Panoramic views tempt buyers as couple’s car problems lead to sale

THIS is no country for old men — or women.

Gray Stone Cottage in Goleen hits the winter market because its owners, a retired US/German couple, can no longer get a hire car in this country. They are too old, they’ve been told, and won’t be insured. So, they can’t drive a car, which means they can’t get around.

And with the door firmly shut in their faces the couple have found it impossible to navigate the west Cork lifestyle without a motor — they’ve already upped stumps and are leaving their seaside bungalow for the next person.

Now, as the season approaches, there should be plenty of viewers for this panoramic property. West Cork is flooded from St Stephen’s Day onwards with city types chasing fresh air and late nights.

The asking price of €650,000 might cause a whistling intake of breath, particularly in the present market, but selling agent, Carmel O’Regan of SWS Property Services Bantry is open to discussion.

The house is master of all it surveys, she says, and is a mile east of Goleen with views over Goleen Bay, the Fastnet and Crookhaven from its elevated, acre site.

An early 1980s build, it has an open plan living area with three patio doors to maximise on views. It is a bit dated, but the style and layout would lend itself to fresh, modern look. And it has broadband.

Two of the house’s three bedrooms face south, and the large lounge, (it’s 22’ by 12’) faces west and has patio doors with a sea view. It also comes with built-in units and sheeted ceiling — that typical look, which, with a coat of paint could be very noughties.

The living/kitchen/dining room is no small space at 22’ by 20’ and it comes with a pine fitted kitchen and a south-facing patio door to the terrace and gardens. It also has an open fire and, of course, sea views.

Ancillary rooms include a utility, guest bathroom, main bathroom and entrance hallway, and the property comes with a detached garage, which could convert, if necessary.

Oil heating is installed and the house runs on mains water.

The entrance is via a storm porch at the northern side of the house, which means all the living areas are at the other site, facing south and very private. Well worth a look.