A two-bedroom whitewashed cottage outside Clonakilty, Co Cork, in a townland called Ballyluck, has amazing views over Dunnycove Bay. The interior is traditionally decorated and a stone stable included in the sale could be transformed into a studio or guest room.
In the sittingroom, a sandstone flag floor has replaced the original slate slabs, and an old-fashioned range is the main focus. The walls are panelled with tongue-and-groove, and a stone wall, once the exterior wall, has been whitewashed. Shelving set high on the walls replicates the style of woodwork that would have originally graced the interior.
The kitchen is housed in an extension that was built about 20 years ago. It includes an L-shaped built-in bench that is missing a scrubbed pine top table to complete the country house picture.
The 73sq m (795sq ft) house is asking €450,000 though agents Henry O'Leary.
Upstairs, charming dormer windows frame the views. The two bedrooms have floorboards painted white to lighten the mood. Long wood beams hold the vaulted ceilings in place. These were salvaged from a ship wrecked on the coast more than 100 years ago, according to family lore.
The property comes with 15 acres which had been leased to a local dairy farmer. “Grazing land has been making about €300 per acre this year,” says agent Henry O’Leary, cautioning that the average per acre in other years has been closer to €200. The land is about 20m to 30m above sea level. Bealacosheen Cove, a secret stretch of strand, is a 500m walk from the house.
Until now the house had been rented, achieving €450 a month.
The village of Ardfieldis a mile away. The old-fashioned pub, O’Sullivans, is a short walk home. Clonakilty is a five-mile drive. Cork city and airport are about 45 minutes’ drive away.
