Clean living in Cork

4 OF A KIND... POSH BATHROOMS

If you’re in the market for an impeccably restored Georgian residence on Courtmacsherry Bay, one of just five overlooking The Old Head of Kinsale, then Burren House may be just the ticket. The property sits on 20 gorgeous acres with uninterrupted views of the sea. There is 330sqm of living space in the main house, as well as a separate independent bungalow, Burren Lodge, extending to 240sqm.

Three of the house’s seven bedrooms are in the converted courtyard and there is also a separate, self-contained, two-bedroom apartment. Various outbuildings would be suitable for use as workshops or artists’ studios, or for the storage of vintage cars and there is a lovely walled garden with an orchard. While most of the grounds are in rolling lawns — 400 people have been seated for an open-air opera — there is also a water feature, a waterfall and a lake full of trout.

The property, which dates back to 1790, is owned by businessman Mike Newman and his wife Jane, a jewellery designer. Their twoyear restoration, completed in 2005, was both lavish and conscientious: the couple replaced UPVC windows, installed Georgian fireplaces to replace those that were missing and restored the ceiling roses and cornicing.

The decor is elegant and in keeping with the period of the house and the House of Coolmore kitchen is country-chic, with a de rigueur Aga to keep things cosy. The Newmans also allowed themselves a bit of fun with the interiors and the ceiling paintings by artist Joanne Salley are particularly striking. Much of the furniture is included in the sale.

As one would expect, no expense has been spared in the creation of luxurious bathrooms.

The master bedroom has a dressing room and an en suite and the second bedroom is also en suite. The main house also has a splendid family bathroom and each of the three bedrooms in the converted coach house has its own en suite. Agent: Sherry Fitz Gerald (01) 237 6300 / Sherry Fitz Gerald O’Neill (023) 883 3995