Starter homes: Castlepoint, Schull €220,000

Sq m 157 (1,680 sq ft)

The last house on the road — the description sounds romantic, and it will appeal to those who want to get away from it all. For those who do, what about Castlepoint Farmhouse?

This renovated, four-bed, two-storey house is five miles west of Schull, with remarkable views along Roaringwater Bay, over islands and inlets, and with a castle ruin in the foreground.

Likely to date to the early 1900s, it has been updated and extended, with double glazing, oil central heating and open fires, as well, for evening comfort.

Joint selling agents are Sherry FitzGerald O’Neill, in Skibbereen, and Martin Swanton, in Ballydehob, who say it has been tastefully modernised and has large, spacious and bright rooms.

The main front section has two reception rooms, left and right of the hall, each with fireplaces, and the area has a 23’ by 12’ kitchen/dining room, with utility and guest loo by the back door.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, one per corner, in a simple layout, with a main family bathroom between the back two.

The scenic site has foundations for a garage, and, nearby, down at the end of the road, is Castlepoint pier, for boating, fishing, swimming and diving.

VERDICT: Most likely to be bought for holiday or retirement use, but at a price that makes it accessible to a wide cohort.