Cottage of solitude with stunning Clew Bay views

CALLING all hermits and lovers of solitude — the only house on Inishloy Island in Mayo’s Clew Bay is for sale.

The three-bedroom bungalow/cottage is on a plateau site of 2.5 acres, with views in just about every direction.

The 22-acre island — one of many in Clew Bay, which has the large Clare Island at its mouth for part protection and as a distance marker — is 300 metres from the mainland, where there’s a parking area and a stoney slipway/beach for your boat.

The entire island was bought 50 years ago by a German company and passed into the hands of several beneficiaries, but only one of them proceeded to build a house on a portion, while the rest of island is more or less undifferentiated, without boundaries — free rein to this house’s occupants.

The German-owned 820 sq ft house is quite modern in its decor and feel, with easy-keep tiled floors and a solid fuel stove by a brick chimney breast for comfort. There are steps down to a shingle beach from a field beneath the house.

The asking price of €325,000 is likely to be negotiable via Gerard O’Toole of Tuohy O’Toole in Westport.

He says the island has many major attractions including stunning views, as well as peace and tranquility. There may be an option to purchase a lot more of the land from the other beneficial owners.

And, while it has solitude, it isn’t at the expense of essential services. Both electricity and mains water were brought along the sea bed to the island at considerable expense.

Rooms include a living room/dining room, larder, small galley kitchen, three bedrooms, porch and bathroom.

Meanwhile, the same agents are jointly selling another Clew Bay island property, an architect-driven renovation of an old cottage on Inishgowla South island, off the coast of Westport in west Mayo.

This island is 46 acres, organically farmed, and the house site is about half an acre.

The 960 sq ft two-bed cottage is traditional outside, but with a contemporary feel inside and has eco-friendly insulation materials.

Accessed via Rosmoney, it has inner Clew Bay views, as well as views to the Nephin mountain range to the north, and south to Croagh Patrick. Joint agents Tuohy O’Toole and Helen Cassidy seek €375,000.