Comfort living, estate-style

MONKEY puzzle trees are synonymous with a certain type of property.

Love ’em or hate ’em, they are a period piece in their own right and one fine specimen takes pride of place in the front garden of Ballinamona House in Fermoy, Co Cork.

Although in need of work, this is one of those attractive period properties that are almost attainable for us mere mortals. It’s compact, private, but also impressive and wouldn’t break the bank to run.