Overlooking Dromore Lake, Clooncaura in the village of Kildimo has superb views of Dromore Castle – which was one of the most “archaeologically correct Gothic Revival castles” constructed in the mid-1800s, according to the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
From an elevated patio situated off a contemporary extension to the rear of the property, views take in the quatrefoil windows, round towers and battlements of the now derelict keep that was used as the setting for the 1988 film High Spirits, starring Liam Neeson, Daryl Hannah and Peter O'Toole.
And views like this may leave new owners in high spirits too. The lake is full of fish and a popular bathing spot – though from the other side, as access from the side that Clooncaura sits is private. The three-bedroom house also has local fishing rights to this and to two other local lakes where you just might catch some trout or perch for dinner.
The property – essentially a converted thatched farm cottage with interconnecting rooms – has been home to the same couple for the past 32 years. They are now retiring, and hope to head to sunnier climes. “When we bought it first it was very run down and had no dry lining and no heating,” say the owners.
Fast forward three decades and with an extension designed by architect Michael Healy of Healy Partners, who also designed the sublime Padel Club at nearby Adare Manor, the property is now a mixture of traditional and contemporary design.
The extension, which was elevated to maximise views and light, is triple aspect, with floor-to-ceiling doors to the outside patio overlooking Dromore Castle and lake. It sits at a T junction to the main house, meeting at the kitchen.
While the extension is superb, the main thatched farmhouse would benefit from the pine ceilings being painted white – as it would make the space look even bigger and give a more contemporary feel.
The property sits on 2½ acres of gardens with lawns, a paddock and an orchard. What will really interest some buyers will be the large steel workshop that measures 147sq m – not much less than the 169sq m (1,819sq ft) house.
The Ber-exempt house, which is five minutes' drive to Kildimo and 20 minutes to Limerick, is on the market through Sherry FitzGerald Limerick, seeking €500,000.
