CO KILKENNY €180,000:A trapeze in the kitchen and an indoor skateboard ramp are just two of the creative features in this set designer's home
BOLGER’S FARM, a five-bedroom house deep in the Kilkenny countryside, is a 222sq m (2,400sq ft) detached property full of theatrical flourishes that include a trapeze in the kitchen and a suspended bridge connecting to its five bedrooms. It also has a dramatic price reduction of 17 per cent, down from in the last month from €229,000 to €180,000 and is open to offers, through agents ERA Donohue.
The playhouse property, which is approximately five miles outside Castlecomer, sits on 1.1 acres, and is owned by set designer Harry Harris, who makes theatre, film and festival props under the company name Nefarious Design.
He has worked with Electric Picnic and Barabbas and Barnstorm theatre companies.
His creative stamp is all over the house. A tiled floor leads through to the country-style kitchen-cum-diningroom which has a reworked, wood-burning Aga, found by Harris in an old school, and a reclaimed wooden floor. Attached to one of the metal A-beams is an indoor trapeze for kids and adults to enjoy.
Across the vaulted ceiling is a bridge or gantry that leads to two of the three bedrooms upstairs. French doors lead outside to a pergola and decked area that faces south west. The other two bedrooms are downstairs and are used as a music room and sitting room.
Upstairs, the floorboards are all painted white. The master bedroom has a marigold yellow feature wall and tongue-and-groove gable panelling concealing built-in storage and a hot press.
An antique wood-burning stove in the open fireplace warms the room.
The bathroom, situated next to the master bedroom, has a free-standing, roll-top bath. Across the bridge is another bedroom, located in what was once the cow barn. An ante room leads into the bedroom. The third bedroom upstairs has a dramatic apex window and is light-filled.
The house was re-wired, re-plumbed and re-roofed in 2002. Harris lives there with his partner, Mary Clinton, and their three children. They want to find a new property to restore and renovate.
Outside, he has created an assault course for the kids. It includes a tree house, a flying fox and a zip wire.
At the end of the garden is a little stream with seasonal tadpoles.
The house, which is surrounded by mature trees, comes with several outbuildings. One measures 8.7metres by 8.8 metres and is Harris’s workroom. It has vehicular access and RSJs for engine or other hoists. A second building is 5.6 metres by 6.5 metres in size and is home to an indoor skateboard ramp and half pipe. This is included in the sale.
In addition, there are several serviced stone buildings, which could be developed, subject to planning permission.
Bolger’s Farm, Crettenclogh, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Description: Five-bed family home on 1.1 acres
Agent: ERA Donoghue
