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something different
Fairytale living with mountain views in this picture-perfect €395k cottage
But Idle Corner House has plenty of modern comforts too.
WITH A THATCHED roof, stone walls and a round tower, Idle Corner House would make any passerby do a double take.
While its design gives the impression that the property came straight from a children’s fairytale, it is, in fact, not home to three bears in the middle of the woods, but is located in Blue Ball, Co Offaly. The three-bedroom home sits on a site of just under an acre, with stone boundary walls, electric gates, hedging and a gravel driveway.
Inside, Idle Corner House’s design delightfully matches its exterior thanks to eye-catching features including exposed stone walls, decorative feature plaster work, timber beams and medieval style doors.
Upon entering the property, an ethereal water fountain sits to the left of the hallway. A solid oak floor, decorative plasterwork and vaulted ceilings throughout the first floor add to the home’s unique character and charm.
To the right of the hallway is the kitchen and dining area, which are separated via an arch entryway. The fitted kitchen boasts scene insets on the unit doors, a tiled floor and beams to the ceiling, as well as a rounded monastic-style door and brick detailing.
For special occasions, the formal dining room seats at least ten and looks as if it was lifted from a castle in the Middle Ages.
From here, there are views of the landscaped gardens and Sliabh Bloom Mountains. Also on this floor is a living room – complete with a feature open fireplace and stone hearth -, a study area and a utility room. A conservatory with a tiled floor and double doors leading to the garden completes the ground floor accommodation.
Upstairs, there are three bedrooms and a bathroom. Two of the bedrooms are semi-circular in shape, while the master bedroom boasts a spiral staircase leading to a walk-in-wardrobe in the converted attic. A balcony extends from the landing area, with space to dine and unwind while soaking up the views of the surrounding countryside.
Outside there are two large work sheds, plus an impressive water fountain feature. Bringing the property back to reality, Idle Corner House is a 15-minute drive away from Tullamore town, while the drive to Dublin city will take about an hour and a half.
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