Something for the weekend out west

Situated in the wilds on the edge of the Atlantic, this cottage has much to offer but not exactly at a snip

Sandpiper Cottage

Sandpiper Cottage, set on the shores of Mannin Bay near Ballyconneely, was sold in 2005 for €1.6 million making it one of the most expensive houses to have ever been sold in Connemara. In a wild and rugged setting at the edge of the Atlantic, the house is perched on a small hillock with views of Inis Turbot, Omey Island and the Sky road.

There is a choice of beaches along the nearby shoreline and with access to launch a boat through local commonage makes the site ideal for water sports.

The well-fenced secluded five acres included with the house offer a wonderful playground for families with pets and the only noise is the clashing of breaking waves offshore. The house is an attractive granite-clad traditional-style cottage at the end of a long winding drive through electric gates.

Inside, traditional pine floors are mixed with warm travertine and the hand-cut sandstone fireplace makes a great centrepiece to the main living area. Each window, fitted with reclaimed beams, offers majestic views with the kitchen overlooking one of the beaches where children can swim under parents’ watchful eye.

The kitchen is a lovely light-filled space with off-white, built-in cabinets and blue and white tiles give a cool maritime feel.

There are three main bedrooms and another on a mezzanine which could also be used as a den or office. The bedroom furniture and ceilings are pine which may feel a little dated but nothing that a lick of paint wouldn’t fix. The en suite master bedroom has full-sized double glass doors that spill onto a large wooden deck, again overlooking the vast ocean.

Electric storage heating may be problematic for full-time residents, but the large solid fuel stove in the living area heats the main part of the house within hours.

Huge potential

A pretty stone-clad shed, adjacent to the main house, has been used as a cinema but could also be used as an artist’s studio, playroom or a further bedroom.

Sandpiper Cottage has huge potential for holiday lettings and could easily command weekly rents in the region of €1,200 in high season. What makes this house so unique is the location and the land that comes with it. Its access to beaches and vehicle access for boat trailers is what many will find its unique selling point. Perhaps this is what drove the price to €1.6 million in 2005 during a bidding war. The house is now on the market for €950,000 through Matt O’Sullivan in Clifden and includes all furniture and fittings.

The holiday home market in the west of Ireland is reporting a brisk January, with some properties now reducing their asking prices to more realistic figures.

According to agents Sherry Fitzgerald Mangan and Matt O’Sullivan in Clifden, Irish cash buyers in the 40- to 50-year-old age bracket are showing interest in small cottages in need of attention in the €170,000-€200,000. range

The French market has resurfaced having been largely dormant since 2007 with news of some French buyers purchasing operational bed and breakfast establishments.

Both agents agree, however, that the German market has not yet regained its preboom confidence.

Furey’s Cottage

This sensitively restored semi-detached period cottage of 1,200 sq ft sits at the top of Church Hill in Clifden town. The refurbishment and colour scheme of taupe and grey ooze elegance throughout this deceptively roomy dwelling.

A simple kitchen perfectly combines recycled wooden shutter cabinets with cool stainless steel fittings and a reclaimed fireplace adds warmth during winter evenings. An L-shaped dining area leads to a formal living space with a large open fire and dark floorboards. Sections of the perfectly pointed old walls peep through the property every now and then, contrasting with the new plasterwork.

The house has three airy bedrooms with polished reclaimed floors – some with window seats complementing the sash windows. The three bathrooms are fresh and warm with chunky white ware. Some may find the utility room, housed in an outside shed, problematic but these trade-offs come with an original like this.

Small, mature, well-maintained gardens surround the house and the back terrace. This house would be a great home for a couple or small family, or for those lucky enough to have a holiday home, it offers a great location with proximity to restaurants and cafes. It is only a mile from Clifden beach and sailing club. Connemara is just 15 minutes away. The cottage has been let as a holiday home to many famous personalities and generates an annual income of about €33,000.

Furey’s Cottage has been on the market for €695,000 but has been reduced twice and is now available fully furnished for €495,000 through agent Matt O’Sullivan in Clifden.