Distinguished Kanturk property

THIS is a house with a bit of a dual identity — Springville on the brochure, but known as Springfort to its owners and those in the locality.

Indeed, its woodland setting is often used by Sunday strollers and is a brisk 3km from Kanturk town.

This distinguished property is quite old — official records date it to 1775 — but it predates that time, says vendor, Desmond Sharpe-Bolster, whose family have held title since 1892.

As a member of the Georgian Society and proprietor of Glenlohane House, also in Kanturk, Mr Sharpe-Bolster took pains to ensure all the original features of the house were maintained during its various upgrades. A three bay, two-storey house with a Victorian porch addition, it has a substantial 575 sq m of space and a wonderful pastoral location.

The house is being offered for sale with just under 30 acres at €1.5 million and a second lot, comprising 18 acres, on offer at €325,000. Despite its volume, Springfort House has just four, admittedly large, bedrooms and three formal reception rooms. All bedrooms have antique fireplaces, wooden floors, shutters and, in some cases, unusual light fittings.

The ground floor has a drawing room, morning room and dining room, with a kitchen and pantry, and a basement with wine cellar, guest WC, utility, study-playroom and rear hallway.

Outside, there’s a courtyard which includes 11 stables and two lofted coachouses. The grounds contain a walled garden with orchard as well as a number of flower beds and specimen trees.

Joint agents for this impressive property are John Linehan Auctioneer, Kanturk and Roseanne De Vere Hunt of Ganly Walters.