Fort Faulkner's strength is potential

Co Wicklow: €2.3mA pretty Georgian house standing on 28 acres of land near Aughrim in Co Wicklow is the kind of property often described by estate agents as oozing potential. In this case they would have a point.

The house, for sale at €2.3 million through joint agents Savills HOK Country and Colliers Jackson-Stops, comes with a brand new courtyard of cut-stone buildings that would make ideal offices or holiday cottages.

However, there is plenty more work to be done. The new buildings - extending to around 372sq m (4,000sq ft) - have no central heating, which they certainly need in the Wicklow hills, while the main house is also in need of renovation.

The lack of heating in such a meticulous build is one of the puzzling things about this property which occupies an elevated site overlooking most of its acres.

It's a very attractive house on the outside, with its old granite doorcase and tall sash windows. Inside, it's full of charm and interest, though blazing fires in the two reception rooms on either side of the hallway would make it a lot more comfortable. Both rooms have nice proportions with windows on two sides, and high ceilings decorated with simple cornicework.

The most striking feature of the hallway is the cantilevered stone staircase leading upstairs.

Stairs also lead down to a series of large cellars that with some refurbishment could provide a great amount of storage.

At the back of the house is a cosy kitchen, complete with Aga, and a sittingroom that leads directly through to the new buildings which are mostly interconnecting. Upstairs, are four double bedrooms, two of which have lovely views over the property. Located less than three miles from Aughrim - this year's Tidy Towns winner - Fort Faulkner may date from the late 1700s when there were Faulkners living in Wicklow, and there is evidence of the family still in residence in the late 1860s.