On a glorious half-acre by Douglas

Extended cottage Saddlefield now measures 2,400 sq ft and has a lush garden in a suburban-rural location in Cork, says Tommy Barker

There are many reasons to love Saddlefield, a home that’s had expert care and smart ideas lavished on it, inside and out. It’s in a great location on a half-acre just beyond Douglas golf club on Maryborough Hill and, well, you can see why agent, Jeremy Murphy, has been swamped with calls for viewings. On a sunny day, it will sell itself, such is the appeal of its rear, sun terrace (accessed via two sets of French doors) overlooking private, feature gardens, including a ‘Harlequin’ hedge of green and copper beeches.

The owners are moving to build an eco-aware, low-energy home. When they bought Saddlefield, it was an extended traditional cottage, and they have extended it further, during their happy tenure here; it’s now a sizeable 2,400 sq ft, prompting Mr Murphy to say the place is deceptive from roadside glimpses, with its paddocks-style gates.

It’s a lovely mix of country living and tranquillity and suburban-like convenience, as Douglas village is only a couple of miles away.

Full of individuality, its internal features include a large and airy kitchen/dining room with warm pine units, lots of natural timbers, high, wood-sheeted ceilings and overhead, mezzanine study/office as well: it’s quite a theatrical space.

Off to the gable side is a sunken lounge, with large, wood-burning stove, whose flue runs through the mezzanine level for extra heating efficiency, and there’s also a pantry/utility.

The older section of the house, on a higher, split-level, has a further sun room and living room with fireplace, and a large hall could qualify as library/study.

Two of the three bedrooms here have freshly done en-suites, and bed number four is sort of a private suite, removed from the throng, with a smashing feature en-suite with centre-set bath/shower: a teenage daughter will want it, no question. In fact, it’s an ideal buy for an extended, or growing, family that wants communal spaces, mixed with private ones.

Condition is top-notch, and Saddlefield comes with a double garage, and a range of outside seating and dining area in sheltered spots, expertly planted with some old cottagey plants, and with some exquisite, dry-stone walling, as well.

VERDICT: Great balance of country lifestyle on the edge of Douglas.