Historic appeal

BUILT in the 1820s, just as Catholic Relief Act of 1829 was enacted, this substantial period property at Murroe, Co Limerick reflects the history of Ireland.

And the very fact that it was built marks the rise of the Catholic middle class as Castlecomfort was built by a Catholic priest. Fr Thomas O’Brien Costello was wont to entertain The Liberator, Daniel O’Connell, and the Apostle of Temperance, Theobald Matthew.

Castlecomfort comes back on the market with 15 acres and a much reduced guide price.

JC Gubbins of O’Connor Murphy Gubbins is seeking offers in the region of €800,000, down by almost half its original asking price.

The fact that it’s in move-in condition is fairly remarkable, plus, there’s a functioning courtyard with stables, a walled garden and a number of bridle paths ranging through mature trees and pasture.

Running to 3,000 square feet, it has a small reception porch leading to the inner hallway, while the main, central hallway has an impressive, sweeping staircase with fanlight window flooding the floor beneath with light.

From here, there’s access to the formal drawing, dining room both with original fire pieces and a sitting room with wood burning stove. There’s access to the cellar from here, while the kitchen is located at ground level and comes with country pine units and an adjoining utility and guest bathroom/ shower.

The main bathroom is on the first floor return and the first floor houses five bedrooms, all with working fireplaces wide plank floorboards and window shutters.

The house opens onto two patio areas in the garden and connects to the cobbled courtyard, with it’s stable and out offices that offer conversion potential in the long term.

The house is accessed through old stone walls, but with electronic gates and is surrounded by its acreage with good road frontage.