Proven track record

IT might be called after a dog, but life at Parkdown in West Cork’s quite exclusive Schull is far from being in the dog house.

Named after the famous greyhound Parkdown Jet, winner of the 1981 English Derby, this house is itself has a bit of property pedigree (as well as a swimming pool, boat house and dramatic soaring interiors) to it.

It is being sold by local Schull business couple Michael and Helen Barnett - the surname is generations in the hardware trade and over shop doors in the village.

Michael Barnett’s father, Sean, owned the successful greyhound Parkdown Jet, a canny canine who virtually had the Freedom of Schull after his celebrated win at London’ White City race track.

“It was massive, it was like Schull winning the All Ireland, and long afterwards we gave the name to the house for my Dad’s sake,” says Michael.

Half of West Cork had him backed at 33/1 ante post, though he entered the final as odds-on favourite. And, while the Parkdown name is now carried on in bricks and mortar, what of the hound himself? Some 22 years later, he’s not quite pushing up daisies: in fact, he has been stuffed, and his mounted head is on display in Schull’s Bunratty Inn pub.

Of the house Parkdown? “This was our dream house to build, but now six years on it’s a case of been there, done that. We have two daughters grown up, one teaching in England, the other studying in Galway, and we have other dreams to examine,” says Michael mischievously, knowing the high-profile sale of the 950,000 price tag home is a source of furious local speculation.

Estate agent Pat Maguire of South Western Services says: “It has got one of the best locations on the edge of the village, superb views, unique design and the best of materials and finishes have been used. Plus, it is getting virtually impossible now to get planning in the area for new homes, so it will suit those looking to buy either a holiday or full-time home in top-notch condition.”

It is set about 400’ above sea level, on a site of three-quarters of an acre, with direct south-facing views of Schull harbour, Long Island, the Calves and Cape Clear.

It is one of a handful of houses in this summertime chic seaside village with a swimming pool. The 24’ outdoor pool is heated, and stone excavated to make the 6,500 gallon pool has been used as a drystone wall backdrop to the pool area which is part fringed with rhododendron and landscaped, with a barbecue area.

The house itself has about 2,200 sq ft of space inside, and was designed in conjunction with Caherdaniel, Co Kerry-based architect Kevin Murphy who specialises in one-off houses.

It breaks from the mould of standard dormers, with respect to local house vernacular, using natural slate for the roof, some stone to the front, coloured render, wood front door with glazed side panels and a variety of well-chosen window sizes.

Inside, all is refreshing to the eye (See inside feature inside this week page 8.)