Lodge trips the light fantastic

HEATHER Lodge, at Gubbeen, Schull, is described by West Cork wordsmith/auctioneer, Jim O’Keefe, as “an original Shaun and Matt”, referring to its builders, the O’Sullivan brothers whose building skills and quality of finish are highly regarded in the peninsula.

This modern, but yet traditional, stone-faced house has lots of style and when you add in a in a perfect, one-acre site with views west towards the Mizen and a location just a mile and half from Schull, you have a house that ticks most boxes.

Then, of course, it’s high U values and low maintenance means it’s perfect for full-time or holiday home buyers who want to be close to one of the buzziest towns on the West Cork coastline.

And for those who dread an onslaught of guests, the house is very flexible, says Stephen O’Keeffe and one part could become a self contained unit with bedroom and kitchen, if required, which might also be helpful for an independent offspring or elderly relative.

A wild and rugged acre of ground surrounds the house and there’s a broad sweep to the front that includes a rock pool, with safety net included.

Sitting beside the water you can take in Croagh Creek and out the sea, the Fastnet.

And what is the main, eye catching feature of the house, externally, is also the big draw, internally. This south-facing slice of light from floor to beam, floods the open plan living space, as well as the cut away gallery overhead, to create an uplifting ambience.

The kitchen is a separate room, while at the other side is a bedroom with ensuite bathroom and independent access to the outside. Bedroom two has a balcony area attached and shares a bathroom with bedroom three. Stephen O’Keeffe, of James Lyons O’Keeffe guides it at €850,000, and the house is described in the brochure as “perfection from keel to gun’ale.”

Schull is, after all, very much a sailing town.