Co Wicklow: €320,000A 200-year-old hideaway cottage near Avoca in Co Wicklow is expected to be snapped up quickly after going on the market this week at €320,000.
Breda Birmingham of Sherry FitzGerald Myles Doyle describes The Cottage at Ballyarthur, Woodenbridge, as "a real bolthole retreat or love nest". It is all that and more.
The two-bedroom house is hidden away deep in Wicklow woodlands; the last half mile leading to the house is through a forestry tract.
The Cottage stands on 5.25 acres, of which about 1.5 acres are outstanding gardens wrapped around the house. The balance was acquired in recent years from Coillte, the State forestry authority, which planted woodlands on a large section of the Ballyarthur Estate. The owners of the cottage have felled some of the trees on this part of the grounds to let in the light. However, most mature trees have been retained.
The house itself, which is in immaculate condition, has two lovely old interlinking reception room with a fine open fire to burn the timber. The place is also heated by central heating.
The livingroom opens out onto a patio at the front of the house which catches the sun for much of the day. A single-storey kitchen off the reception rooms has a modern kitchen complete with marble worktop and a mix of electric and gas appliances.
There is also a toilet and shower at ground floor level and upstairs two comfortable bedrooms with tongue and grooved floors.
The Cottage has served as superb weekend retreat for the best part of 20 years. Similar properties are hard to come by in Co Wicklow, according to the selling agents.
The gardens and the setting will be a strong selling point. The present owners have been keen gardeners and made the best use of the stream that runs right through the centre of the property.
