Limerick owners list 19th-century lime kiln home for sale

The owners of a unique woodland residence in Kilmeedy, County Limerick, have placed their home on the market. The property, known as Heathfield, was constructed by the current owners more than 20 years ago around the remnants of a lime kiln dating to 1824. The home is now being sold through Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes with a guide price of 795,000 euros.

The site originally consisted only of the crumbling kiln, which was built to aid the construction of the neighboring Heathfield House. That structure still stands approximately a quarter of a mile up the road from the current property. Rather than demolish the historic remnant, the owners chose to preserve it as the central feature of their new build. This decision resulted in a structure that blends castle-like aesthetics with modern residential functionality.

The residence extends to a total floor area of 486 square meters, or 5,231 square feet. It holds a B3 energy rating and features underfloor heating on the ground level. The interior design incorporates Gothic-style doorways standing 2.7 meters tall, curved stone walls, and a spiral staircase. These elements rise from the main level to a castellated rooftop terrace.

The layout begins with a circular hallway where the staircase is centered. Stone corridors lead to various rooms from this focal point. The open-plan kitchen, which underwent renovation in recent years, contains a large central island and a walk-in pantry. Adjacent to the kitchen, a living area features a fireplace and double doors that open onto steps made from railway sleepers, leading up to the garden. On the opposite side of the staircase, a separate sitting room offers a more intimate atmosphere, characterized by stone walls and timber beams.

The ground floor also includes an en suite bedroom, a guest bathroom, a large storage room, and a shed located at the rear of the house. The owners selected materials to minimize maintenance efforts. Stainless steel skirting boards require little upkeep, while the travertine chisel-effect marble flooring covers the entire ground floor, making cleaning straightforward.

Four additional bedrooms are located on the first floor. The staircase continues beyond this level to a roof office. This upper area provides direct access to the terrace, which is equipped with a built-in barbecue and a putting green. The owners noted that the turreted feature is particularly enjoyable during clear nights. "On a bright, full-moon starry night, it’s great," the owner said. "A glass of wine in the hand and then a bit of putting. It’s hard to beat."

The house is situated within the Ballinruane Woods, surrounded by 0.33 hectares of landscaped ground. The property offers immediate access to forest walks. The owners have maintained the surrounding trees by keeping them topped and under control, a necessary practice in such a woodland environment. The site remains distinct due to its isolation and natural setting.

The decision to sell stems from changes in the family’s living situation. With their daughter now attending college, the owners feel the house has become too large for just the two of them. The owner, who works as a builder, expressed a desire to undertake a smaller project for their own use. "As a builder, I’m looking to get my teeth stuck into another project, something smaller just for ourselves," the owner said.