Open house at the rectory
The four-bedroomed house on 10 acres has been on the market for over a year and its newly appointed selling agent, Peter McCreery, has gone for the short, sharp, shock option. He's also arranged open days for viewings which began last Saturday and continue all day today.
The vendors have already vacated the Old Rectory which means two things: the property is easier to show and, secondly, there is a strong motivation to sell.
As it stands, the guide price has come back over €200,000 from its initial launch, and, if it were in south Kilkenny, in the Inistioge/Thomastown area, it would make in excess of €800,000, says Mr McCreery.
However, what it does have is a location with fast access to the N8, and then onwards to Dublin, so it would suit someone needing to commute on a regular or irregular basis, he says. The Old Rectory is at Minster's Cross, midway between Freshford and Urlingford.
Mr McCreery says this is a superb residence, but one which will need some investment to bring out its best: some of the original features were modified over the years, but it retains most, including some beautifully ornate plaster work, sash windows, attractive door case and layout.
One or two of the fireplaces have been changed, but these could be replaced.
In terms of size, the property is quite manageable and would be on a par with any large, detached house being built today. What sets it apart is the attached courtyard of old stone buildings, a sweeping gravel driveway and its shelter belt of land and trees, as well as the character of age, of course.
Wearing a coat of Virginia creeper and with its bright red doorway, this house would be the ideal Christmas gift for someone looking for a property with rooms for children, dogs, ponies and a huge Christmas tree.
The main drawing room has high, corniced ceilings and measures 5.1m x 4.8m and the sitting room is almost the same.
There is a study/playroom to the rear along with a good, square kitchen fitted in light oak units.
The main bedroom on the first floor is L-shaped and has plenty of room for built-in units and an en suite. The remaining bedrooms are all doubles and share the main bathroom, but there is room for more en suite rooms.
Structurally, the Old Rectory is in good condition, says Mr McCreery and has a new roof.
The courtyard buildings were also renovated. The property is in need of some decoration internally, but would repay the investment handsomely, he says, adding that the sale offers a charming, character-filled residence at a realistic price.
Wrought iron gates mark the entrance from the main road and there is separate, public access from the courtyard, which comes with three stables, a lofted barn and a number of outhouses, including a garage.
The Rectory has 10 acres of land ideal as a hobby farm, says the agent.
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