A place apart, west Cork is the measure of anywhere in Europe when it comes to character and scenic beauty. A whitewashed traditional cottage on the Sheep's Head peninsula is for sale there, asking €210,000 with Harrington Estates of Bantry.
The picturesque three-bedroom cottage has been a permanent home for the current owners, who moved here from England. It is tucked behind an acre of mature gardens, near the village of Ahakista a mile or so from the shores of Bantry Bay.
The eventual buyer will have some high-profile neighbours. Singer Christy Moore has a house nearby and Irish comedian Graham Norton is rumoured to be interested in a large house by the water's edge.
While some maintenance work is required, the house is in fairly sound condition according to the selling agent. Thick walls, deep windows with blue sills, an inglenook fireplace and ceiling beams are some of its traditional features. There are sea and mountain views, a fertile vegetable garden and a series of stone outbuildings which could suit an extension, subject to planning.
Inside, the long kitchen/diningroom has a tiled floor, Belfast sink and an open fireplace with log storage, behind which the original inglenook is hidden. Ceiling beams add to the character. Off this room is bedroom one, also with an open fireplace and stairs to the first floor.
A timber extension with a galvanised metal roof houses the sittingroom/office. Although in good condition, a new owner is likely to replace this with something more solid. Shower and utility rooms are also at ground floor level. Upstairs, a timber-floored bathroom connects with a bright second double bedroom. The third bedroom, also a double, overlooks the front garden.
The sheltered garden is lushly planted with sub-tropical greenery and roses growing over the door. There are three further stone buildings.
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