When a building with some history behind it being renovated, there is always the danger that those doing the work will have little care for the character of the property; not so with Ashfield Lodge, near Gort in south Galway.
The former gate lodge for Ashfield House and Demesne dating back to the 1800s was given as a reward to its original owner for his hard labour in breaking the stones for the road that led to the estate house.
The big house is long gone, but the feature cut stone piers to the front of the lodge remain.
When the current owners came into possession of the 600sq ft lodge it was in near complete disrepair, but they have successfully brought a new life and character to the property that does considerable justice to the property.
The owners showed considerable perseverance in securing planning permission, and worked well with the council to produce now what is spacious four bedroom, 1,300sq ft home located just four miles south of Gort, a little over one mile from the N18, and within easy reach of the local church, pub, GAA grounds, and two national schools.
The current owners are well known local carpenters and their fingerprints are all over the design. The large sitting room has a superb vaulted ceiling in pine with wooden floors, the pine latched doors throughout are a reminder of the past, and the house is complete with beautiful timber features. The large kitchen/dining room also has a vaulted ceiling together with well fitted pine kitchen units and a Belfast sink. This is a great family area, bright and cheerful, looking out onto the grazing meadows to the rear.
The property is reroofed with natural slate and has been rewired, replastered, and the original structure has been dry lined.
Where the original small cottage windows exist the owners have improved the natural lighting with clever use of Velux windows and bright colours.
The property sits on a half acre plot with a private water supply. The vendors have reduced the price of the property to just €295,000, a massive €105,000 reduction, to reflect the current market downturn.
Full details, including brochure and floor plans, are available from McInerney auctioneers, Gort, on (091 ) 631078, or visit www.mcinerneyproperty.com Inspections must be by prior appointment.
