Winter Wonderland

For Martina Mahady and her husband Aaron Doherty, Christmas is more than just a holiday – it’s a month-long celebration filled with tradition and family gatherings, enjoyed in a home that is lovingly transformed into a winter wonderland for all the festivities.

Nestled in the woodlands of Co. Wicklow, Martina and Aaron’s beautifully renovated house truly reflects their love for nature, tranquillity, and the magic of the holiday season. When Martina and Aaron, who both work in the corporate sector, first found their home near Rathdrum in 2018, they saw its potential to be a cosy, inviting space that connected with the outdoors. The house, with its exposed beams and a mezzanine over the kitchen living area, already had character, but it lacked natural light and outdoor living areas. Inspired by American and Nordic lodge styles, Martina decided to extend the kitchen and create outdoor spaces that would make the most of the scenic woodland setting. ‘We wanted the home to feel like a natural extension of the landscape,” she explains. ‘The double-height beamed ceilings and picture windows now look out onto the woods, and we often see deer grazing on the lawn.’ The renovation, completed in 2022, focused on using natural materials – oak beams, stone, and wooden flooring – throughout the house to create a warm, harmonious atmosphere. The couple added three outdoor living spaces with canopies, fire pits, and heaters, allowing them to enjoy their surroundings year-round. ‘Our home is designed to harmonise with the woodland around us. The house feels so tranquil now and much more connected to the outdoors,’ Martina says.

Read more in the December issue…