Moving on: This ‘beast’ of Ballyhoura is a fine, six-bed, 3,000 sq ft home

Dormer in scenic tourism area is priced at €325,000 says Tommy Barker.

HEARD of the Beast of Ballyhoura? This Cork-Limerick country border area has embraced outdoor living: this summer sees the fifth ‘Beast’, a gruelling 36-hour extreme sports event that includes mountain runs and bike trails through the Ballyhoura hills, kayaking, abseiling, orienteering and shooting.

Once a low-key area of natural beauty, mountain-bike trails have put Ballyhoura on the map, and brought a tourism boost as well. Now, there’s a kinder ‘beast’ to consider locally — this fine, six-bedroomed, quality, c 3,000 sq ft dormer home with a manageable price of €325,000 for relocators, via agent Mary O’Callaghan, of Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan.

Location of this big home on a half acre is Ballyshonack, Kildorrery in Co Cork, close to main access routes, but equally primed for partaking of hunting, fishing and shooting.

She says the owners insisted on, and got, high building standards, and it has a high BER rating, helped by a combi-oil burner, zoned underfloor heating, and a pressurised water system serving its several bathrooms.

Layout is adaptable, with scope for up to six bedrooms (two at ground level) and with two en suites. Several bedrooms are given optional uses, such as study, gym and home office, and a new owner doesn’t need all six rooms available.

Living quarters off the big, oak-floored hall include a 16’ by 15’ living room with high-gloss built-ins either side of the cast-iron fireplace, a sun room next to a big 27’ by 17’ kitchen/diner with Pippi oak units, granite tops and a bank of built-in appliances, and there’s access to a big decked area beyond.

VERDICT: Not only is this family home large, at c 3,000 sq ft, the quality on offer is also high, say the agents.