Lord of all it surveys

THE must-have accessory for any house in the Lough Derg area is not quotidian stuff like cobble-lock driveways or even a hot tub — it’s a helipad.

And a sure sign of their ubiquity in this region is the inclusion of this essential extra in a speculative build.

In Killaloe, now a favourite roost of Irish and European golden geese, they pride themselves on the controlled nature of development on this, the Clare side of Lough Derg.

The beautiful lakeshore has seen flocks of new residents in the last 20 years and is now one of the premier resorts in the country with houses and prices to match. And even in one of the richest regions, there is still an element of one-upmanship between the two areas, which are a mere bridge span apart.

Harry Brann Auctioneers are currently selling a spanking new bungalow at Ballybrohan, Killaloe, for €750,000 at the moment.

Set on two acres, the house is a speculative build by Cherry Fox Developments, a civil engineering and building company who haven't stinted on finish.

They have lifted the standard bungalow design a bit and given it a modern edge with Liscannor facing and large, wood grain windows.

The site is finished, down to inset wall lighting on the driveway and the two acres have been rolled and re-seeded.

As befits a house of this size, it's flanked by stone walls at the roadside and comes with electronic entrance gates. Cobbled pathways lead to a man-made lake, which includes a water feature, and also to the helipad.

The house does, despite the auctioneering cliche, really nestle in its site and has stunning views over the lake with complete privacy.

Inside, the sense of grandeur continues with marble floors throughout the open plan ground floor, (courtesy of underfloor heating) and overhead a large oak beam defines the kitchen from the living space.

And that's another thing about this house it has light oak doors and skirting which is just that step up for the usual pine. Every fitting is simple and square, including the kitchen which comes in warm chestnut and is flanked by two large windows.

At 3,500 sq ft, there's more than enough space here for a range of living areas, and at the bedroom end all four rooms are ensuite.

Then, overhead is a large, open-plan dormer space, with cast-iron and oak staircase and a gallery overlooking the kitchen.

This is the same size again as the ground floor and can have any number of uses.

Tiling is tasty, with a Jacuzzi in the main bathroom, recessed lighting is fitted everywhere, the heating is pressurised and all radiators are covered.

All you really need to do here is move in.

Which is why Maura Brann of Harry Brann Auctioneers expects a fast, easy sale.