Lee Valley farm has many advantages

YOUR average farm sale doesn’t register on the radar of city buyers, but one particular holding in the Lee Valley should see huge interest when it goes to auction on February 17.

Classes, Carrigadrohid has an unassuming bungalow residence and around 75 acres of good arable land, but its real draw is a long, lakeshore boundary on the Lee near Macroom, but also within commuting distance of the city.

Because of strict regulations all along this valley, planning permission to build a house is almost impossible. The demand for the area, however, is huge, not only because it’s a beautiful location, but because the road connection to the city is excellent, especially now that the Ballincollig bypass is open.

Then, if you add in all the amenities due in the next year with Ballincollig’s new town centre, the draw is not only understandable, it makes good sense.

Which is why selling agent, Sherry FitzGerald Hinchion expect strong hobby-farm interest in this farm at Classes, Carrigadrohid.

At the guide price of €600,000 it’s the equivalent of a large, detached house in a medium density area, but here you get all that land as well.

The bungalow residence is in good condition, has three bedrooms and a courtyard of stone outbuildings which would be suitable as stables, or perhaps, have conversion potential. The views, however, are the major attraction and from the front door, you’re looking straight over water.

This is a lifestyle property in every sense - you can boat, ride, fish and even shoot on your own grounds and there’s also the option to raise a few head of cattle, and if you wish, even a pedigree herd.

The land is above average also, says JJ Hinchion, who’s selling the property, and adds that it’s a good investment for farmers and non-farmers alike. He’s expecting keen interest on the day.