I inherited a little cottage in the woods in Ireland when my Dad died a few years ago. It’s a small timber building on the shore of Lough Ree, near Glasson in county Westmeath. It’s a lovely setting.

Nestling among the trees.

Over the past year we’ve been doing it up. Actually more like rebuilding it. But I wanted to keep it looking like a little cabin in the woods so it looks much the same on the outside as it always did.

Inside though it’s quite different.

A brown bear protects the entrance.

For a cabin, it’s pretty luxurious. Luxe Cabin, even.

It contains lots of my favourite things: vintage ercol furniture, Melin Tregwynt woollen fabrics, Heals sofas, Peter Doig prints.

A Charnwood wood burning stove to keep it cosy and warm in winter.

One of the biggest structural changes was to make the living/dining/cooking areas open plan. And we exposed the beams and rafters of the roof too so it feels light and airy.

It was built in the mid sixties so it made perfect sense to incorporate lots of mid-century furniture and accessories. Original 1960s Louis Poulson pendant lights from Denmark in the kitchen.

The worktop is Carrara marble

We invested in Miele appliances for the kitchen and a retro Smeg fridge.

The floor to ceiling windows mean you can enjoy the views of the lake from the dining table.

It’s got 2 bedrooms

and this one with appropriate “Woods” wallpaper.

One of the loveliest things about staying in the cottage is waking up to this view. Having your cup of tea in bed and watching the swans.

There are 2 bathrooms.

You can recline in the cast iron bath overlooking the lake

The second bathroom has a walk-in rose shower and waterproof plaster walls.

Use the Contact form if you’d like to know more about the design of the cottage

Have a look here for some summer views of the lake and here for how it looked at Christmas 2014.

Sign up for regular updates and follow @egondesign on twitter