Remarkable Tigh Oisre
THE international flavour of Sneem is not confined to the sculpture park where exhibits include a Chinese panda, an Egyptian Goddess and a steel tree from Israel.
Close to Oysterbed Pier near the village is an elegant post and beam home called Tigh Oisre which looks as if it might belong in the forests of New England. This very remarkable property was in fact designed by a US architect, is constructed with Douglas Fir imported from Canada and clad in cedar siding brought in from South Carolina. Fitted out as a holiday and rental home, it has zinc guttering and drainpipes from France and limestone tiles from Italy.
Located just 500 metres from Oysterhaven Pier, the 2,500 sq ft property is new to the market with Sherry FitzGerald Daly Kenmare who are seeking offers of €550,000. It’s on a one acre site and one of two houses built for holidays and for renting by British couple Richard and Sarah Tyzack in 1999 and 2000.
They called it Tigh Oisre , house of the oysters, because of its location. As a result of its style and distinctiveness it has featured in several magazines, including BBC Good Homes, 25 Beautiful Homes and Build It.
In building this house the owner Richard managed to combine his love of Kerry, where he’d spent some time as a child, with his love of US timber houses. He and his wife bought a six acre site which contained a plot with a mature garden which is where they built Tigh Oisre.
Once the couple had found US architect Hal Minick to design their spacious open plan timber home, they had the frame manufactured by a Canadian company. It was shipped out from Toronto and went via Rotterdam and Liverpool before arriving in Dublin.
It was then transported by road in 40’ containers to Sneem where the main structure was put up in eight weeks.
Nestled on a secluded site amidst rugged heather covered hillsides, the cedar-clad house has scenic views of its landscaped gardens and the surrounding countryside.
The interior has been fitted out to a very high specification and is bright and open plan. Marketed on the web as an exclusive holiday rental the house, which costs €2,200 a week in high season, is being sold with all its contents.
Both the kitchen and the living/dining room are large, with tiled flooring and exposed ceiling beams. Fitted with oak units , granite worktops and high quality appliances the kitchen is contemporary and practical with a granite-topped breakfast bar. The living room has a high vaulted ceiling, a fireplace and patio doors which open on to decking at the front.
At ground level there are no curtains or blinds because the owners wanted to make the most of the garden views. The seclusion of the property means they weren’t concerned with being observed by passers by, although they have put curtains on the bedrooms.
Other rooms at ground level include a lounge/sunroom, a pantry/utility room and a wet room. The upper level has an octagonal-shaped landing leading into three very large bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en suite with both a shower and a cast iron bath as well as a queen-sized bed. The second bedroom also has an en suite, while the third has a wooden balcony leading on to a walkway going up a rugged hillside to a viewing point.
Tigh Oisre is located in a cul de sac three miles from the village of Sneem. A selling point for the holiday rental market is the fact that it’s just one mile from Parknasilla hotel which is frequented by international guests.
Auctioneer Elaine Daly says the selling points for Tigh Oisre include the uniqueness of the design and the location. “It’s a luxurious family home, built and furnished to the very highest standards and is located just half a mile from Oysterbed Pier, a secluded and hidden piece of paradise.’’
VERDICT: An international one-off.
Location: Sneem, Co Kerry
Price: €550,000
Size: 232 sq m, (2,500 sq ft)
Bedrooms: 3
BER rating: Pending
Broadband: Yes
Best feature: Stylish design
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