Drinks are on the house
As pubs stay shut, here’s homes with their own bar you can buy
WITH pubs still closed because of the pandemic, creative homeowners have taken to setting up their own bars.
Several properties with fully-functioning bars are currently on the market, with everything from those decked out with sports memorabilia to “glamorous cocktail lounges”.
Michael Clarke, from Stewart Estate Agents, said the trend was likely to continue after lockdown ends.
“We see a lot of people building bars in their gardens, so it does have quite a big appeal at the moment,” he added.
“Often, it’s big money that people are spending on them. I can see it becoming more popular because you won’t have to worry about transport and things if you’re hosting a night out.”
Among several houses listed for sale on Propertynews.com is Bourtree Lodge on the outskirts of Moira. With a name that would not look out of place on a country club, the “imposing and elegant” detached residence comes with “a well-appointed home bar” and a pool table on the market for £695,000.
Elsewhere, the owners of 7 Ballygalget Lane, in Portaferry, have created “a fantastic bar with a dining and lounge area”, complete with a cathedral-style vaulted ceiling and a wood-burning stove.
Valued at £425,000, the house also includes stables, a gym and a mini-putting green.
Bangor’s six-bed Springwell Lodge, meanwhile, could easily double for VIP area at Wimbledon, with a sunroom bar that leads out to a garden with a fullsize tennis court and a barbecue patio. But such luxury does not come cheap — expect to pay in the region of £995,000.
In Dundonald, 4 Grangewood Chase keeps the bar separate to the home, with a custom-built pub in a garden room.
The three-floor property, “where taste and style combine with high-quality fittings” has an
asking price of £285,000.
In Lisburn, a hidden tavern in the basement of ‘Villa Ariadne’ located at 12 Harmoney Hill offers an intimate snug as part of an entertainment room with a feature fireplace to complete the atmosphere.
Going for £430,000, the “exceptional family home” also includes an indoor swimming pool.
Meanwhile, those not wishing to shell out on a custom-built bar have opted for man caves or high-end sheds.
William Hands, director of Ballygowan’s Posh Sheds NI, said he’s taken on more staff to meet the increased demand.
“The amount of enquiries that are coming in now from even last March are ten-fold,” he said.
“Last year, when lockdown started, it was myself and two employees. I now sub-contract out another two teams.
“I have friends in this trade and they’re doing a lot of what you call man caves. I know that they’re ridiculously busy.
“Because people aren’t going on holidays, they’re maybe spending the money on a nice shed or bar.”
‘There’s more demand than in previous years’