‘Hopefully I’ll be no more than a 20-minute walk from the sea and the shops’
Novelist and single mum Marisa Mackle is searching for a home in Co Clare: “AFTER a lifetime of city living, it’s time to move. I’ve my heart set on the seaside, preferably in West Clare. I’ve always loved living in Dublin 4 — I can be in the city in a matter of minutes, and there’s always someone to meet up with for coffee and a drink.
But as I’ve got older the lure of bright city lights has gradually faded, and I find now I’m more drawn to wide open spaces, and nature. I live in Donnybrook and the traffic is pretty terrible. Every year I think it can’t get worse and then it does. At night it’s very quiet but during the day it’s like a car park. I’m a writer so peace and quiet is essential to me.
I was in Clare over Christmas and I loved the way I could see the stars at night. I bought a holiday home near the sea there a few years ago. It was a really random decision. I spotted an ad online and drove down to see the house.
I put in an offer the next day and a week later it was accepted. I moved my stuff in within weeks and it was all very straightforward as I was a cash buyer. The house wasn’t turnkey but that was fine. I have a good imagination and I think I’m good at spotting potential.
I had fun doing it up. I prefer old properties to brand new ones so my next home doesn’t have to be in walk-in condition. I am definitely not looking forward to all the packing that goes along with buying and selling, mind you! I swim all year round so I need to be near the sea.
My son Gary (9) is excited moving. He loves Clare as well. I want to move now because when he’s a bit older he may not like the idea of changing school.
I haven’t found my ideal new home yet and I have been looking for a while. I’d like to permanently move this summer but won’t rush anything.
Luckily, I don’t have to deal with the hassle of applying for a mortgage. I am ideally seeking a detached house with a spacious garden for my pets. Hopefully I will be no more than a 20-minute walk from the sea and also the shops. I don’t want to use my car every time I run out of milk!”