Dormer in the trees linked to Lissarda's 'Big House'

Family love of trees spilled over into €550k Ard na Chroí

Fri, 22 Aug, 2025 - 17:00

Property Editor Tommy Barker reports

Lissarda, Cork
€550,000
Size	221 sq m (2,366 sq ft) on 1.5 acres
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3
BER	C2

LOVE trees? You’ll love Ard na Chroí, and its arboreal array of trees and shrubs, many planted over the past two and three decades; others are older and linked to the period home alongside, Lissardagh House.

Set in greenery and russet shades, the Lee Valley district dormer home Ard na Chroí was built on verdant land, about 1.5 acres of it, associated with the 1860s period gem, Lissardagh House, just off the Cork-to-Macroom road at Lissarda (the spellings differ), a 10/15-minute spin west of Cork’s Ballincollig on the N22 to Kerry.

It’s trade-down time now for its owners, looking for less ground/fresh pastures, and who had got the chance to build here after the wider family’s purchase of Lissardagh House in 1996: It was bought by the Sherrard family after they sold the even grander 1700s Maryborough House in Douglas, now a leading Munster hotel on superb wooded grounds.

The uprooted Sherrards’ love of trees saw them plant afresh at Lissardagh House, and the next generation followed suit here at Ard na Chroí. The ‘Big House’ has changed hands twice again since, one of the finest period homes in the wider hinterland, and now it’s the turn of this more manageable home, next door to some of its former grounds.

It runs to 2,300 sq ft, with one of its four bedrooms at ground level for adaptable use and future planning.

One of its three first-floor bedrooms is en suite and it has two reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, utility, bathroom, and sun room/conservatory with high, vaulted ceiling, described as “an indoor garden room” Global Properties’ Con Nagle.

Mr Nagle prices the well-kept dormer at €550,000, and bills it as “substantial,” with its own well and services. It has a C2 BER, gas central heating, double glazing, and access to the gardens and a south-aspected patio from the sun room and the dining rooms and lots of parking.

“This south-facing land has been nurtured and maintained by its present owners of 30 years, now moving to a home with a smaller garden/project.

The massive array of trees and shrubs must be seen to be appreciated,” says Mr Nagle, describing the Lissarda setting, just off the N22, as a peaceful and accessible location “and when you need a break from admiring the beautiful landscape, why not call into Mai Fitz’s restaurant, which is almost literally at the end of the garden”.

His listing highlights “the stunning outdoor retreat, the beautifully maintained garden area, complete with vibrant flower beds, mature trees, and a cozy patio perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests. Whether you’re enjoying morning coffee surrounded by blooms or hosting summer barbecues in the shade, this garden provides a peaceful escape right at your doorstep.”

VERDICT: Part of local Lissarda lore.