Gardens the clincher at Ashbrooke House

GOOD and all as the family home Ashbrooke House, near Glanmire, Co Cork, is, it is the gardens that should seal a deal.

Built in the 1990s, and since upgraded and extended by the current owners, this fine house’s 0.9 acre of wholly-private grounds has changed dramatically during their 11-year tenure, thanks to a willingness to spend on sound professional advice and plans.

The owners asked well-known landscape designer Brian Cross to outline a garden plan for them back, oh, about 10 years ago. And, they asked him back again recently, and followed his advice to the letter.