Ring out the bells for bargain sale of the seaside Carillion Lodge

The €69,0000 guide reflects the realities facing any aspiring owner. Tommy Barker reports

Stranded, in more ways than one, is this beachside house called Carillion Lodge, with huge appeal for those who’d like to dip their toes in the sea at a knock-down price. But, to be safe, you’ll probably need to help it hold back the tides a bit.

This mid-1800s lodge in one of the most picturesque settings in coastal Courtmacsherry in west Cork had been bought by a local consortium, which had plans for a marina, coffee and ice-cream place, and other foreshore links too.

But planning objections, an ebbing development tide, and occasional very high sea tides which flooded the property, saw the building not so high and dry and in need of refurbishment and some knacky tidal barriers.

The business consortium with such high hopes is in liquidation and the building is new to market with Bandon-based agents Sherry FitzGerald Brennan Busteed. The price guide of €69,0000 probably reflects the realities facing any aspiring owner.

Only half joking, agent David Busteed suggests a new owner might think vertically — and just develop the first floor, leaving the ground level clear of anything that could get damaged, or that doesn’t float. Other countries have the ingenuity to cope with floods, so a bit of imagination or research could work wonders here, he optimistically suggests.

Stone-built Carillion Lodge “now requires complete refurbishment, offering an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking such a project,” his sale brochure states, almost needlessly adding that “it’s superbly located to the local beach and only a short walk to the picturesque coastal village of Courtmacsherry.”

VERDICT: Calling can-do King Canutes