The trouble about superlatives is that they become meaningless with over-use. Nowhere is this more evident than in estate agents’ parlance. How often does a reader’s lip curl slightly in amusement on reading the exaggerated claims attributed to your modest three bedroom semi in an estate of a couple of hundred virtually identical houses? “Charming... splendid… superb… delightful… stylish…” — a general rule of thumb is there can’t be too many flowing adjectives in any brochure or promotional real estate literature.
The major sticking point arrives when, very occasionally, a truly spectacular property comes on the market. How does an agent do it justice and convey its merits to the jaundiced and sceptical buyer?
James Heaslip of Property Partners Maxwell Heaslip has no qualms about describing the latest listing on his books, a magnificent penthouse apartment on the shores of Galway Bay with breathtaking views from every window. He waxes lyrical in extolling the myriad virtues of the penthouse at Barna House. “From beginning to end it is an amazing property,” he says. “Barna House is a splendid old Georgian house with three storeys over garden basement.” The original house is a listed building and all the original features are meticulously preserved and restored. New wings adjoin the main house but they in no way detract from the majestic beauty of the limestone façade and clean lines of the original building. The setting is incredible with c30 acres of mature woodland and sweeping lawns running down to the shore of Rusheen Bay, a favourite spot for enthusiastic windsurfers.
Heaslip goes on to describe the penthouse in equally rapturous strains. “One of just a small number of apartments in the main house, the penthouse covers the entire top floor with stupendous views from every angle. When you are finished admiring all of this, turning your attention to the interior will only further stop you in your tracks.” Having come up the broad sweeping staircase from the gracious common entrance hall, the penthouse has an equally impressive entrance hall with pale cream Travertine tiled floors set off by high ceilings and moulded cornices. To the right is the bedroom wing with two large double bedrooms and two bathrooms, fitted and finished to perfection in every detail. An adjoining room of good proportions is in use as a smaller drawing room and could function equally well as a third bedroom, a home office, or TV room. The living and dining room is a masterpiece, combining the grace and elegance of an earlier era with all the comfort and convenience of modern living. The kitchen is unusually large for an apartment and is fully fitted with high gloss light cream units and dark mottled granite worktops. Top of the range Neff integrated appliances are installed throughout. The floors in the kitchen and the lounge/dining room are a wonderful burnished walnut. The kitchen boasts windows on two sides and a circular informal dining table allows for more gazing at the sea views while having your breakfast.
More than an apartment, albeit an exclusive penthouse, No 1 Barna House is a superb residence into which a considerable amount of time and money has gone. Notable features are too many to list and, in view of the present favourable climate for buyers, it offers a golden opportunity to acquire a unique house in a wonderful setting, in mint condition.
The estate has security entrance gates and is particularly well maintained, more than justifying the annual service charge. In addition to the splendid formal front entrance there is a rear access door with plenty of parking and a private lift to the penthouse.
This home comes with an attractive AMV of €850,000. James Heaslip is happy to show prospective purchasers this perfect pad. To arrange a viewing contact Property Partners Maxwell & Heaslip at (091 ) 565261.
