A shore thing

A CHOPPER and a boat are the prerequisites when purchasing in uber-exclusive Ballina/Killaloe. Not only is this area the conjunction of Clare and Tipperary, but it's also where money meets mortar - big time.

Huge houses, in one of the most beautiful lakeshore areas of Ireland, about sums up this spot on the Shannon, overlooking Lough Derg.

Despite negative commentary from the economic soothsayers, the roar of the Celtic tiger still echoes around Ballina/Killaloe, where the brasher properties proclaim their optimism.

House styles here may vary, but square footage is always high and the closer you are to the lake the better.

Which is why there's a million euro or so price tag on this little beauty at Derrymount, Ballina, Killaloe.

Built 12 years ago, and surprisingly modest in style, the house, unusually, comes with a thatched roof, but that's the only concession to the vernacular.

Underneath, its humble pitch, this property at Derrymount has over 3,000 square feet of space and graciously appointed rooms.

It also has lakeshore frontage, a boat house and a slipway, the apex of ownership in Lough Derg.

The house has gone up for sale because its owners have gone down under. All that publicity about New Zealand following the filming of The Lord of the Rings must have some truth - to forsake Lough Derg for the antipodes must mean that country is on a par, beauty-wise.

It now remains to be seen how much of a demand there is for bigger properties in these twilight days before war. But seeing as home builders in this Shannon enclave have bucked the trend so far, Geraldine Leddin of John Stapleton and Co expects to meet her asking price, if not more.

And why, because this property on six acres is a prize.

With the house almost on the lake's edge, most of the land is to the front and it includes a large belt of sheltering woodland and about one and a half acres of gardens.

At first glance, it seems plain enough, but up close, the details become apparent: for instance, the door knocker is in oxidised copper in the shape of a Tara Brooch and its lovely, while the tightly woven 'buach' or ridge has a straw pheasant for a finial.

PVC has been eschewed in favour of white-painted casements, however, they have been used in French doors giving access on to the lake side of the house.

The interior is elegant with a mix of antique and modern furniture and rooms sizes are generous. These include a large entrance hall, a lounge with a simple, raised fireplace, a dining room and a kitchen with country fittings such as cream painted pine units, a Stanley cooker, Belfast sink. A separate dining area has double doors overlooking the water.

Three bedrooms are on the ground floor, along with a main bathroom and the remaining three are on the upper level, including an ensuite master and one room with walk-in wardrobe. Other features include a double garage to the side of the house, a boatshed and slipway.