House Hunting with Rowena Quinn: Where the Walls Have Ears (and Plans)
Well, well, well! What do we have here? The wonderful world of real estate, where the price tags are wild, the walls have memories, and somewhere a bank manager is having a nervous breakdown. Enter Rowena Quinn, an estate agent who apparently decided to flip the script and buy a new build instead of doing the usual hold-your-breath-and-hint-at-the-last-offer ballet associated with older houses. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want a freshly painted home free from the hauntings of decades past? Unless, of course, you’re into “charming” historical quirks that feel more like a horror story than a Home & Gardens feature.
Now, let’s talk bricks and mortar! Nothing says “I’ve made it!” quite like extending your new-build with “room to make it smaller” — I mean, who wants to live like the Kardashians? When life gives you a new house that screams “Hey, throw a dinner party!” you should probably take advantage of it before it turns into a “bring your own sandwich” affair, as new builds tend to do once the initial excitement fades.
But don’t just take my word for it! Quinn, who kicked off her own real estate show during the worst economic downturn since the invention of the toaster strudel, said it best: “I got an opportunity and I just had to give it a go.” Now, that’s what I call bravery! Or, as some might label it, “weighing your options in a lighter shade of insane”.
Indeed, starting her agency during a property crash was akin to deciding to open a swimming school in the middle of a drought. “It seemed utterly crazy,” she admits. Understatement of the year, ladies and gentlemen! During a period when homes were slashed from €700,000 to just around €300,000, where people were practically giving away houses along with a complimentary apple pie, Rowena’s gamble feels almost like betting on a snail race. Looks questionable, but there’s always a chance for victory!
Oh, and how could we forget the deliciously motivational quote from Dolly Parton? “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” Let’s just hope this isn’t her way of motivating us to quit our jobs and start a goat yoga studio… although, who wouldn’t want a side hustle with goats?
In the world of real estate, where mopeds are worth more than most studios, Rowena Quinn shows us that those brave enough to take the plunge often come up for air with treasures rather than regrets. Go on, pick up that phone, maybe drop in on the local housing market—just remember to leave your sanity at the door!
And there we have it! From the heart of Foxrock to the wallets of wannabe homeowners, Rowena’s journey is a reminder that bold moves often lead to the best stories. Just preferably not the kind where you end up living in a broom cupboard. A few extra square meters are always welcome!
This cheeky yet observational take on Rowena Quinn’s real estate adventures blends sharp wit with a dash of humor—the perfect recipe for engaging readers who might be considering their own housing ventures or simply need a laugh!
As a seasoned estate agent, Rowena Quinn frequently explores properties across various ages, from charming historical homes to contemporary constructions. When it became time to select a home for herself, she made the deliberate choice to invest in a newly constructed residence, one that boasted room for future expansion and an impressive A energy rating, indicating excellent energy efficiency and a commitment to sustainability.
Estate agent Rowena Quinn stands proudly in the transformed dining area of her home located in the picturesque suburb of Foxrock, Co Dublin. Notably, this residence, constructed just five years ago in 2018, showcases significant modifications from its original layout, with this space previously serving as the kitchen. Photo: Tony Gavin
“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try,” declared Dolly Parton, a sentiment rooted in her extraordinary journey from a childhood of extreme hardship to becoming one of the music industry’s most cherished figures and a savvy business mogul.
However, the line between bravery and recklessness can be thin. When Rowena Quinn, propelled by her entrepreneurial spirit, co-founded Hunters Estate Agent with her partner amidst the tumultuous market conditions of 2010, many viewed the move as audacious. At that time, the real estate market was in turmoil; properties that once commanded prices of €700,000 had plummeted to around €300,000, leading to massive layoffs within residential property firms. “I received an opportunity and knew I had to seize it,” she reflects with determination. “It was a chance to step into entrepreneurship and create something new in uncertain times.”
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Th the previous kitchen now serving as a bright and elegant dining room. The transformation reflects a blend of modern design and functionality, making the space ideal for both family gatherings and entertaining guests. The choice of décor and furnishings enhances the inviting atmosphere, showcasing Rowena’s keen eye for style and comfort. This renovation exemplifies how even relatively new homes can undergo inspiring changes to fit the evolving needs of their inhabitants.