Country charm and energy efficiency at €895k Crookstown home

A balance of private idyllic gardens with proximity to Ballincollig and city at this seven-bed home

The Old Rectory, Minister’s Cross, Crookstown, Cork

Crookstown, Cork
€895,000
Size	364sq m (3,918sq ft)
Bedrooms	7
Bathrooms	4
BER	B3

The garden is why the current owners fell in love with this Crookstown property first day — and they’ve made excellent use of those grounds.

The Old Rectory at Minister’s Cross is a seven-bed home on 2.35 acres. Owners John and Lia, parents to six grown children, had downsized, but then realised they wanted more space, so they bought this property in 2019 (for €507k, according to the Property Price Register).

Those gardens have given constant enjoyment. A 12-foot pool was set up on the lawn for the seven grandchildren. And when it rains the little forked stream running through the gardens fills up nicely.

Lia says: “That’s our six-year-old grandson Lucas’s favourite spot. We have put on wellies and packed picnics and fishing nets and explored for hours on end.”

The Old Rectory is a slight misnomer. This house was only built in 1984, on the footprint of an older rectory, likely once linked to the nearby old Moviddy Protestant church and graveyard. Back at the B3-rated house, the couple, who’ve been married for 47 years, completed some nice renovation work including a new kitchen, Boru wood-burning stoves, and bedroom and en-suite upgrades, as well as adding 16 solar panels.

All this nicely-flowing space means it’s been no bother to have guests over, as many as 20 for Christmas. The kitchen has a large central island, a dining nook, and a breakfast bar.

On the practical side, Lia says: “We’re blessed with that utility room, which is a great size and has loads of storage.”

The house is on the market for €895k as the owners are relocating towards Bishopstown, nearer jobs and family.

“It’s been a brilliant location for us, only half an hour to Dunmanway, which has a swimming and hydrotherapy pool, and 12-20 minutes to Ballincollig, and we’re very handy for Dell, too, which is 15km away,” says Lia. “And we’ve got Killarney just 45 minutes away,” adds proud Kerry man John.

On foot you can get to Crookstown, 700m away along a footpath, which has Clifford’s Bar and a Your Stop grocery store. “There’s great living space and super versatility here. The sunroom is a lovely addition. It’s got a real Irish country residence feel, with classical proportions, too,” says agent Mark Walsh, of O’Mahony Walsh.

VERDICT: An attractive mix of old-style features, such as red, iron gates and bridges, with modern conveniences and in a handy location.