Co Cork: €550,000 A 19th century gate lodge, formally part of the Coolkelure House estate in Co Cork, is likely to tempt buyers with a sense of drama seeking a rural retreat.

Local agent Celtic Properties Real Estate Alliance is quoting €550,000 for the Gothic Coolkelure Lodge, which has been meticulously restored by current owners George and Martha Goetz, artists from the US. The couple have gone to great lengths to restore the original ambience of the lodge.

The unusual property is located on an acre of mature gardens and woodland four miles from Dunmanway village and one-hour drive from Cork city.

Built around 1874 it was originally the gate lodge to Coolkelure House a former residence of the Fourth Earl of Bandon.

The lodge is entered through an open porch adorned with impressive gargoyles and crests.

Off the hall is a bright diningroom and a sittingroom. Both rooms boast original doors, bay window, feature fireplace and exposed beams.

A 1960s extension houses the kitchen, which has a range-style cooker and tiled floor, a guest toilet and downstairs bedroom.

A stone staircase in the hall leads to a small study with ceiling-to-floor bookshelves.

The main bedroom has original polished floorboards, two windows and a open fireplace. An adjacent dressingroom, which would be suitable for conversion into an en suite, was originally the gate keepers lookout.

The second upstairs bedroom has original timber floor and open shelving.

The house was completely refurbished eight years ago and has oil-fired central heating.

The stunning gardens are a huge selling point of the property. A gardener's dream, they feature old species of roses, shrubs and mature and unusual trees, a pond, ornamental bridge and a Japanese-inspired section.