Jane and Francois Damian-Picollet, accountant and sales engineer pitch their quaint Meath cottage for €425,000
What and where
This is a cottage on a quiet country lane, in an area known as Clondoogan, just outside the attractive village of Summerhill, Co Meath. The house is in a very sought-after rural area and is less than two miles away from Summerhill (with its grocery shop, butcher, chemist, crèche, primary schools, community centre, pubs, petrol station).
Describe the house
Our house is a two up, two down cottage built in the early 1900s. It has been lovingly restored and is full of character with a half door and traditional-style windows. The sittingroom and dining-kitchen are on the ground floor, with the main bedroom, second bedroom and bathroom upstairs. The bedrooms are very bright as they both benefit from the addition of a skylight.
The garden is circa 1 acre and has good road frontage. The front garden is beautifully landscaped with an established pond (newts and frogs' paradise) and a rockery, while the back garden is more practical with a paddock and vegetable patch. The entire site is very private, surrounded by mature trees and hedges. There are also some good-sized outbuildings providing ample storage, one of which could easily be converted to a stable.
Why are you moving?
We need to relocate closer to Francois' new job.
What's the best thing about it?
Apart from the cottage appeal, it has to be the fantastic garden. It offers a continuous flower show, starting with the crocus, snowdrop and narcissus in early spring. The previous owners designed it very cleverly as there is always a plant in full bloom. If you look carefully you may also find some wild orchids near the rockery. It's really like an additional room to the house. On a nice sunny day, when you sit around the garden table with some friends, drinks and barbecue, it really feels like a special place.
And the neighbourhood?
The good thing is that we're in the country but not isolated. The house is part of a hamlet of seven houses and we have great neighbours. Without being intrusive they are always available if you need a hand.
On top of the amenities available in the village of Summerhill, there is also an excellent riding centre "The Moy", and a nine-hole golf course, both around the corner.
The quiet country lanes around are suitable for hacking and you can often see or hear horses passing by the house.
Also within easy reach is the historic town of Trim with its Norman castle, the Royal Canal which is great for those who like walking, and several busy towns: Navan, Dunboyne, Kilcock and Maynooth.
The M4 and N3 are both easily accessible, with the Liffey Valley shopping centre only 30 minutes away and the city centre within commuting distance.
Who'd like your home?
The house itself would suit a couple or a small family. However, the real potential of this house is the large garden with good road frontage, which makes the property very suitable for development. A family in search of country living could create the perfect family home in this desirable setting.
The place would also be perfect for someone with an interest in horses. Jane kept her pony in the paddock during the spring/summer months and availed of the local equestrian centre facilities through the winter months.
To view
The house is for sale through Yvonne Dalton of Property Team Carey Auctioneers, Kilcock, at 01-6103136, e-mail careyk@propertyteam.ie.
Pitch your house
Do you want to pitch your house in the property pages?
E-mail swords and pictures to us at property@irish-times.ie
