Schoolteacher’s home a lesson in renovation

A UK builder has undertaken an imaginative renovation of a former schoolteacher’s home in the Beaufort area of Killarney.

Glencuttane, situated in the rural area of Kilgobnet, has been extravagantly renovated and extended. The builder, who has constructed and converted barns in Britain, and undertaken conversion work on Irish homes, too, has done extensive masonry work to this house.

The building, which now measures 2,000 square feet of space, was extended into the roof, at the side and to the rear, and is split over several levels. These feed out into a large, decked terrace, which, in turn, has its own brick-built folly.

The house’s exterior references ‘Irish’ theme pub finishes, such as brick, stone and timbers, and is on a half-acre site. It has a detached, double garage with an overhead, one-bedroomed apartment. Michael Coghlan, of Sherry FitzGerald Coghlan, in Killarney, says the house is selling for €375,000.

It is a 25-minute drive from Killarney, in a quiet, hilly country location - the original school house, alongside, is sliding into dereliction. Mr Coghlan says potential buyers are more likely to be people keen on tranquility and a country lifestyle, rather than commuters to Killarney.

High quality workmanship is evident throughout, and, while the exterior finish of brick, stone and wood is of an older sensibility, the interior is modern, bright and warm.

Accommodation includes a large lounge, study, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, three en suite bedrooms, oil-fired central heating and double glazing.