The picturesque towns of Killaloe and Ballina lie on either side of the River Shannon, which divides the counties of Clare and Tipperary. The birthplace of Brian Boru and once the capital of Ireland, Killaloe is the gateway to the Clare shores of Lough Derg, while Ballina, on the Tipperary side, boasts the sunnier aspect with the added benefit of sunsets reflected on the lake.
The current owners of The Lodge, a retired builder and a Reiki master instructor, purchased a small two-bedroom property on the Ballina side of Lough Derg, just two miles from Killaloe, in 2006, and undertook the mammoth task of renovating and extending the house, bringing its total floor space to 372sq m (4,012sq ft).
In addition, they landscaped the gardens, which stand on 1.6 of an acre. Rather than one large sweeping lawn, they subdivided the garden into small private pockets with different themes and plantings, giving a series of tranquil areas of solitude. All the gardens, set behind electric gates, have panoramic views, as the property is perched on an elevated hillside overlooking the lake.
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The couple spent €500,000 on the renovation and extension and the owner-builder’s expertise in period properties is evident throughout, with many period features incorporated in the build – such as high ceilings, thick architraves, Georgian-style wardrobes and marble fireplaces.
Flooring throughout is Junckers Oak interspersed with marble and the reception rooms are spacious, with a period feel.
Downstairs, all the reception rooms and guest bedroom are to the rear of the house which has four large bay windows to maximise the lake views. The solid wood kitchen is small compared to the gracious proportions of other rooms, but this was intentional as it is one of the only rooms in the house without views of the lake.
The property is listed as having four bedrooms, but with three further reception rooms upstairs – a library, study and living room – new owners could have further sleeping accommodation at minimal cost.
Gym and sauna
The plush master bedroom, which occupies a wing of the property, is more akin to a five- star hotel suite and boasts a large bedroom with living area, two dressingrooms, and two bathrooms.
For those who enjoy a workout, the property has a separate timber garden room which is fitted out as a small gym and houses a sauna.
Last year, the couple purchased an early Georgian house in Lisnagry and with renovations almost complete, they are ready to move. They have placed their family home on the market through estate agent Savills, with an asking price of €895,000.
