Waterville house in harmony with nature

IF you want to get away from it all, this €200,000 Kerry house could fit the bill in more ways than one.

Up in the hills above Waterville, with lake and sea views, the two-storey old farmhouse on a site of three-quarters of an acre has been extended not once, but twice, yet still comes with only two bedrooms in its current layout.

The hinterland is dotted with lakes, and the land has a variety of wild and native tree and flower species, and more fresh air than you could shake a windmill at.

Located at Coomnavohir, ten miles from Waterville, 13 miles from Cahirciveen and 35 miles from Kenmare, the place is up above Derriana lake, looking beyond it to Ballinskelligs Bay.

Apart from the main dwelling, there are a few old stone oubuildings, a challenge for someone who wants to take on a DIY project for the New Year.

Recent add-ons to the main house include a workshop or study at the back, and a large living room side extension, and the house has dual heating, coming from an oil burner and from a Stanley solid fuel stove.

There are two first floor bedrooms, each with lake views, and one has a bath and an en suite.

The ground level is quite open plan, with kitchen, central staircase, open fireplace and living room behind, while the study extension could be converted to third bedroom usage if required, says estate agent Mark Daly of Sean Daly and Co in Kenmare who reckons that the €200,000 price guide is competitive for such a scenically located home.