When the summer months arrive in Galway after what is usually a long winter, it is generally the time for the larger detached homes to have their moment in the sun. The home owners who have decided to sell are looking to take advantage of the brighter days, longer evenings, and (supposedly ) better weather. Many will have spent the spring decluttering, deep-cleaning, weeding and preening gardens, all with the goal to present their property to the market looking its absolute best.
With this in mind, DNG Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard is fortunate to have been appointed as selling agent for one of the finest homes to come to the market so far this summer. Drum West in Rahoon, is a prime example of what a property should look like when going to the market. A beautiful looking property on the outside, finished to the highest standards on the inside, with stunning views and amazing gardens, this family home is pure perfection.
Originally a thatched cottage dating back to the 19th century, this wonderful property has been renovated and modernised over the years, with the most recent architect-designed extension completed in 2017. Comprising over 2,300sq ft of spacious living accommodation, the house is finished to the highest possible standards, with a huge amount of thought and care put into the design and décor. Its current owners did a wonderful job ensuring that the old-world charm and modern living requirements work in complete harmony.
From the moment you drive through the electric gates, up the tree lined gravel driveway, and turn to park the car, your sight is pulled in all directions. The thatched farmhouse is picturesque, the raised gardens are gorgeous, and the pale green timber door to the extended side entrance invites you go inside and satisfy your curiosity.
Once you enter the hallway, its clearly evident that this property is something special. Walking through the hallway, past the ground floor en suite bedroom, on the way to the living areas, you are struck by the light and the use of floor to ceiling windows. The recently added extension houses the kitchen, which is sleek and modern with fully integrated appliances and a raised breakfast island, underneath a large skylight. The disguised doors to the pantry/utility are very clever and again highlight the use of space, which is a theme throughout the house. The dining area is the central focal point of the house with sliding doors to the landscaped terraced garden (complete with bench seating, bar counter, and a paved dining area ). The original cottage is home to a large living room, with the old stone fireplace a stunning feature. The original entrance door is now a full length window, which allows the sunlight to pour through, and there is a double bedroom to one side, with a games room to the other. On the first floor there are three bedrooms, all doubles, worked wonderfully into the contours of the vaulted rooftop.
Outside, the property stands on c0.5 acre, with manicured lawns and loads of room to kick a ball and run wild. The terraced patio area is a huge plus. It is laid out to take full advantage of the west facing aspect and the superb lake views. The adjacent garage (also thatched ) offers ample room for all the ancillary storage space that modern family living requires these days.
Selling agent James Heaslip reckons this is as good as he has seen, when it comes to the modernising of an property of this ilk. “The level of effort and care that the current owners put into renovating the property is astonishing," he said. "They have managed to hold on to that old world charm, while providing all the comforts and conveniences of the modern world. It’s a property that will always give pleasure to the family that will take it on. The adults have the amazing living accommodation, which is designed for entertaining, and the beautiful views which change every day with the west of Ireland weather. The kids have the big gardens, lawns, and quirky bedrooms to make their own adventures. Even the dog has his own little understairs nook – everyone is catered for.
"We have already had a lot of interest," he added. "The property is well priced and its proximity to Galway is a huge plus. We don’t expect this to sit on the market too long. Viewing is advisable at the earliest opportunity.”
DNG Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard is offering Drum West, Rahoon, Galway, to the market with a guide price of €695,000. Viewings can be arranged by contacting the residential sales team at 091 565261.
