If walls could speak, The Old School House in Avoca would have some stories to tell. As the name suggests, it was built in 1887 as a school, but 120 years later the hushed calm of rows of children learning their sums had been turned on its head, as it was home to American actor Chris Pontius, of TV's Jackass fame.
Neighbours remember fun parties, and when current owners John and Leah Hamill bought it in 2008, they found an epically-sized bonfire built in the back garden, and a large leather armchair pulled up evidently for a ringside seat to watch the flames.
“I did light the fire, but the chair went in a skip,” remembers John. Parties notwithstanding, the house was in good condition when the Hamills bought it, though they contributed to its well-being by putting a new roof on, adding two new bathrooms, replacing the windows and upgrading the paint work.
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Today, it’s a gorgeously secluded, rambling, atmospheric, light-filled family home with four to five bedrooms, a huge kitchen/dining/living space, in what would have been the old school hall, plus a sitting room and a study. Three of the bedrooms and one bathroom are upstairs, with charming sloped ceilings and wooden floors. The master is on the ground floor, with an enticing cottage-style door to the gardens.
The main living/kitchen space is lofty and light, with wood panelling, ceiling beams, an Aga at one end, and a stove at the other.
The whole house has been very nicely done with a mixture of old-style features such as stone-flagged floors, shutters, open fireplaces and deeply recessed windows, while you also get more modern conveniences in the more contemporary-style bathrooms.
What’s the nicest thing about it? “There are two,” says John. “I love being outside, the valley is beautiful, Avoca is beautiful, and there are lots of nice walks. But inside, the house itself is gorgeous, and it’s been a great space for us, with lots of room for our daughter to play.” Grown up playtime is well catered for too, as there’s a sunny barbecue spot in the 1.64-acre grounds, and John also added a putting green and bunker.
“I can put Edwina to bed, bring the baby monitor outside, and be hitting balls on the golf green,” he says with satisfaction.
Woodenbridge golf course is 2km away. The family are now moving closer to Dublin as John's work location has changed.
Just five minutes’ walk to Avoca village, and between 45 minutes and an hour from Dublin, it’s a retreat that’s also convenient.
The house is for sale with Sherry FitzGerald Myles Doyle for €595,000. “I’ll miss it massively,” says John.
