A gardener’s friend and an entrepreneur’s dream

Welcome to the site of your new cottage industry business. Rose Martin reports.

AH, the bucolic idyll that is Rupert’s Farm. This little level plot of three acres is plonked into the middle of the east Cork countryside and a good hike on foot to the main road.

But, the snaking driveway to the cute farmstead is just on the right side of getting away from it all — far, but near enough too.

Perversely, the success of the enterprise is part of the reason this small holding at Rathaha Ladysbridge is up for sale. Home to a micro-brewery set up by owner, Rupert Hugh-Jones, he’s upping sticks to Shanagarry.

There, the brewing business will take on a more commercial edge — and the Ballymaloe Brand. Rupert Hugh-Jones will set up shop next to mother in law Darina Allen’s cookery school.

This leaves Tom Kelly of CCM to sell the farmstead, and at a guide of €285,000, it should be within reach of a broad church of would-be self-sufficiency zealots.

The main property is an extended cottage, which is quite old, but has been simply restored to include a new kitchen and bathroom and a living room at the rear.

This opens onto a lovely sun terrace with herbaceous planting and some real specimens.

Then, there are two commercial polytunnels — one full of ripening tomatoes and here’s where the commercial element kicks in — the business is included in the sale.

Hugh- Jones is also open to passing on his slots at Mahon and Blackrock farmer’s markets and the sale will come with the building that houses the micro brewery — obviously, the equipment will go with Hugh-Jones.

This is a converted out-building, (with casement windows brought in from France) and would make a great guest cottage or suit commercial uses.

And there are a couple of other outhouse on the farm ready for new hands to be redeveloped

VERDICT: Rupert’s farm has to be visited to feel the tranquility and privacy, within commuting distance of Midleton and Cork for those with a day job too.