A slice of rural paradise

Rose Martin is taken with this former hunting lodge on four acres at Ballyhooly, Co Cork

ANYONE up for a bargain? This period property at Ballyhooly, Co Cork, could be just that: at the asking price (down to €295,000), and the condition of the house, plus its four, verdant acres set in ancient woodland, it’s the answer to somebody’s prayer.

Now, not everyone will want to live in a quiet, un-touristy area of north Cork, (Michael Flatley does — it’s said he pops into the local for a pint, but shhhh ...). However, those looking for a peaceful paradise should arrange a booking.

If you work with your head and a computer, or with your hands, or a pack of tarot cards, or herbs or foody fiddles, then this could be the place to put down roots.

Imagine the Tamworths snuffling under the trees, the pleasant cluck of hens and ducks around the house; the whinny of a pony; the screech of a cock pheasant and the sound of Sunday silence.

But then, that’s the positive side. There will also be days of howling horizontal rain, long hauls to schools, shops and town, and the unrelenting ennui of November days.

And if these cons don’t deter, then Rock Lodge may be the place for young romantics — or old idealists.

It’s right next door to a house that once sold for a reputed €12m, so no bargain basement buy there, and the fact that there are neighbours will appeal, while the woodland location ensures privacy.

Then, there’s the Blackwater across the road, and a handy bridge down a bit further from where locals dip rods to gather salmon in season. And for divilment, the house has a rather posh, post and rail driveway from the road, with a large turning space in front of the house.

Because it was a hunting lodge is has some quirky extras — like an unreconstructed basement with underground access to a large stable block, built of stone with huge arches and with masses of potential.

There’s scope to add an extra couple of bedrooms, perhaps, or even to create a granny flat or guest apartment.

The rest of the house is renovated with some nice additions, like the L-shaped kitchen/ dining/sunroom, which provides a first floor terrace area off a bedroom, (it needs railing, however).

Other rooms include a lounge and living room, on either side of the entrance hallway and ancillary rooms includes a utility and guest bathroom.

On the first floor, there’s the master bedroom, second bedroom and double bedroom with access to the balcony and two bathrooms, the first with Jacuzzi bath and the second a dedicated and upgraded, multi-blast shower room. The house is available to view through joint agents, Sarah O’Keeffe Property and Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan.

VERDICT: A wonderful location at the foot of the Nagle Mountains, close to the Ballyhouras and the Galtees and the village of Ballyhooley is a five minute drive away.