CO MEATH: FROM €210,000:Refurbished cottages in rolling Co Meath fields may appeal to city types looking for a romantic country home in commuting distance of Dublin, writes Alanna Gallagher
HEADSTOWN IS AN interesting development set amidst the rolling wheatfields of Co Meath in Castletown, between the towns of Ardee and Navan.
The 18th century fine limestone Georgian courtyard was built in the 1770s by a Lieutenant Colonel Gerrard to serve as staff quarters for the big house, construction of which was due to start the following year.
All that remains of that plan is a small mound indicating the proposed position of the big house as Gerrard had a change of heart and decided instead to build his home at Gibbonstown House, no longer in existence.
As a result the courtyard, which now consists of seven refurbished cottages, is surrounded by nothing but rolling hills and deciduous trees.
The location is picture perfect for city slickers looking for a romantic move to the country. The fact that the move might come with neighbours will also appeal to people who want privacy but who actually don't want to do a Garbo on it and be left alone.
Each property has period detailing such as timber sash windows, solid doors, and flagstone entrances.
Inside there are traditional hand-painted kitchens with granite countertops and top-of-the-range appliances from Smeg and Fishcer Paykell. The floors are porcelain tiled.
In the livingroom there is a Portuguese limestone fireplace with an open fire and dark walnut flooring.
There is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and a guest toilet.
Both rooms have direct, French door access to the sandstone patio and lawned back garden. Out front the curtilage has been sympathetically landscaped.
Upstairs the bedrooms are not enormous, but all but the two-bed comes with a shower en suite. Almost all the family bathrooms come with a bath.
The two, three and four-bedroom refurbished cottages, which vary in size from 87-140sq m (932- -1,510sq ft), cost from €210,000 to €420,000 and are for sale by private treaty through agent Raymond Potterton.
Headstown is on about an acre of communal land, which is run by a management company owned by the owners. Access to the properties is via a long avenue and electronic gates.
Presently, the properties are in the final stages of refurbishment.
The location is just off the N52, with links to the M1 and planned M3 interchange nearby, making it also an accessible commute or weekend retreat.
Headstown, Castletown, Co Meath
Seven two, three and four-bedroom refurbished cottages in a Georgian courtyard originally built in the 1770s range in size from 87-140sq m (932-1,510sq ft) and cost from €210,000 to €420,000.
Agent: Raymond Potterton
