AMIDST NEWS of the BP oil cleanup, Naomi Campbell’s appearance at the tribunal in The Hague, and claims that Lance Armstrong may have been on drugs after all, The New York Times’s homepage yesterday carried a story that finally offers a feelgood factor for Ireland.
Because we may have politicians who like to travel at our expense, and we might have longer dole queues than ever before, but our property – depreciating and all as it may be – still appears to be the envy of the world.
This Wicklow country house adorns the homepage of the world’s most famous newspaper, as a perfect embodiment of how the collapse in the property market here – with country houses down 50% from their peak, according to one auctioneer – has created great value for an international retreat.
The €2m house overlooking Glendalough – dating from the 18th century – does, indeed, seem to be a pretty special spot.
All photos by Derek Spiers for the New York Times.
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As NYT says:
This cluster of stone buildings, dating back to the 18th century, is set on eight acres. In the main house, a glass-roofed conservatory runs from the front door to the back, connecting the house’s two wings.
In one wing are the common areas, including a kitchen with handmade wood cabinets, pink marble countertops and a pantry and an Aga stove, a popular British oven made of iron and enamel. Off the kitchen is a terrace.
The living room has a stone fireplace, arched windows on three sides, and French doors that open up to the garden. There is also an informal den and a library.
It goes on to explain that the Dutch, Germans and British are the most common foreign buyers in Ireland, with Wicklow and Wexford being the most popular spots for those seeking a second home overseas.
We can’t help but wonder, though, whether the ‘listing agent’ was crossing their fingers when they told the paper that there are “no ongoing property taxes” in Ireland – yet.
The house is being sold by Knight Frank auctioneers, tel (01) 6623255.
