With the new year fast approaching, the opportunity to seek out a change in lifestyle and acquire a home – and a business – in the charming town of Kenmare, Co Kerry, is likely to appeal to investors old and new.
The Purple Heather, a 56-seater restaurant and bar in the heart of the tourist town, has come to the market seeking €800,000. The property, which has been in operation as a restaurant since the 1960s, is being sold as a going concern and with vacant possession.
The property is located on Henry Street in the centre of the town, a street known for its traditional shopfronts and deep archways, which lead to the rears of premises.
The ground floor, of about 2,086sq ft (193.8sq m), has a 56-seater restaurant and bar with full bar licence. The property extends to Henry Lane at the rear, where there are various storage rooms.
The property sits on a total site area of 0.073 acres that is suitable for further development.
The building, which is listed, was built using surplus materials from Holy Cross Church in 1864. It became a tea shop in 1964, when Agnes O’Connell moved her successful cafe The Purple Heather from across the road. Over the years a bar was added to the rear and the tea shop became a restaurant. In the late 1960s the restaurant moved upstairs, complete with a piano bar. As her daughter and current owner Gráinne O’Connell notes, “It was open day and night, seven days a week”. In more recent years the Purple Heather has been run as a very successful bistro and bar by Ms O’Connell.
Living area
The property may suit those looking to live and work from the same premises, or investors who may be also seeking a rental opportunity, as the first floor is a private two-bed apartment.
The living quarters, which measure about 1,083sq ft (100.6sq m) include a double bedroom to the rear, as well as a twin bedroom with high ceilings and original sash windows.
The dining area has a lounge overlooking a roof terrace, while the main living room has original cornicing, sash windows and an open fireplace.
Fibre-optic broadband is available.
The Purple Heather, which has a BER energy rating of D1, is being brought to the market by joint selling agents Sherry FitzGerald Daly and Connor Scarteen seeking €800,000.
