TWO CHARMING RESTORED COTTAGES ON A PICTURESQUE SETTING AT KNOCKINELDER BAY WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS ACROSS THE IRISH SEA

DESCRIPTION

This sale offers an extremely unique opportunity to purchase a sympathetically restored former farm cottage and barn. These beautiful properties were rebuilt in 2012 and 2017 and offer two separate dwellings. The property was restored by the renowned artist and painter Micheal Yeomans, who was able to retain the character, history and charm of the original dwellings. In harmony with the original design, the properties are built on the same footprint as the original structures and retains many traditional features including thick stone walls and deep set windows.

The property is located on a premier waterfront site with spectacular views out over the Irish Sea which offers views across to the Isle of Man and the Mountains of Mournes. The subject site itself extends to a total of about 0.5 acres and is accessed via Kearney Road through a gated entrance. The property is bound by beautiful stone walls in keeping with the local character.

The Artist’s Cottage is a single storey dwelling extending to about 2,281 sq. ft (211.9 sq. m). The property offers excellent accommodation comprising of a spacious and bright entrance hall due to the raised ceiling with skylight. The open plan kitchen/living area features views from a dual aspect of the sea and garden, with further accommodation provided by the principal bedroom with ensuite, 2 bedrooms and family bathroom with freestanding bath.

The Artist Barn extends to about 2,631 sq. ft (244.4 sq. m) with accommodation across two floors. The property is accessed by the entrance hall which leads off into the spacious and bright open plan living room with stunning open vaulted timber ceiling and exceptional views. The kitchen/dining room with utility is on the west side, which offers a modern fitted kitchen perfect for entertaining. Further accommodation is provided with a principal bedroom and ensuite benefitting from sea and garden views, a second bedroom with garden views and modern family bathroom/wet room. This property offers an extremely unique opportunity to extend the accommodation with a sizeable loft conversation (subject to planning permission) for an additional two double bedrooms.

Externally, there is further accommodation provided by the studio extending to about 435.2 sq. ft (42.5 sq. m), immaculate landscaped gardens with paved pathways and a stone driveway.

For prospective buyers, this property offers the excellent opportunity to own a unique set of sympathetically converted homes with a lucrative income generating potential by short term lets, future proofing for an independent elderly relative or accommodation for visiting families. Early viewing is recommended.

LOCATION 

The Artist Cottage & Barn are located about 3.7 miles east of Portaferry at Knockinelder Bay. The subject property is located only 0.5 miles from Kearney village, which was carefully restored by the National Trust to give the authenticity of a traditional fishing village. The village boasts incredible views across to the Isle of Man and the Mountains of Mourne.

From Kearney village there are attractive walks to the beach at Knockinelder, and along the shore to Stinking Point. The paths lead through lichen-covered slaty rocks and coastal grassland studded with spring squill on the promontories. The small, sheltered bays are made up of shingle and saltmarsh, with the yellow horned poppy, an unusual plant of the area.

The property has an attractive locality with close proximity to Portaferry, providing excellent scenery, history and wildlife, that attracts both local and foreign tourists each year. Located on the southern end of the Ards Peninsula at the entrance to Strangford lough, which is the biggest sea inlet within the British Isles and NI’s first Marine Nature reserve. With over 2,000 species of marine animals as well as being noted for its international importance for wildlife, it is not surprising the area has been renowned as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The property is located ideally for commuting being only about 34.6 miles from Belfast, while also having access to the Portaferry – Strangford Ferry service which operates daily at 30 minutes intervals.

An abundance of sporting and leisure activities are located nearby, with Clearsky Adventure Centre located in Strangford about 6.8 miles via ferry, offering kayaking, canoeing, archery, and mountain biking to name a few.

Local schooling is available at Portaferry Integrated Primary School, St Columba’s College, St Mary’s Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School, Down High School and Downpatrick Primary School.