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4 of a kind
4 of a Kind: Homes across the country that are close to forests
This week, we’re in Cavan, Galway, Meath and Cork.
FOREST BATHING HAS created somewhat of a buzz in recent times. The mindfulness practice has Japanese roots and involves reconnecting with nature and taking a break from technology.
If this sounds like something you need on the regular, then finding a home with a forest on its doorstep could be your answer.
Here are four homes across the country that will let you bathe in nature every single day.
Bailieborough, Co Cavan – €575,000
Located in the townland of Urcher in Bailieborough, this four-bed detached home stands on 1.1 of an acre and sits behind electric gates. The rooms inside comprise a bright hallway that links to the sitting room. A double bedroom with a bathroom sits beside it. At the other side is the dining room and kitchen. A utility room and cloakroom along with a conservatory completes the ground floor.
Upstairs, the main bedroom is large and has its own bathroom. Another bedroom is currently a home office. The garden surrounding the home is well-maintained. Schools, shops, supermarkets, and everything else needed for everyday living are just a short drive away.
Glanmire, Co Cork – €525,000
8 Gleann Caoin is a spacious five-bed with a 167 m² floor area. An interesting split level home, it’s part of a small development in Glanmire that overlooks the countryside including woodland. The location offers a mix of town and country living with Glanmire just minutes away and Cork city easily accessible, too.
Inside, the house has been recently renovated, so it’s ready to walk into. The space comprises a hallway that links to three bedrooms and a bathroom. Up a level will bring you to the open plan kitchen/family room, utility room, dining room, living room, and the remaining two bedrooms.
Oldcastle, Co Meath – €650,000
Church Road has a floor area of 270 m² and commands views of the Loughcrew hills and Mullaghmeen Forest. The structure is inspired by the Irish longhouse. A large balcony stretches along the south facing length of the house. Lots of light floods the interior thanks to floor to ceiling windows. One of the five bedrooms is on the ground floor next to a bathroom.
It stands on a 2.4 acre site that has plenty of planting along with a polytunnel. There is also a studio space that has its own access even has bathroom, bedroom, and kitchenette. This house is made for outdoor entertaining and has an outdoor fireplace with some shelter under the loggia created by the balcony above. Church Road is a ten minute walk from Ballinacree with primary school and community centre.
Loughrea, Co Galway – €375,000
This house dates to 1775. The cottage is part of Marbelhill Estate, once owned by the de Burca’s. If you’re a fan of the property show Home of the Year, you may recognise Marblehill Cottage’s quirky facade. You’re first met with the entrance porch that features modernist tiling, oriental glazing and leather seating. From here, it’s evident that the home has an eclectic mix of furniture and finishes throughout. The house comprises two living areas, three bedrooms and a charming kitchen with stairs to an office room.
In terms of location, Marblehill Cottage is set in the Galway countryside near the lakeside town of Loughrea and stands close to woodland, leaving plenty of opportunity to amble around the countryside.
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