Historic homes in popular Co Cork spots

A Georgian mansion in the Blackwater valley would suit an equestrian enthusiast, writes Fiona Tyrell, while an 1820s guest-house overlooking Courtmacsherry harbour is a ready-to-go live/work investment, says Kate McMorrow

Mallow: €4m

Graigue House, a 19th century country home, with 143 acres of agricultural land, will appeal to anyone who is in the market for a country house with horse breeding facilities.

Sherry FitzGerald Hennessy is quoting €4 million by private treaty for Graigue House, a six-bedroom Georgian house at Shanballymore, Mallow in Co. Cork.

Located approximately 10 miles from Mallow, Mitchelstown and Fermoy the 465 sq m (5,000 sq ft) house is surrounded by mature gardens and stands on prime agricultural land in the heart of the Blackwater valley region.

All antiques in the house, including two chandeliers and furniture dating from the early 1900s, are included in this price and the option of purchasing an additional 108 acres is also available. In addition the holding also includes a 38,400 milk quota.

Graigue House was the seat of the Hill family, who arrived in Ireland with Cromwell's army. The current owner, who has bred racehorses on the land for the past 80 years has developed a well-maintained south-facing stable yard.

The three-storey house is approached along a quarter-mile driveway lined with beech, sycamore and lime trees.

The property has excellent road frontage and is has a separate farm entrance.

The house has been fitted with new roof in recent years and all windows are double-glazed. It also boasts a large basement with four cobble stone rooms, which would be ideal for a wine cellar.

The high ceilings on the ground and first floors bring classic Georgian elegance to the home.

An entrance hall with a cloakroom under the stair leads into the sitting room and dining room, both of which have marble fireplaces and antique chandeliers.

The kitchen has fitted units, electrical cooker, white goods and an oil fired Aga.

Also on the ground floor is a bathroom with a tiled floor and electric shower.

Five of the six bedrooms are carpeted and three of them boast granite fireplaces with cast iron and tile inserts.

The master bathroom is fully tiled with bath and shower.

Graigue House is just 30 miles from Cork and 35 miles from Limerick and is likely to appeal to someone with a feel for country pursuits and Georgian elegance or those in the horse breeding business.

West Cork: €690,000

A charming west Cork guesthouse and restaurant with owner's accommodation is on the market with Niall O'Sullivan for €690,000.

It's difficult to fault the location. Travara Lodge overlooks Courtmacsherry harbour and its front gardens extend down to the seashore. The property extends to over 372 sq m (4,000 sq ft) and is for sale fully-furnished and equipped.

The owners are chef, Brendan Murphy, and manager, Richard May, two Dubs who plan to run a private catering enterprise in the area. Over the past five years, they have established Travara Lodge as a popular tourist venue, winning restaurant awards from reviewers Bridgestone and Georgina Campbell.

Built around 1820, the house has been well looked after and has plenty of original period features. All six guest bedrooms are en suite and there are two further bedrooms for owners' use, one en suite. Three front guest rooms have great views of the harbour. The front door opens to a sunny yellow entrance hall with original floor tiles and decorative ceilings. A warm red-painted sittingroom has book alcoves, an open fireplace and views of the fishing boats in the harbour.

The best room in the house is the restaurant diningroom illuminated by two Georgian windows looking out over the water. Certified and approved, the kitchen is fully equipped to service the restaurant and live-in guests. Also in this area are a number of ancillary rooms, such as a wine cellar, food larder and the toilets serving the restaurant. Upstairs, the bedrooms are prettily decorated, all with power showers en suite and multi-paned Georgian sash windows which filter the light.

The owners' accommodation includes two bedrooms, one bathroom and an office with shower and toilet. The grounds are equally well kept, with glimpses of the sea through fuschia and escallonia hedgerows.

A front lawn runs almost to the water's edge, while the decked terrace at the back of the house is screened and canopied by surrounding woodland. There is car-parking for up to six cars.