It's action stations for coastal buy

Tommy Barker says Ardmore's Coastguard Station is unique purchase.

ALMOST out on its own, Ardmore's Coastguard Station has a chequered past and holds out prospects of a sun-filled future.

Dating back to 1870, the coastal property by the headland and cliff-top walk was budgeted to cost day one just under £2,000: now, as a conversion to five residential units, it is valued at around €2 million - but it may also be purchased in smaller, bite-sized lots.

A couple of weeks on the market, after a rigorous conversion programmed and blessed with a blistering July launch for early viewings, selling agent Eamonn Spratt of Property Partners Spratt Dungarvan gives price guides for individual units from €300,000 through €450,000 to €500,000 and with two and three bedrooms apiece.

This sort of level reflects the popularity and niche profile that Ardmore has, its holiday home demand from all over Munster's counties, and the rarity value of buying into an historic property. The fact it has stunning views can be taken for granted, as keeping a watchful eye on the coastline was the raison d'etre of these places.

Each of the five units has front and rear access, and the central tower portion is three storey, with a vaulted brick ceiling in the glossy-floored living-room/kitchen area as well as a granite spiral stairwell which forms a centrepiece which wends its way to a split level terrace area at roof level.

The building saw its coastguard personnel integrated into the local sea-faring and rural community for nigh-on half a century, and during the euphemistically-titled Troubles the coast watch complement was augmented by 25 troops who were provisioned from the sea.

In 1922 when the British coastguard withdrew, it was commandeered by Republicans, and burned at one stage to stop it falling into the use of the Free Staters. One wall section has been raked by bullet holes, but it is believed no armed confrontations took place so maybe it was a flare that went off.

The building, on two acres, was built on the Odell Estate by Dungarvan's W.B. Purser, father of Irish painter Sarah Purser.

A similar complex in Cork's Courtmacsherry, marketed since last year by Sherry FitzGerald O'Neill and with 10 individual units averaging 700 sq ft apiece, has recently changed hands to a group with local links, for about €2.2 million.