CO CORK: €2M:THE OWNERS of Dereen House in Coachford, Co Cork bought the property 40 years ago while on honeymoon in Ireland and the house has been a happy second home for them since.

Now they're downsizing, it's a chance for new owners to live in the splendid surroundings of a 46-acre property located within easy reach of Cork city.

The four-bed house, which has a separate guest cottage to be refurbished, is on the market at €2 million through Cohalan Dowling where Brian Olden is handling enquiries. The price has already been trimmed back by about 10 per cent since Dereen went on the market some weeks ago.

Describing it as the "best package you will see in Cork", Brian Olden is hoping that the property will appeal to one of the city's medics, since, he says, doctors have moved to the top of the list of preferred buyers, given their stable salaries.

Decorated in a rich period style, the house is suitably grand for high net worth individuals, with four reception rooms, including a formal drawingroom and separate diningroom, both with fine antique fireplaces. A pretty panelled study leads off the drawingroom, while on the first floor is a sittingroom with views over the gardens and lake. This room could revert to being a fourth bedroom - at present there are three bedrooms all with bathrooms either en suite or adjoining.

The large kitchen has the obligatory Aga cooker, and from here you can step out into the garden.

Dereen has its own guest cottage, with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It was built in the 1980s and now needs refurbishing, according to Brian Olden.

The grounds include some lovely features - an old stable block, pristine lawns, extensive woodlands and a tennis court.

Dereen House, Coachford, Co Cork

Attractive four-bedroom period house on 46 acres within easy reach of Cork city

Agent: Cohalan Dowling