Kilcolman Rectory, Enniskeane, Co Cork, has arrived on the market. Standing on five acres, this imposing five-bedroom Georgian residence was bought by an English couple two years ago, who have now decided to relocate to central Europe.

Today, Kilcolman comes to the market with a 5,500 square feet residence, beautiful landscaped gardens, a stone-built courtyard and three stone cottages that are currently rented out.

The shape and size of the house, coupled with the internal layout, draws a lot of similarities to Warrenstown House, Drumree, Co Meath, which I viewed earlier this year.

Kilcolman is a two-storey over-basement period residence that offers spacious family living as well as the capacity to operate a hospitality business, if desired.

The property was used as a private family home by the current owners for the past two years. Prior to that, the previous owner operated a successful bed and breakfast business as well as staging lavish tea parties in the house for organised party groups.

restored

Built in circa 1855, Kilcolman was originally used as the rectory to the nearby St Mary’s Church. Over the past decade or two, the house has been sympathetically restored to a high standard, with each owner putting their own stamp on the refurbishment process.

Features include high ceilings, sash windows, marble fireplaces, Amtico flooring, cornicing, as well as decorative arches, both in the hallway and in the landing.

Today, Kilcolman is presented for sale in walk-in condition. The front door entrance brings you to the ground floor which features two large reception rooms, study, guest bedroom and a cloakroom. Upstairs there are four bedrooms (one ensuite) and two family bathrooms while the kitchen and breakfast area is actually positioned in the basement. However, unlike other basements, the one at Kilcolman is modern, warm and full of light.

With polished granite surfaces, the kitchen features a four-oven Aga cooker, recessed lighting and Amtico flooring. The basement also contains a utility, wine cellar and a garden room that leads to a stone flagged sunken terrace area and to the grass tennis court.

Water is supplied from a private well and the heating is oil-fired.

outside

Outside, there are lovely landscaped gardens that are enclosed by fabulous mature beech trees and shrubs. For those with green fingers, there is also a poly tunnel and a vegetable patch.

Directly behind the house is a stone courtyard in pristine condition that features stables, lofted store houses and a range of stone outbuildings.

Behind the courtyard but yet neatly tucked away are three stone-built cottages – Willow cottage, Beech cottage and Honeysuckle cottage. With their own separate access point off the main entrance, these cottages have been let out over the years and have the capacity to generate €25,000 to €30,000 in rental income annually.

Two of the cottages are single-storey while the third is a two-storey and all three feature a sitting room, kitchen/dining area, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Just 7.5 miles from Bandon and 10 miles from Clonakilty, Kilcolman is a special property that is expected to generate interest from a range of buyer types, including some overseas enquiries.

To date, David Busteed from Sherry FitzGerald Brennan Busteed, Bandon, has received inquiries from Dublin and the UK. Guided at €1.2m, the auctioneer believes that Kilcolman offers value for money when you consider the amount of accommodation on offer and, more especially, when you compare to it modest homes in the Kinsale/Cork areas where you get a lot less bang for your buck.