Homestead with flair and detail for €875,000

The five-bedroom detached house in Blackwater, a townland about 2.5km outside Ratoath, in Co Meath, has taken advantage of its 1.5 acre setting to create a home with many theatrical flourishes.

The cut limestone property was designed by architect Fergal McGirl, built by the owner in 2005 and decorated by his wife to create a home with acres of living space that is inspired by historic country residences.

The front door (double doors with a gothic-style fanlight) sets the tone for the interior. A double-height entrance hall has a sweeping staircase that leads the eye up to a galleried landing. The handmade staircase, designed by Joseph McNally, make an opening statement.

The drawingroom to the left stretches the full depth of the house and has a set of French doors to the rear that open out to a south-facing patio. A door takes you through to a panelled formal drawingroom where another set of French doors open out to a west-facing patio that gets the evening sun.

The handmade kitchen is a brilliant example of a contemporary take on the country classic. The warm room has sage green walls, a four-door Aga and salvaged red brick to add texture to the oven’s surround.

The couple invested in hand made sash windows with shuttered-effect surrounds to emphasise the country house feel.

The dwelling measures 390sq m (4,200sq ft) and is asking €875,000 through agents REA Coonan.

Upstairs, there are five bedrooms, all with vaulted ceilings. The room that was designed as the master bedroom has a Juliet balcony and an en suite shower room. A second sizeable room, with compelling views, has an en suite bathroom with a roll-top bath that they found while out riding and had re-enamelled.

The house comes with a double floored garage that the present owners use as a games room and tack room but it could easily be converted into a stand-alone home office.

Access to the property is via a tree-lined avenue with limestone gate pillars and electronic gates.