Farmhouse keeps original look

Elma’s farm near Clonakilty in West Cork probably looks much the same as it has for the last 100 years or so, except now it’s warmer, dryer, more comfortable and a little brighter.

Bought and renovated four years ago under the direction of local architect Donal Hoare, it’s an attractive old farmhouse which has kept its original look.

One of the main changes has been the addition of a new front porch, a measure recommended to keep heat escaping from a house. It fits in well with the existing building. The only other significant structural change was the reduction of the first floor landing and the creation of a light-well to brighten up the ground floor.

New insulation was added under the flooring at ground level and also in the attic, and Rationel double-glazed windows and oil fired central heating were installed.

On the ground floor there’s 700 sq ft of living space, divided into two large rooms, a kitchen/dining area as well as a sitting room. Both have wide-plank oak flooring and are decorated as befits an old farmhouse. The kitchen has a range-style cooker, a dresser, a Belfast sink and doors with old-style hinges, while the sitting room has a cast-iron stove in a large fireplace under a timber lintel.

Upstairs has an additional 600 sq ft of space and includes a modern bathroom which has a shower and a period-style sink unit, with three bedrooms.

While renovating the property as a holiday home the owners decorated the ground floor but didn’t get around to the bedrooms which have replastered walls and basic flooring but no carpets, curtains or furniture. Elma’s Farm doesn’t have as much land now as it probably once did, but the half acre site does have large outhouse and a two storey workshop. The gardens have mature and sheltering trees, from Elma’s time, with a large number of plants and shrubs as well as brightly coloured fuchsia bushes.

Seeking offers of €295,000, auctioneer Ray O’Neill of Sherry FitzGerald O’Neillsays the renovations have been carried out to a very high standard. The property is at Sleveen four miles from Clonakilty.

VERDICT: It’s attractive and nicely renovated with period charm and private gardens.