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4 of a kind
4 of a kind: Homes with gardens made for summer entertaining
Host outdoor pizza parties in Cork, or serve cocktails with mountain views in Offaly.
BECAUSE THE GOOD weather in Ireland never lasts for as long as we’d like it to, many of us have come to learn to make the most of sunny days by spending as much time as possible outdoors.
This week we’re looking at homes around the country with gardens that are made for days like these – from a five-bed with beautiful views in Offaly to a renovated four-bed in Glasnevin.
Tullamore, Co Offaly – €595,000
A five-bedroom property, River Lodge sits on a landscaped site with south-facing views over River Clodiagh and across to the Slieve Bloom Mountains. It features a bright and spacious interior of 3,498 sq ft with large living areas, including an open-plan kitchen and dining room, a conservatory and a first-floor lounge.
Two sets of doors open from the open-plan area to the rear garden, where there’s a patio and decking area, as well as a large lawn bordered by mature trees. There’s a detached outbuilding mid-way down the garden, with a built-in barbecue and seating to one side. River Lodge feels as if it’s in its own private oasis, yet Tullamore town is just a 10-minute drive away.
Schull, Co Cork – €395,000
With Mount Gabriel as its backdrop and surrounded by the Cork countryside, this five-bed dormer bungalow enjoys an unrivalled, tranquil location. The property was built in 1991 and spans 2,180 sq ft, including a large kitchen and dining area with picture windows to allow in the beautiful views.
Outside, there are 1.85 acres of mature gardens, including a large entertainment area with a built-in pizza oven. There’s also a detached garage of 419 sq ft, with a bathroom and loft here, making it ideal for conversion to provide additional accommodation, subject to planning permission. Schull Harbour is less than a five-minute drive away, with an open boat shed on the property sure to come in handy for those who enjoy fishing.
Glasnevin, Dublin 11 – €545,000
A four-bedroom property, 12 Grove Park Avenue is a bright and well-appointed family home. It was renovated and extended in 2016 to include an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, with roof windows and French doors flooding the space with light. The attic has also been converted and offers a number of uses, including as a bedroom, study or den.
The French doors in the kitchen lead to the south-facing garden, where there’s an Indian sandstone paved patio, a limestone barbecue and a lawn. A block-built shed to the rear could easily work as a home office or separate accommodation. No 12 is ideally located for families, with a number of primary and secondary schools close by.
Killenagh, Co Wexford – €365,000
Located a 15-minute drive from Gorey, 1 Ballyduff comes to the market in turn-key condition. The four-bed property has recently been decorated and enjoys a bright and inviting interior with large living areas and bedrooms. Features include solid oak floors, marble fireplaces and double-glazed timber windows.
Outside, there’s a large steel outbuilding with a mezzanine level, concrete yard area and separate entrance, making it ideal for use for a home business. There’s also a separate garage with attic storage, while the rear garden benefits from a feature patio area with a built-in barbecue. No 1 is within easy access of several beaches, including Courtown Beach, which is a 10-minute drive away.
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