House of the Week: Beachy West Cork €795k haven with a sauna

The Isles at Ahakista has gorgeous gardens, spacious decking — and glorious sea views 

The Isles, Rushnachara, Ahakista, West Cork. Pictures: Niamh Whitty

Ahakista, West Cork
€795,000
Size	330 sq m [3,552 sq ft]
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	4
BER	D1

Some ‘survival’ tips for owning a luxury holiday home in West Cork: make sure you buy a property previously owned by a gardening expert who’ll have it all nicely planted up for you, leaving more time for watersports and relaxation ... and definitely dash up from the beach at the end of the day and ensure you’re top of the queue for the sauna.

The first is easily done at The Isles in Rushnachara in Ahakista, once owned by a gardener who contributed to the early ‘90s gardening show Greenfingers.

However, you’ll just have to get nimble to beat that sauna queue... or wait your turn.

This five-bed detached property on 1.38 acres has been a main base as well as a holiday home for the current owners who bought it around 15 years ago.

“It has been fabulous for family holidays and there were always children coming to stay and enjoy watersports, music, and golf. Between three children and numerous nieces, nephews and friends, it has seen a lot of holiday action and fun.”

The Isles is for sale now that they’re moving near family overseas and they hope a new family enjoys this “place between sea and sky with a toehold on the land”.

There are two separate decking areas outside — the larger wraparound one has steps leading to the gardens and more than enough room for social gatherings,
“perfect for sundowners on the terrace”.

The warm waters of the Gulf Stream helped maintain a beautifully diverse garden, where hardy native coastal plants grew alongside exotic species such as acacias, quince, and other shrub varieties from as far away as New Zealand.

“We’ve seen dolphins and seals from the decking here and on one very exciting occasion a minke whale.”

The sauna is “a lovely proper old-fashioned one which is remarkably quick to heat”.

“It’s been very much used and enjoyed and it’s great to come up from kayaking or swimming and jump in the shower and try to be top of the queue for the sauna.”

Selling agent, Liam Hodnett of Hodnett Forde Property Services, salutes the house’s “split-level coastal Hamptons style layout which offers a rare opportunity to enjoy panoramic views overlooking Dunmanus Bay”.

“You’re within walking distance of the village and you’ve got proximity to the pier and harbour area which is ideal for people who have a love for boating or sailing,” he notes.

The south-facing property is actually based over two adjoining sections which means the one without the house could be a gardener’s dream getaway within a getaway. “You could keep a pony here on the paddock which has also twice had planning permission twice for another house. We renewed the planning permission but let it lapse without getting to use it so maybe someone could look at reapplying for that if they wanted.”
Handily there’s a covered ‘carport’ style area next to the garage which looks to be a great spot for storing kayaks or drying wetsuits.

Appropriately, the decor at this €795k coastal escape includes clear-sky blues, warm rustic stone, natural wood, and beachy creams.

VERDICT: A salt-kissed sanctuary featuring several smaller havens of relaxation indoors and out.