Prairie Cottage land was poker prize

Schull home is still a winner, says Tommy Barker

Carrying the slightly unusual name of Prairie Cottage, this West Cork farm home on three acres with stone outbuildings is a lifestyle option, at a price that could suit fledgling buyers.

In fact, the property was part of a larger estate which changed hands in the late 1800s in a game of cards played between two local landlords, the Somervilles and the Hungerfords, says auctioneer Charles McCarthy in Skibbereen with Somerville getting the upper hand on the turn of a poker game.

This stone-built, traditional two-storey farmhouse was only completed in 1913, says Mr McCarthy, and has been altered and extended since, but probably needs a bit more updating once more once in new ownership, he suggests.

Its key attributes include a setting four miles west of Schull at Lissacaha, along a minor road near Ballyrisode beach, Toormore and Dunmanus Bay. It has views over level land (hence perhaps the prairie in the name) towards Mount Gabriel. Apart from the three-bedroomed house, there’s some old stabling, lofted stone outbuildings, a hayshed and the bulk of the three acres is in paddock.

Location: Schull, west Cork

Price: €220,000

Size: Sq m 130 (1,400 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

Broadband:Yes

VERDICT: Aces high. One for the green-fingered.