Quirky prettiness with authenticity

GRYFFON Cottage was built day one as part of an original barter: the stone for the walls was exchanged for a wooden wheelbarrow.

In today’s terms, the equivalent might be concrete blocks for a JCB, but the authenticated detail is just one of the quirks which attached to this pretty, 19th century home - one which has stood the test of time far longer than the timber barrow it was swapped for.

Gryffon Cottage is at Cullen, off the main Cork to Kinsale road near Riverstick, marking it out as a good tranquil rural retreat within a short 20 minute drive of the city.

It is on the market with Timothy Sullivan auctioneers with a €360,000 price quoted.

Rooms include entrance hall, good 21’ by 16’ sitting room with fireplaces, a kitchen/breakfast space with sheker style units, utility, shower room, ground floor bedroom and two more overhead bedrooms with storage off the landing, and a further bathroom.

It has oil heating, an alarm is fitted, there’s a garden shed and it is on grounds of about one third of an acre.