Dream home complete with stables, five bedrooms and a price to match

THIS time of year, the prospect of a big old farmhouse with land and stables is a very attractive proposition indeed, as days are long and montbretia light up the hedgerows.

However, practicalities can intrude, which is why one such property in Mishells, Bandon, Co Cork, ticks most of the boxes for rural dreamers.

Described by the selling agents as a “rare, old-world, large country-residence, with orchard, stone stables, wood-shaded pony-paddock and secret garden accessed by a rustic bridge” this farmhouse is just 20 minutes from Cork city.

And while it sounds like it’s come straight out of Dream Homes Vol 1, the guide price lends credence to the blurb: the property is on the market at €725,000 through TJ Cronin of Irish and European and Victoria Murphy of Kinsale.

The house, which is 100 years old, is also just a half hour from a range of West Cork beaches and is a short hop to Bandon town.

As might be expected, the decor includes a lot of antique pine, but is right up to the minute in terms of accommodation. There are five double bedrooms on offer here, two of which are ensuite and including a master suite with its own balcony and al fresco dining area.

The spacious kitchen can seat ten people, but there’s also a formal dining area and drawing room. The latch-door kitchen leads directly to an outside patio area which the owners say is ideal for a wake-up cuppa.

The house, they add, provides ample living space for a growing family and is essentially divided into two. One half is used as a living space, with kitchen, utility, living/library and south-facing conservatory, while the other half is used for more formal entertaining.

This includes the country-style drawing room with antique fireplace and beamed ceiling and a dining room with wooden ceiling.

To the rear of the house is a games-room with a full-size table-tennis table; this area is ideal for teenagers who like their own space. There’s also a double garage with its own pit and workshop which could convert to a studio or commercial enterprise.

There’s more than enough room outside for a pony or three, plus the option to buy an extra acre of land. At the moment there are three stone stables included in the sale and a full pony paddock beside.

Ideal as a holiday or full time home, this Bandon house is in walk-in condition and has lots of space for a growing family - throw in a few head of cattle, a dozen hens and a few drills of potatoes and a family could almost be self-sufficient. The good life, indeed.