Calling all golf enthusiasts — your own private clubhouse

THERE’S real value to be had at Lismirrane House, the big Ring of Kerry house that could be mistaken for a golf clubhouse.

A million euro has been slashed off the large 6,700 sq ft home, which now has an asking price of €1.45 million, down from an initially optimistic €2.5m mooted back in September 2006, before the market hit the bunkers.

It was built by businessman Tom McNicholas, of UK-based McNicholas Construction, which was also involved in developing and finishing out the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club.

That course, at Templenoe, between Kerry’s coastal lode stars of Kenmare and Sneem, has continued to mature steadily in the past few years and is now highly regarded: It just is a chip shot away from the front of Lismirranen House.

It is a big package for big hitters in every sense, and there’s use of a helicopter pad just 500 yards away for those of the country’s building and business elite who still have access to such fripperies.

Otherwise, it is a six-mile cycle to Kenmare.

It was built for Mr McNicholas’s own use, but he has since decided to holiday in Dooks instead, so for those in search of an impressive pad on the Ring, take a look at this sensibly re-priced offering via Savills HOK in Cork, and local agent Michael Connor-Scarteen.

Plans for a swimming pool at basement level are in place, and there’s a large ornamental pond in front of the house itself, for the hardy of pelt.

This lower level also houses the rest of the entertainment and boys’ toys stuff, such as a gym, bar, billiard room and a spot for a couple of golf buggies, accessible from the course via a small bridge.

The ground level has three en suite bedrooms, plus a lounge, and this and the dining room have balcony access, with a bright, white kitchen also sharing the huge expanse of Kenmare Bay views. This level also has a study, utility, toilet and access to a double garage.

The first floor has two more bedrooms, both en suite with walk-in wardrobes and Velux windows. The build quality and finish is top end, with gas-fired underfloor heating and a central vacuum system. It all comes with an acre of grounds, with permanent access to the golf course and the lure of a family golf club membership... as if any buyer could pass up on that.