Island life in West Cork may beckon for progressive buyer
It’s a site of much drama over the centuries, with early ecclesiastical constructions, American military installation remains (from a flying boat base during the First World War), as well as the continued presence of the petro-chemical industry.
But what it also has is good land and a history of intensive farming going back generations. One of the finest examples of this particular tradition is now on the market in the form of a 100-acre residential farm.
According to selling agent Denis Harrington of Bantry-based Harrington Estates, Goggins’ Farm is renowned as one that has produced the best of cattle over the years, fattened on its fertile land.
The property stretches from the shoreline adjacent to the main landing jetty to the far side of the northern shore.
Of the 100 acres, “approximately 50 would be regarded as very good grazing ground and the other 50 of reasonable quality in need of some light ground work,” says Denis.
“Whether for the progressive farmer or the shrewd investor, the extensive shoreline is also an outstanding asset.”
The house is a renovated and extended four-bedroom farmhouse and the property has a number of well-maintained outbuildings too.
In terms of value, the vendor is sticking rigidly to it being open to offers. For such a unique property, valuation is not an easy thing, either.
While the land value may be tempered by its island location, regular ferries throughout the year mean that transport on and off the island is no longer the hardship that it was in another era.
Its mixture of coastline and private retreat also makes it potentially interesting to a market looking simply for a private property and it may just as easily end up being bought by a millionaire recluse as by a progressive working farmer. Time will tell what the tide brings in.
