A clutch of country houses in The Orchard

THE mantra ‘must be viewed to be appreciated’ is the standard last paragraph of most brochures and its ubiquity can make it meaningless.

However, in the case of ‘The Orchard,’ in Waterfall, Cork, viewing is not just recommended, it is to be encouraged.

And pictures don’t quite do justice to the impact of this clutch of country houses.

The Orchard is situated in a part of the grounds of Greybrook House, a large, period property which gives its name to this wooded townland in Waterfall, five miles from Bishopstown.

Combining three separate properties on an acre of ground, the main residence is a recently built, mansard bungalow that is flanked by two restored and rebuilt properties on its boundary.

House one is the first to greet the visitor, situated as it is on the entrance to this mini-estate. Once a gate lodge, the property is now an enviable one-bedroomed house that has plenty of space for two.

Neat as a new pin on the outside, (there’s even a cloche for the woodpile), this house runs to 750 sq ft and would pass out most city centre apartments on size alone, not to mention style.

The high ceilings, rough country fireplace and salvaged kitchen add a certain eclectic charm to the main open-plan, living room. At the opposite end is a double bedroom with floor level windows and a huge, fully tiled ensuite.

This property has its own dedicated portion of the overall grounds of The Orchard and could be let separately, if a new owner so desired, says selling agent Malcolm Tyrrell of Cohalan Downing and Associates.

Meanwhile, property number two is now a south facing studio with a similar square footage to house number one. This is used as a studio at present, but, because it’s plumbed and has a small bathroom, could double as another single dwelling or as a surgery, office or other smaller commercial undertaking. Again, this little house has high sheeted ceilings and wooden floors with three arched floor to ceiling windows that flood the room with light. Old brick and stone are used in the construction.

The main house is typical of its period and unusually, it comes without corridors. In modern style, the house is very open-plan with dining room and sitting room running together and an open tread stairs leading to the upper floor.

The kitchen has double doors to the lawn and at the rear is a playroom or study. Also on the ground floor are a bathroom and utility room.

Upstairs there are four, bright bedrooms with shower room and separate main bathroom.

The grounds are the focal point for all three residences: bounded by mature trees and giving absolute privacy, they have a totally unexpected mix of the traditional with the oriental.

The main entrance to The Orchard is flanked by a very Zen-like pagoda. On raised ground, this little tea house has slate steps and white painted roofing and its incongruity is its charm. The theme is carried through to other areas, including entranceways flanked with oriental arches and latticework.

These blend with the rustic fencing around the tennis/basketball court and at the far end of the garden in a quiet area, is a similar pagoda in a setting more suitable to the odd bit of meditation or the ceremonial tea taking.

Apple trees, the leftovers of the long, gone orchard of Greybrook house still thrive, but in diminished numbers overseen by huge Monterey Pines, which, in their own way lend a backdrop to the oriental garden design.

All three houses are being sold as a package by Mr Tyrrell, who gives a guide price of €600,000 for the three houses and one acre of lush grounds.

The vendors will also throw in architects drawings for the main house and plans for the gardens.