Nature Reserve

THE woodland of Ireland was once so dense that is was said a squirrel could travel from Glengarriff in the south to Antrim in the north without touching the ground.

While most of our primeval woodland has been removed over time, pockets of oak forest remain, in particular at the Glengarriff Woods nature reserve in west Cork.

Comprised of oceanic sessile oak, (Quercus petraea/Dair ghaelach), it is designated a Special Area of Conservation, which gives this ancient Irish woodland proper protection.

On the boundary of the nature reserve and the road to Barley Lake, this stunning and very rare property is for sale with Tom Heffernan of Sherry FitzGerald Heffernan.

A probate sale, the residential farm at Dereenboy Upper, Glengarriff, comes with 183 hectares, or 452 acres, of land, most of it mountainy grazing, suitable for sheep, but with some better grazing closer to the woodland and main residence.

This is a traditional, slated two-storey farmhouse in poor but habitable condition — which should neatly bypass any planning permission problems, through restoration and extension.

Secluded in woodland but close enough to the village, the property has the benefit of proximity, but with privacy.

The sale includes another dwelling, which is close to the main house and whose roof has recently caved in, according to Tom Heffernan of Sherry FitzGerald Hinchion. This could also have conversion potential, given appropriate permission, and gives a new owner a choice in how to develop their scenic hideaway.

Alternatively, the property can be divided for sale, with the residential element in one lot, subject to offers, and the main bulk of the farm in another lot.

This Dereenaboy farm is a rare sale in terms of its size and location, and at the guide price of €250,000, it will have country estate appeal and may, as happened in the 70s and 80s, draw in foreign buyers, especially now that values have dropped significantly for residential buyers.

There will be investment needed here if the property is to revert to second home use, but then, the opportunity to own a chunk of beauty may make it worthwhile.

Sherry FitzGerald Hinchion of Macroom is the selling agent for this spectacular holding, which includes about a third of the famously scenic Barley Lake. That gives part ownership of this favoured walking spot to the farm’s owner.

Purchasers can buy here with the security of knowing that further development is unlikely.