On the shores of Clew Bay

In the 1500s Connaught was controlled by the O’Malley clan, one of the few seafaring families in Ireland. They controlled most of the barony of Murrisk and taxed all those who fished the waters off the coast. The most famous member of the family – feminist and Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley was born near Marine Lodge and is 14th great-grandmother to the Browne family, proprietors of Westport House.

Marine Lodge is located in Streamstown, one of the most sought-after areas in Westport. In June of this year Marine Villa, a nearby four-bedroom house in need of some renovation fetched €810,000.

Renovation project The house which has a dual front entrance is situated on a private road that accommodates just three houses with sweeping views of Clew Bay. Originally a cottage, the house was transformed a decade ago under guidance of a local architect, to include a double-height extension.

A solid maple kitchen with Italian granite countertops was also installed. The fact the carcasses are solid with ‘shot in doors’ means the kitchen will last a lifetime.

Flooring throughout is wide-plank solid oak interspersed with neutral coloured tiling and the property features a solid oak staircase. The extension is home to a comfortable living room with a stove and full-height windows allow panoramic views of Clew Bay.

There are five bedrooms in the property with those to the front sea facing and the master to the rear has a small balcony which overlooks the private rear garden. The house boasts three bathrooms, one of which has a corner Jacuzzi bath framed by a wooden surround.

Marine Lodge would make a fine family home or a peaceful retreat for retirement and is for sale through estate agent Sherry FitzGerald with an asking price of €750,000. New owners can swim off the shore and moor a boat in the facing waters.