Period gem close to city

By Tommy Barker

Only four miles from Cork city and even less from the airport, Ballygarvan's old rectory isn't far off the Kinsale Road on the tourist route from Carrigaline and the ferryport towards West Cork.

The 1865-built house is part of the original Church of Ireland glebe, on two acres in which the imprint of a lawn tennis court can still be seen by a spreading ancient walnut tree.

The similarly-dated stone church alongside now is a spectacular private home and the original schoolhouse on the other side is also in domestic service.

The rectory is fresh on the market with joint agents Dan Howard of Dooley and Howard, with Brian Olden of Lisney.

They give a €850,000 price guide for the hugely attractive property which will suit all those with country living aspirations but worried about leaving the city lights to far behind: Ballygarvan village half a mile away has over 100 new houses being built there, has a church and school.

The €850,000 figure should only be taken as a guide, as bidding is bound to be hot and heavy for a manageable period gem close to the city.

It has four good bedrooms, with high ceilings, the bathroom on the half landing or return has stained glass features, and there are lots of original features, windows are correct for the period, the roof is slate and appears good, though the ornamental fascia barge boards need intervention.

There are two fine reception rooms to the front, each with good fireplaces and windows to the front and to the side.

The vendors have put the drawing room off the kitchen for evening light from the west, and put the dining room across the entrance hallway, though in truth these rooms are interchangeable.

The rooms, plus hall, have narrow strip maple flooring for a light and bright finish.

The kitchen, to the back of the house, is warm and country, with an Aga and marble worktops. A section of the kitchen has an arched divider delineating an informal dining area.

A west-facing French door opens from the kitchen to a patio space, and a painted timber conservatory in Victorain style would be a fine addition, subject to planning permission.

Reached up a short gravel drive through mature trees and shrubs, the house is bigger than its front indicates, with about 2.400sq ft of space, and stretches back quite a way into annexes with service rooms and stores, and there is a study as well to the rear.

An interesting touch is the legend carved into one of the two stone steps at the front door: 'Farewell Eric'. The step beside it has 'Welcome' carved in the same script.

The vendors say a son of the house went off to serve in a war, probably WW1, got as far abroad as Midleton, and returned home again, with discretion clearly the better part of valour.

There are also headstones for deceased pets in the gardens.

South-facing Ballygarvan's old rectory is within easy striking distance of Cork city, airport, Carrigaline and harbour, and the road to West Cork and towards Kinsale runs outside.`