In January 2018, having snatched 3 days out of hectic work schedules, we found ourselves on a wet and windy day somewhere between Ballydehob and Skibbereen, West Cork, to view a house.
The Auctioneer’s particulars described it as….. Farmhouse with stone outbuildings set on circa 7 acres. In an elevated position with wonderful rural views.
Measuring approximately 1,400 sq. ft. and consisting of 3 reception rooms on the ground floor plus 5 bedrooms and 1 bathroom on the first floor.
This house is in need of substantial renovation and refurbishment but is in an idyllic position with an abundance of potential.
Even in the vilest of weather and despite the desperate state of the interior, the idyllic position and abundance of potential were plain to see. After spending all of 30 minutes there – we had not a minute more as we had to catch out fight back to the UK – we decided as we made our way home, to buy it. It was a no brainer. An offer was made to Charlie McCarthy, the Auctioneer, on 18 January 2018, it was accepted the following day and we paid over our 5% deposit.
Gwen headed back over to Ireland on 31 January 2018 to meet a Surveyor/Architect at the house and also the solicitor in Bantry who had been engaged to do the conveyancing. It wa son that visit that the scale of the site really began to hit home.