Castle, mill and townhouse combine forces in B&B

Co Kilkenny: €600,000: An opportunity to acquire a home and income in Co Kilkenny could interest a buyer wanting the tranquillity of a rural lifestyle.

New to the market in the pretty village of Thomastown is Brady's Castle, a fortified townhouse, castle and mill, some of which dates to the 14th century.

Selling agent Callanan Auctioneers is quoting €600,000 for this unusual six-bedroom property, which has operated as a B & B for some years. The house was in poor condition when acquired by the present owners 20 years ago.

They employed local craftsman, Clive Nunn, to carry out a complete restoration project, incorporating extra guest rooms without spoiling the character of the house and castle. Their aim now is to retire and downsize within the area, making way for a younger couple to take over the reins at Brady's Castle.

If its character you're looking for, Brady's Castle has it in spades. Combine that with 464 sq m (5,000 sq ft) of accommodation, six en suite bedrooms and a garden running down to the River Nore and tourism prospects seem good.

The ivy-clad building is listed, and the interior of the original castle - thick-walled and more or less intact - has been transformed into a spacious galleried living area which forms the centre of the house. The original murder hole, skin room and guard robe have been preserved and put to more modern uses, such as guest toilets. Gothic windows peer through the ivy in the central castle wing.

Four of the en suite guest bedrooms overlook the old courtyard, which retains its original carriage archway from the street. Two further en suite rooms are in the main house. The breakfastroom fronting onto the street was once used as a coffee shop and adjoins a commercial kitchen.

On the first floor, a summer sittingroom, family kitchen / diningroom and formal sittingroom have great views over the River Nore. The huge summer room is contained within the old castle walls and is surrounded by a gallery, off which are the ancillary rooms used for storing skins and dealing with miscreants.

The enclosed grounds are edged by flower and shrub borders and climbing plants. A door opens at the far end of the cobbled courtyard to the river.