A perfect blend of past and present

Union Hall, Cork €260,000

THE sea is just tantalisingly out of view of this lovingly restored 19th century West Cork stone cottage — but it’s only a couple of minutes walk down to a shingle beach.

Positioned for shelter, the downside is the lack of a sea vista, yet parts of Blind Harbour can be glimpsed from this 900 sq ft three-bed home, a couple of miles south of Union Hall and near Castlehaven harbour.

There’s an array of small coves and inlets and islands around these waters, and also close to hand are Reen Pier and the beach at Squince, ideal for watersports enthusiasts and kayak trips to places like Rabbit Island. This restored cottage, with sympathetically-added gable end sun room, is now priced at €260,000 with agent Maeve McCarthy of Charles P McCarthy in Skibbereen, having been on the market four years ago with a price tag of almost €100k more. She says it should now command interest and activity at this sum. All three bedrooms (one with en suite) at this Ballinatona hideaway are upstairs, with the bathroom downstairs, and there’s also a utility, and large kitchen/living area taking up most of the ground floor, with solid fuel stove in a stone chimney breast, and floors here in these inter-linked spaces are in oak, with some exposed painted ceiling beams for character.

Ms McCarthy says it is a superbly restored period cottage, finished to a very high specification and with respect for its past, in a magnificent sheltered location.

It has oil central heating, and works perfectly as a family home. Grounds are easy to keep, with gravelled drive, small lawn and shed.

VERDICT: Small parcel, lovely goods and coastal setting.