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.