Quarry site just right for a home

By Tommy Barker

Opting for a classical lodge-style home, they built this 3,000 sq ft property on the site of a former stone quarry. However, the digging days are over and there are no traces of this site's former use - no Flintstone boulders to be seen.

The only stone in evidence is the cut stone used in the landscaping, and the site layout allowed a neat bit of working around terraced space which adds character to the setting. The three acres include two paddocks, and herb and vegetable gardens.

Quarry Lodge, on the market with Sheehy Brothers auctioneers with a €720,000 price guide, is on three acres of land near Howe Strand, about eight miles from both Kinsale and from Bandon in Co Cork, where gentler south Cork begins to unfurl into a West Cork aesthetic.

There are views down the valley towards the sea and coastline from the property, and under-appreciated Howe Strand and its myriad rock pools is a mile long trot away.

Quarry Lodge, with up to six bedrooms "was designed along the lines of a period hunting lodge, and is really very well done throughout," says Patricia O'Regan of Sheehy Brothers, who expects interest from the local Cork market as well as from further afield.

Features include an attractive low profile building with varied facades, a slate roof, wooden double glazed sash windows, bay windows with seating and the house is timber frame construction, with oil central heating and additional insulation.

It is bigger than it looks, with a discrete upper floor with Velux windows only - no dormers. The upstairs manages to sneak in three bedrooms, study, bathroom, play area and a laundry room/store.

Most impact is at ground level here at Quarry House, where the main living areas are relatively open plan, yet compartmentalised so each space has its own feel.

Iroko teak floors unite the different sections, such as the 27' by 15' living area, study and large entrance hall.

The kitchen is a homely plush place, with cream, oil-fired Aga, Ariston appliances, shaker-style units, and it has both a bay window and French doors to the gardens and patio. The tiled floor extends to the utility room, which has a Belfast sink and garden access.

The ground floor also has the master bedroom, which comes with a dressing room, two further bedrooms and a bathroom with over-size shower.

Decor is understated, lots of pale neutral shades used, and it is a house that will suit period-style furniture as much as modern pieces, so new owners can opt to stay with the country home feel or give it a more contemporary twist.

Location is about 30 miles from Cork city and airport.