite and home office. All changes were internal or to the rear, so no planning permission was required.

Sustainability played an important role throughout the project. Wherever possible, existing elements were reused: the original kitchen was reimagined as a boot room and utility, and bedroom joinery was repainted and adapted for the children’s rooms. The design prioritised investment in bespoke joinery and quality window dressings, complemented by carefully sourced pieces from trusted suppliers and the high street.

A confident use of colour defines the home’s character. Warm, expressive tones create energy and continuity, while moments of playfulness bring the design to life. A long corridor, once an underused space, is now finished in bright hues and doubles as a racetrack for the children. The kitchen was expanded to include a dedicated play and seating area, allowing the family to spend time together while maintaining a sense of space and ease.

After two and a half years, the result is a home that feels both considered and natural. The master suite offers a calm retreat at the top of the house, while the kitchen has become the heart of daily life. Each space supports the realities of family living in a way that feels both practical and uplifting.

The finished home is a true reflection of the people who live in it: layered, lively and full of joy. P.S. In the girls’ bedroom below, Natalia is seated beside her whimsical illustrations.