Go bigger, further and older

Living in Macroom, and other areas in the lush Lee Valley is an option for townies now, especially as many are priced out of the increasingly expensive suburbs.

Bigger houses for less money are on offer in mid-Cork and there is one prime example on the market at the moment with Anthony O’Regan of Keane Mahony Smith.

Stoneacre, at Gortyleahy, Macroom is an old stone farmhouse on a high bluff overlooking the Gearagh, which is a minute’s drive from Macroom. Completely renovated by its vendors, who took an old farmhouse and adjoining lofted outhouse back to the bare bones, the house is now a four-to-five bedroom gem on offer at €650,000. And while it looks like the average farmhouse conversion it does have its own funky touches that lift it above standard.

First of all there is the wallpaper: yes, the oh-so-now look which is usually confined to back walls in showhouses has a prominent position in Stoneacre. One of the main living rooms is covered in a deep grey and silver paper which is surprisingly good with low beams and stone walls. The fact that the room is a cosy space with its own bar, adds to the atmosphere.

This property also uses its south-facing aspect for a sunroom/ entrance porch addition with two sets of double doors leading to the living room and a huge, open-plan sitting/dining room.

On the far left of the property is a spanking kitchen fitted on three sides of the square room and with a big, central island. Walls are cheerily tiled and the worktop is in black granite with light maple units underneath. The surprise here is that the utility is almost as big as the kitchen and is comprehensively fitted. Double doors lead out to a west-facing patio and overhead is the terrace leading out from the master bedroom.

The quality of finish here is excellent and the house has an unpredictable layout. Behind one of the living rooms is a bright and sunny playroom and next door is a fully-equipped office with broadband connection. According to Mr O’Regan, both of these rooms are laid out as bedroom and en suite bathroom and could be converted.

However, there are four really good bedrooms on the top floor, all facing south and overlooking the Gearagh, with a long corridor to the rear connecting the right and left wings of the house.

Nicely decorated, the rooms are good doubles and share a big bathroom. The master bedroom comes fully en suite, with a bathroom at one side and walk-in wardrobe on the other. Windows face south and west and the balcony is accessed through a door on the gable end.

Most of the land with this house falls to the front with a yard area to the back. Sunny and well laid out, it includes a large gravelled turn.