Old-style quality in Meath for €840,000

Blackwater, a large modern house in Ratoath with appealing design features, should prove attractive to those looking for the rural life but who also value proximity to Dublin city.

Priced at €840,000, the secluded property is accessed via stone pillars, electric gates and a sweeping driveway, with its 1.5 acres laid out in lawns.

The house was built in 2005 and, according selling agent Philip Byrne of REA Coonan, is distinguished by its use of high quality materials throughout.

“It’s unusual to see a stone- cut house of such size and quality in this part of the country and that emphasis on quality materials is evident in every aspect of the house. It has the best of everything in it and is in walk in condition,” he said.

Though modern, facets of its design such as its 10-foot-high ceilings, period-style front door with fanlight, sash windows and decorative cornicing, give it a “country house” feel. It also has a solid-fuel range in the kitchen.

Modern elements include the striking stairwell with second-floor balcony surround and the underfloor heating at ground-floor level.

The house measures 390sq m (4,200sq ft) and has five bedrooms, two of which are en suite, plus sittingroom, diningroom and full-length drawingroom.

Outside is a large double garage which could, subject to planning permission, be converted into a games room, home office or staff accommodation.

The house is just outside Ratoath village in an area of one-off houses and farmland, five miles from Ashbourne and 20 minutes from the airport. There are a number of primary and secondary schools in the area.