Where modern living meets country retreat

ROLLING countryside and views of the Blackstairs Mountains are the perfect backdrop for the new manse that is Grovine House.

Located on the Waterford Road, just four miles from the medieval capital, Kilkenny, the house is a thoroughly modern build, but on a scale that wouldn’t have been out of place in the past couple of centuries.

Set on just over an acre, this 3,000 sq ft-plus house combines country retreat with a fast commute to Kilkenny, Waterford or the south-east region and perhaps, at a push, Dublin.

The finish is superb, says Vicki Hallinan of FitzGerald Auctioneers, who describes the house as an elegant, timeless family home.

Built in brick and concrete, the property also has concrete floors at first and floor level, with zoned underfloor heating.

And while there’s a definite feminine touch in the decor, (restrained use of wallpaper in key areas), that all-male fixation, surround-sound, is also installed.

But best of all, and cleverly done, is a dedicated car-wash bay next to the garage.

This consists of a forecourt area with waterproof electrics, hose and vacuum, all ready to go for seamless, car grooming (or the dogs, even?).

The house also features a central vacuum system, automatic gates, a large garage and brick garden wall with post- and rail-fencing to define the site.

Laurel hedgerows have been planted, sandstone gravel spread on the driveway and the landscaping and planting is finished with ornate sodium outdoor lighting.

Grovine is the product of a number of perfectionists and the internal decor was finished by a professional.

She has steered the style on the modern, lush side of country house and there is the option to purchase some of the furnishings.

The hallway and main living room have quality, walnut floors with a lighter wood in the less formal rooms.

The kitchen is fitted in top of the range, country cream units with granite worktops and French doors lead from this room outwards.

The main living rooms, the drawing room and dining room interconnect through beveled glass double-doors and firepieces complement the overall country look.

The informal living room connects to the sunroom and both are floored in oak.

Behind the kitchen is a back hall with utility and guest bathroom, with access to the garage and rear garden.

Grovine has five big bedrooms on offer, three of which are en suite; most rooms also have fitted wardrobes.

Not surprisingly, houses of this calibre don’t come cheap — Grovine House is on the market at €950,000.

Considering its location so close to Kilkenny, it should garner a lot of interest.