1881 surgery in Macroom perfect for commuters

IN the old days, when Johnstown House was a doctor’s residence, access to the surgery was via two doors — and depending on your socio-economic status, you used the back or the front entrance.

And the little boy who shied away from the injections then, is now the selling agent for this 1881 property although he won't say by which door he entered.

Paddy Murray gives a guide price of €550,000 for this comfortable and well-cared-for property in the folds of the Lee Valley at Kilmichael.

The five-bed house has a mix of original fittings and modern comforts on an acre site.

Surrounded by big old trees and with an impressive entrance from the road, the house is located at Johnstown, and is mid-way between Inchigeela and Kilmichael village. It's also within a short drive of Macroom town, newly-branded as an e-town and in the throes of expansion, it offers excellent amenities.

But the key selling point will be the fast access to the city for commuters who fancy country life, but still have to put bread on the table.

According to Damien Murray of Paddy Murray Auctioneers, this house would come with a much higher price tag if it were closer to Bandon or Cork, and at its present level, is equivalent to a detached house in the city suburbs.

The house has high ceilings, Gothic arched windows and original tiling and staircase. The main rooms include a formal dining room with working shutters and cornicing and original fireplace.

There's a dispensary, kitchen/ dining room with a huge utility attached, on the ground floor there's also a playroom/den and a guest bathroom.

On the next floor, there are five bedrooms and a main bathroom and there's the option to tinker with the configuration and add a dressing room and ensuite.

A sturdy, country home, Johnstown House comes with oil heating, a rear shed and excellent grounds.