Appealing renovation

Some lovely rural views are a bonus at the Old Stone Barn in West Cork, writes Tommy Barker

FULL OF colourful furniture and quirky fun inside is this easy-on-the-eye stone house and barn conversion in west Cork. Called the Old Stone Barn, it’s an appealing cluster at a place called Kilnsagospagh, a ten minute spin by car from Skibbereen, and is up on a elevation giving it a sweep of pleasing rural views — best savoured from its covered veranda. It’s a property that has changed hands at least once since its total overhaul about ten years ago, when it was taken in hand by a duo of serial renovators who’ve done nearly a dozen barn/farmhouse renewal around west Cork. The current owners have put their own individual mark on the property, adding warmth to the interior and minding its grounds, exterior and seating area, with total site area of over half an acre. Auctioneer Pat Maguire in nearby Skibbereen seeks offers around €280,000, and says the location is very central in west Cork, within an easy drive to the coast, to Schull, Baltimore and more, and he describes its grounds as tree-lined.

Because of its layout, in a sort of L-shape, the room at one gable end by the covered veranda (with sunken hot tub in the covered over decking) could suit someone wanting independent access for home office use or even holiday letting, says Mr Maguire.

Internally, what’s most distinctive is the upper level kitchen/dining area, about 30’ long and 14’ wide, under the roof and marked out by exposed dark-stained roof beams, all kept bright and cheerful thanks to a range of Veluxes, two each side in the roof.

Other rooms back down at ground level are a double aspect sitting room with solid fuel stove, open tread staircase and slate-tiled floor, all given a cheery look with lots of colour. There are up to four bedrooms, one of them en suite, several have high or vaulted ceilings, and the main family bathroom has an old-fashioned cast iron roll-top bath and high-level antique cistern for the WC.

One of the bedrooms can also function as a study; that’s the one at the far end of the house, opening to the veranda with its hot tub.

VERDICT: There’s great personality in the house in a handy, accessible location, perfect for families, retirees, holidays, and rentals. Beats boring boxes, that’s for sure.