A gem in Dev country

IT’S not often period properties with land come on the market at an affordable level. If they do, they usually require lots of hard graft and an injection of huge sums of money to make them right again.

In the case of this property in Bruree, however, the rule doesn't apply as the house is in a good, lived-in condition and comes with some extra features that would make it attractive to someone who likes to get their hands dirty.

These include two charming but semi-derelict cottages and a lofted coach house with development potential, as well as stables and five acres of paddock for a few ponies. Unusually, it also comes with its own aviary.

At €570,000, and within thirty minutes drive of Limerick, The Glebe House, Bruree, is a ready-to-go property for a family looking for wide open spaces with the convenience of a village next door.

In fact, the house overlooks the school house where Dev polished his mathematical skills.

The property is built to a standard plan. As a Glebe House, there are many similar properties throughout the country constructed by the Church of Ireland Temporalities Board. This particular Glebe had an extension added fairly soon after it was built and, according to selling agent John O'Doherty of Roberts Auctioneers, it would take a practiced eye to tell where one begins and the other ends.

Despite the extension, the property is not a huge, rambling house but a cosy family home with five bedrooms and a number of reception rooms. It retains its period features and layout and has original timber floors, cornicing and fireplaces.

The property lies outside of Bruree and is approached by an avenue from the main road. There is a generous turning point to the front and limestone steps lead to the original Georgian door and door case.

The main reception rooms are not huge the lounge is 13' by 16' and comes with an antique fireplace.

The dining room is larger at 20' by 16' and is an imposing room with chandelier and long drapes.

A guest bedroom with en suite bathroom is also situated at this level.

The main kitchen is at basement level, but is bright as the land falls away to the rear giving it access to a large patio.

A utility is close by, along with some other store rooms and the aviary. The former maids room is off the courtyard and this is now a double bedroom with en suite.

The main bedroom floor includes a full master suite with dressing room and bathroom, and there are two other rooms, one of which is a double, also en suite.

The history of the Glebe is a map of small town Ireland. Having been used for years by a series of rectors for the Church of Ireland parish, the property then became home to the local GP until it was sold twelve years ago. In all the time since it was built, the Bruree Glebe has been in use as a family home.

The two, semi-detached cottages that come with the sale have independent access from the main road and a half acre of gardens between them.

This property package offers good value for those hunting for a period residence with lots of space.

John O'Doherty of Roberts Auctioneers, Limerick is in charge of the sale.