Athboy country house an easy commute

CO MEATH - €975,000:THE PLANNED opening of the M3 through Meath in 2010 will bring many country houses and estates within easy commuting distance of Dublin city.

One such property, The Old Granary at Gillstown, Athboy - within 8kms of the nearest motorway interchange - has just come on the market through Navan agent Raymond Potterton with a guide price of €975,000.

The restored stone-built house dates from 1850 and is approached by a curved gravel driveway running from Victorian wrought-iron entrance gates and octagonal limestone piers.

The two-storey house adjoins a range of stone-built stables, wagon sheds and a barn which were in agricultural use until acquired and restored by the present owners.

They also completed a major upgrading and refurbishment of the house, including the re-roofing of it in original slate and the installation of high levels of insulation and modern services.

The centrepiece of the house is an open-plan livingroom/kitchen with solid French oak timber flooring and an oil-fired Aga.

The room is full of light and atmosphere with three windows to the front overlooking the gardens and another window in the kitchen area.

The livingroom can also be eated in winter by an open fire with marble fireplace and cast-iron insert.

The kitchen has a range of solid oak wall and floor units, a granite countertop as well as a Franke stainless steel integrated sink.

French doors open out into a sunroom with underfloor heating, mahogany panelled ceiling, recessed lighting and a stone-wall finish.

The living accommodation also includes a large family room with open fireplace, oak flooring and a door opening out into the courtyard.

There is also a separate study, utility room and guest toilet.

Two of the four bedrooms and a bathroom are locatedon the ground floor.

Another bedroom on the first floor has an en suite while the fourth bedroom adjoins a shower room. Overall, The Old Granary is in superb condition while the two-acres of lawns and gardens add to the peace and charm of the property.

The Old Granary, Gillstown, Athboy, Co Meath

Cosy restored country house 8kms from M3

Agent:Raymond Potterton