Residential

Grand design desperate for love in Cavan for €700,000

Period features, intriguing cellars, a cantilever staircase and a cobbled yard are part of the attraction of this country house on 56 acres – all it needs is a new owner with vision and willingness to take on a project

Gemma Tipton's face
Gemma Tipton
Thu Sep 3 2015 - 00:00

For all those addicted to TV shows such as Restoration Man, where George Clarke watches intrepid families bring amazing old buildings back to their former glory; and for all those who look in envy at what other people have achieved, while wondering where you'd ever find such a place to have a crack at yourself – it's time to take a look at Co Cavan.

Corville House is a two storey over basement detached Georgian house with six bedrooms, a trove of original features, a fabulous cantilever staircase, intriguing cellars, a cobbled yard, outbuildings, and more. But it’s in desperate need of a lot of love. The current owners have kept it warm and secure, but it hasn’t been properly occupied for a while.

On 56 acres, it is for sale by auction on September 23rd with Smith Harrington. It comes with an option to buy it in one or two lots. The entire has an AMV (advised minimum value) of €700,000. This means you could go the whole hog and have plenty of land for your horses – in your newly restored stable yard, naturally. Or opt for just the house, live amidst nicely farmed fields, while making forays out to fish the lakes and waterways of Co Cavan.

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The house dates back to 1820, and is a very typical, symmetrical Georgian double fronted country house. A tree-lined avenue leads up, dividing to reach the front steps, or continue further round into the yard at the back. The main hall leads to a dining room, drawing room, pantry/dairy, kitchen and back kitchen. All of this is ripe for upgrading, though the arrangement of the rooms still makes perfect sense.

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The six bedrooms are all upstairs, opening off a gallery landing, and sharing a family bathroom.

A bit of serious rejigging would be required here to get some en-suites into the mix, but if you thought period country house living was beyond your reach, maybe it’s time for a trip to Cavan?

George Clarke