L-shaped rooms are last word in style

Tommy Barker says the use of Italian craftsmen reflects the care with which this West Cork farmhouse has been renovated.

Homes like this large L-shaped dwelling don’t get built every day - and locations like this don’t get planning permissions granted any more.

Built practically on a skyline ridge 400’ above sea level, there’s an unparalleled sweep of sea, beach and rugged coastline views from this West Cork farmhouse - massively extended and cleverly updated. Bought as a derelict ruin and cluster of small dwelling and cow sheds five years ago by a family returned to these shores from Italy, it has been given a remarkably confident and costly make-over.