House of the Week: Inspiring views at large €840k Ovens residence
Artists like Sharon McCarthy are drawn to the natural landscape for its seasonal shifts and unpredictability; it helps see familiarsubjects from a fresh perspective.There’s also the emotional pull of a quiet rural setting, open skies, and changing light.“I am constantly inspired by my countryside surroundings,” says Sharon, a self-taught palette knife oil painter who lives in Ovens, surrounded by nature’s myriad charms. It’s a rich and versatile muse and the proof is in her many colourful creations that decorate the walls of the family home.“I have enjoyed Ovens so much. The sense of space and fresh air, with the solitude of darkness and silence at night. And the views are amazing,” she says.One of the nicest views is from the kitchen window at the back of the house, facing south, looking out over fields of green that stretch endlessly into the distance. Below the window is a large, wraparound flagstone patio that gets the best of the light all day. It’s a well-utilised space, with built in barbecue and the same green panorama.Sharon says the fields were kept in great shape by her farmer husband, with whom she built the house in 1992. She was more of a gardener, with a particular grá for hydrangeas, which feature on the front lawn and in the oils on her walls.“They are amazing from May to October and in full bloom for July and August,” she says.Impressive too are the columns of conifers that line the driveway. There are acers and a willow tree, as well as lilies, cherry blossom trees, bay trees, and a row of whitethorns. Having had more than 30 years to mature, the gardens are a highlight of the property.The house is in good shape. There’s a Provençal feel to the kitchen/dining room, where Sharon gave some of the doors an antique wash to add to the rustic charm, enhanced by ceiling beams. A window over the dining table lets light in from the hall.Off the kitchen is a family room where double doors open to the patio. Selling agent Norma Healy, of Sherry FitzGerald, says its south-west facing aspect might tempt new owners to knock the wall between it and the kitchen to let in more natural light.There’s much more besides at this 216sq m property in Ballygroman Upper, starting with the impressively wide hallway with double-height ceiling, overlooked by a galleried landing. Off one side of the hallway is a fine, double aspect reception room with solid-oak floor and a stunning period fireplace. Across the hall is a downstairs double bedroom, Sharon’s art studio (possible fifth bedroom?), and a gorgeous vintage bathroom with more hints of the Provençal. There’s a utility too, off the kitchen.The main upstairs bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en suite is arranged with an artist’s eye, as is a little reading spot under a velux on the landing. An upstairs laundry room has a very impressive set-up, and there are two more double bedrooms and the main bathroom. A large property, it’s too big now that the kids have flown the nest.Ms Healy says it’s a great opportunity for a family to acquire a fine home and site, less than 10 minutes from the Ballincollig bypass, midway between Ovens and Killumney (5km either way) and within a 15-minute radius of major shopping centres, secondary schools, MTU, UCC, and CUH. A 5km ring walk starts by the front door. The guide price is €840,000.
VERDICT: A comfortable, inviting home with a terrific rear orientation and plenty of accommodation for families trading up.
