A country retreat with old world charm — and a peaceful suntrap

Tommy Barker reports on an appealing offer near chic Castletownshend in West Cork.

There aren’t too many old-world style farmhouse buys with outbuildings left around Castletownshend, West Cork, says auctioneer Charles McCarthy in nearby Skibbereen, as he brings an appealing offer to market at Moneyvoulihane, guiding what seems like a reasonable €230,000 for the mix on 2.5 acres.

And, the good news for buyers and aspiring occupants is that while all the charm of the old days are here, the four-bed property has been simply renovated and extended, so there’s no further big bills to fret about, just discretionary extra touches to be looked at, and finishing off the central heating.

It’s set a couple of miles from chic Castletownshend, and is quiet, reached up a long approach avenue by its paddocks, while completing the country retreat feel is a selection of basic outbuildings, stores, loose-boxes and tack room. to go with paddocks and orchard.

At the core is an old stone two-storey traditional farmhouse, now with replacement hardwood windows painted a cheery red contrasting with the white-painted walls. Inside, it’s mostly one large ground floor room, 36’ by 18’ with a large stone fireplace at one gable, and a Rayburn range at the other, kitchen end, topped by black and white tiles in a random pattern, looking a bit like a cryptic crossword. This characterful space has slate floor, open beamed ceiling, and off is a utility and cloakroom, with guest WC and shower.

VERDICT: A peaceful suntrap — when the sun shines.