Sue Field continues her investigations into the best places for smallholder living, with the Emerald Isle in focus…
Step back in time to a country which has retained much of its rural and agricultural landscape as well as having some breathtaking scenery. Ireland, the Emerald Isle, with so much to offer at a far less frenetic pace of life than much of the modern world. To be sure, it rains a fair bit but that makes things grow which is surely music to the ears of smallholders. But when the sun shines the beauty of both the land and people is second to none. Our property this month is around 15 miles from Cork in the south and has just over six acres of land. This four bedroom house was built as a hunting lodge in 184 2for the Wigmore family and has been extensively updated over the years whilst maintaining its original charm.
EXPLORING THE SURROUNDING AREA
Ballynona Cottage is set in an idyllic rural setting within easy reach of Cork which boasts a very user friendly airport and with the small town of Midleton on its doorstep. Midleton is situated on the Owencurra River and the N25 which connects the town to the port of Rosslare. Home to the famous Jameson Distillery as well as many scenic walks and drives, there can be fewer more lovely places to live. Cafes, restaurants and pubs provide plenty of gastronomical delights to suit all budgets and a tour of the Distillery is a must for whisky lovers, although they also produce gin and vodka.
Whilst not a particularly big town, it is a hub for the area and such giants as Tesco, Lidl, Boots and Aldi have outlets in the town. There is also a large five screen cinema as well as a number of independent shops on the main street and every Saturday there is a Farmer’s Market.
Ireland is fairly compact and so much is within easy reach, wherever you are based.The Wild Atlantic Way with its stunning coastline is driveable for a day trip but closer to home are Fota Wildlife Park or a visit to Cobh, final port of call for theTitanic.
Featured property: Ballynona Cottage
Ballynona Cottage
Rarely does something this elegant come on the market and indeed this beautiful house, originally designed as a hunting lodge, has only changed hands four times over the course of its 182 year history. The current owners have extensively improved and renovated much during their tenure whilst retaining many of the stunning original features of the house. A particular highlight is the entrance hall with its vaulted ceiling and doors leading into the sitting room and dining rooms, both great spaces for entertaining. The dining room has double doors leading into a sunroom, perfect for morning coffee with friends.The house with its many mullioned windows, archways and recesses would make anybody a wonderful light filled family home with space for all. As well as the main staircase there is a delightful spiral staircase leading up from the kitchen. Upstairs are four good sized bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Set in just over six acres, this secluded house is surrounded by well established native trees and the sweeping driveway to the property is a joy to behold. There is a formal lawned area to the front and further gardens to the rear. Through a stone archway into the courtyard there is a coach house with great potential as well as three stables and a large detached garage.
Setting up a smallholding in Ireland is not so different from the UK and a useful link by a couple who have done just that makes interesting reading.
Time can stand still in places such as these in Ireland and the magic of it all may make you think you can hear horses’ hooves clattering across the cobbles with finely dressed ladies and gentlemen alighting from gleaming steeds.
To live here would be your own piece of magic and, who knows, there may even be a resident leprechaun!
On the market with Sherry Fitzgeraldof Cork, for 895,000 Euros, or around £754,000, Ballynona Cottage could be calling to you.
