A Kilmessan property that"s top of the class

Traditionally, the Irish village was made up of the church, schoolhouse, local shop, pub, GAA grounds and teachers" residence. In Kilmessan, the former teachers" residence in the centre of the village is now on the market, the last headmaster to have lived there being the late Charlie O"Connor. Situated within the quaint village, the Schoolhouse Gallery has been home to local artist Eamon Gibbons since 1987 and, in that time, he has restored the property to its former glory and transformed the interior of this double-fronted residence into a part-time gallery. 'I had a gallery here where people would come by private viewing and buy some paintings but since then I had the living room converted back to make it more liveable for whoever moves in,' he says. 'Everything has been restored to the character and spirit of the original house - it does go back 90 years and I"ve tried to stay true to that.' Eamon is 'reluctantly selling' up to move to Connemara where he will paint the landscape he holds so dear on a professional basis. The unique old stone property was purpose-built to accommodate the local schoolmaster some 90 years ago, which was unlike some other school houses that were originally schools converted for private use. As a result, the property boasts a terrific internal layout and retains many of its orginal features, such as solid, stripped pine and cast-iron fireplaces. The rear gardens provide secure parking and area that is extremely private and picturesque, boasting an array of mature tere and shrubs. All local amenities, such as schools, church, supermarket, pubs and restaurants are, literally, on the doorstep, while Bellinter House Hotel and the esteemed Royal Tara golf Club are approximately two miles from the property. The entrance to this attractive home is through a mahogany front door with stained-glass panelling that leads into a most inviting hallway, comprised of pine flooring and ornate coving - there is also a neatly tucked-away cloakroom just off the hall. The hallway connects to a striking and exceptionally well-presented drawing room that overlooks the front gardens. This well-proportioned room boasts quality solid stripped pine flooring. The centrepiece of the room is the cast-iron fireplace which is adorned with carved mahogany surround and a matching overmantle, while decorative coving and picture lighting add an classy finish. The kitchen area comes with solid oak handpainted cream units that incorporate an integrated oven, hob and extractor fan. Tudor-style beams feature in the ceiling and a brick archway leads to the generous dining room, which has exposed brick walls and is adjoined by patio doors to an area outside ideal for barbecues. The rest of the ground floor is comprised of a guest bathroom, which also has a shower, and a utility room that is plumbed for a washing machine. Upstairs, the master bedroom (one of three) is a large double room which has an original cast-iron fireplace and tiled hearth while two large windows flood the room with natural light. The two remaining bedrooms are generously proportioned and have high ceilings (both have fireplaces!). The main bathroom is bright and airy with a steel bath and a shower with tiled splash-backs. The period property does retain an old-world feel despite being modernised inside and sits in a delightful rural setting. The private gardens are a charming addition while the property also has gas-fired central heating, a mains service and has been re-wired and re-plumbed to give the best of both worlds. To get to the property, proceed to Ross Cross on the N3 before turning left for Dunsany (if driving from the Dublin direction) or right if travelling from Navan. Proceed to the second crossroads (in Dunsany village) and turn right, then continue straight into Kilmessan village and the property is on the left-hand side of the street. This home is for sale with Sherry Fitzgerald Harlin Farrelly, Navan, on (046) 902 9990. The asking price for the schoolhouse is €535,000.