Blissful in Ballylehaun
BALLYLEHAUN HOUSE, GATTABAUN, CO KILKENNY €550,000
Ballylehaun House sits on five acres in the foothills of the Binnianea and Cullohill Mountains close to the picturesque village of Gathabawn in an area of outstanding natural beauty, 20km from Kilkenny city.
Gathabawn has all the essential amenities of country life, including a public house, school, church, and shop. The North Kilkenny and Laois Hunts are both close by and there is plenty to occupy those of an equestrian bent.
The house is approached from a quiet country lane past attractive stone pillars and handmade wrought iron entrance gates. A tree-lined avenue, lit by antique street lights, leads to the detached cut stone farmhouse, which dates back to the 18th Century. Ballylehaun is surrounded by mature gardens and railed paddocks and there is an abundance of mature trees including sycamore, copper beech and ash. The one-acre gardens feature a large stone-edged pond and waterfall, and flower beds planted with colourful and exotic shrubs. Outbuildings currently house stores and a double stable but could be converted to provide additional accommodation, subject to planning permission.
The house was refurbished and extended in the late 1990s but retains many period features including inglenook fireplaces, sash windows and exposed stone walls. The entrance hall has a flagstone floor and the dining room, drawing room and one of the four bedrooms are on the ground floor.
The hand-crafted, fitted kitchen has a breakfast counter, centre island and exposed pitch pine timber beams, with a pine timber floor and French-style stove. High cathedralstyle ceilings with Velux windows ensure that this is a light-filled space, and patio doors allow access to a side sun deck with views across the surrounding countryside. There is a separate mezzanine area used as a study and also a utility room with access to the garden and garage. Three further bedrooms, one of which is en suite, and the family bathroom, are upstairs. Agent: Donohue Properties (056) 777 0400