Country charms in Delgany
HOLMHILL Blackberry Lane, Delgany, Co Wicklow €800,000
AVOCA is all about selling a lifestyle. It’s no surprise then that Vanessa Pratt, retail director at Avoca and vendor of Holmhill, was drawn to this property in a place evocatively called Blackberry Lane, with access to chi chi shops, specialist restaurants and breathtaking walks.
Holmhill — a 200sqm dwelling — is set on a 1.1 acre-site near Delgany, Co Wicklow. Built in 1990 by the Cherry family, it was purchased by Vanessa in 2007. “It was a country-like bungalow on an open space,” she recalls.
She carried out work both externally and internally to create a bright, welcoming family home. This included making the 1.1-acre plot a solid space by building an entrance with granite pillars, electric wooden gates and putting up the hazel hurdle fencing to create a boundary.
Internally the kitchen was totally gutted and given a modern makeover. External walls were taken down and glass sliding doors put in, bringing the outside in. A large patio made from camel stone completes the effect.
Currently there are two similar houses being built on the lane, one by the daughter of the family from whom Vanessa purchased Holmhill. “When completed in late spring, it will be a stunning enclave of six houses,” she says.
In Holmhill, engineered oak flooring runs from the entrance hallway into the living room where a wood-burning stove is inset into the polished sandstone and marble fireplace. Five Velux windows drench the room with natural light.
Double doors lead from the kitchen/dining room — Vanessa’s favourite part of the house — to the south-west facing patio. The fitted kitchen is kitted out with appliances including a Miele double integrated oven, four-stove hob, Fisher & Paykel double dishwasher, supersized fridge and Neff microwave. Access to the garden and pantry is provided through the utility room. Corian stone adds surface good looks to the countertops.
The carpeted master bedroom has two picture windows, with the en suite containing twin wash hand basins and a tiled double shower unit with power shower. Two of the other double bedrooms are carpeted while the fourth is laid in engineered oak wooden flooring, with French doors to the patio. The family bathroom, with its tiled floor, incorporates a pedestal wash hand basin, tiled bath unit with hand shower, chrome heated towel rail, and hot press. With oil-fired central heating, the house has a D1 BER rating.
Holmhill is approached along a private country road just off Blackberry Lane. Granite pillars and a sliding wooden electric gate provide access to the gravelled driveway which can accommodate numerous cars.
“The area has everything you could want,” Vanessa enthuses. “A few minutes’ meander on a Saturday morning along Blackberry Lane and there is a slip road that brings you directly into Delgany village. There, The Firehouse Bakery does delicious fresh breads, pastries and a good coffee. Or sit down upstairs in The Pigeon House for good food any time of the day,” she says.
“Fantastic walks are all around with no need to even get into a car — the Glen of the Downs is our favourite,” says Vanessa. “Greystones is a short drive away where there are award-winning restaurants. My favourite is Chakra by Jaipur. The Happy Pear food market with its café and smoothie bar, is also great.
Vanessa has relocated to Rathmichael, Ballybride Road which, she feels, best replicates the blend of space, scenery and schools, restaurants and other amenities within easy reach.
“What I’ll miss most about Holmhill is the beautiful tranquil feeling. The location gives you the best of both worlds. It’s countryside living with easy access to surrounding villages and the N11.”
Among the items included in the sale are a swing and slide wooden play unit, a trampoline, greenhouse and three garden sheds. According to selling agent George McCovern of McGovern Estates, Greystones: “It has the advantage of a 1.1-acre landscaped garden which would be great for kids — and if the accommodation needs to be extended, the space is there,” he says.