Excellent holiday home comes at a bargain price

IN THE last few weeks of summer, when the country ticks over slowly, the property market slumbers in the muggy heat of August.

Canny agents hold over their properties for the back to school/ back to work surge of autumn and time hangs still.

There is one exception to the this rule - holiday homes.

One gem property has been on the market since May with Ganly Walters and offers a complete, and unusual package for its asking price of just over 300,000.

‘The Manse’ is in the heart of BMW region, and because of its disadvantaged status, properties here are covered by the Rural Renewal Scheme, which allows buyers to offset costs against tax

(A word to the wise: it would be advisable to check with a financial adviser first).

The Manse, Hollymount, Claremorris, is just off the beaten track and would not be the setting if you fancy raucous bank holiday weekends, that is unless you’re prepared to bus in your own party.

According to selling agent, Callum Bain, this is a fine period residence that predates its adjoining kirk: the little church was built two centuries ago as a trickle of Presbyterianism flowed down from the North.

The building is still sound, says Mr Bain, and would make an ideal studio or workshop. The Presbyterian church is a quirky addition to the simple but attractive main house, which has Georgian styling.

The house has three, fine reception room, (one of which was used by the Minister to meet his parishioners) and a second which doubles as a sun room, has French doors opening into the garden.

Up on the first floor are the four principal bedrooms Jeff Smith of Smith and Co are the local agents and Callum Bain of Ganly Walters, is joint agent.