Lived-in and comfy, this is a hot number however you do your sums

THE market is definitely cooling at its upper levels and Irish country house sales are feeling the pinch.

While properties in all conditions were snapped up in the boom for figures with lots of zeros, this is not the case now, and vendors have to lower expectations and drop their prices to ensure a sale.

In the case of this property at Bruree, in Co Limerick, the original punt price has been dropped and agents Roberts Auctioneers are now asking €600,000 for this former rectory in Dev’s home village.

Described as being in a good, lived-in condition and with some extra features that would make it attractive to developers, this five-bedroom property is a manageable family home.

It also comes with two charming but semi-derelict cottages (with independent access from the main road), and a lofted coach house, as well as stables and five acres of paddock for a few ponies.

Unusually, it also comes with its own aviary and is within a 30-minute commute of Limerick city.

The Glebe House, Bruree, is a ready-to-go property for a family looking for wide open spaces with the convenience of a village next door.

The house overlooks the school house where the founder of Fianna Fail polished his maths skills.

Built to a standard plan by the Church of Ireland Temporalities Board, there are many similar properties throughout the country.

This particular Glebe had an extension added fairly soon after it was built, according to selling agent John O’Doherty.

The property is a cosy family home, he says, with five bedrooms and a number of reception rooms. It retains its period features and layout and has original timber floors, cornicing and fireplaces.

Approached by a winding avenue from the main road, the house is just outside the village and is two-storey over basement.

The lounge is 13’ by 16’ and comes with an antique fireplace and sash windows on two sides. The dining room is larger at 20’ by 16’ and a guest bedroom with en suite bathroom is also situated at this level but could be converted for other uses.

The main kitchen is at basement level, but is bright as the land falls away to the rear giving it access to a large patio. A utility is close by, along with some other store rooms and the aviary.

The former maid’s room is off the courtyard and is now a double bedroom with en suite. The main bedroom floor includes a full master suite with dressing room and bathroom.

There are two other rooms at this level, one of which is en suite.

The Bruree glebe has been in continual use as a family home.