Time for two quality period homes with water views to weigh anchor

SPRING’S definitely in the air and the selling time for two period Cork homes with water aspects is nigh.

In fact, one has been fairly well-pruned back in price after more than a few seasons on the market.

Still immaculately presented and hugely down in price from early hopes is the 4,500 sq ft Georgian original at 3 Bellvue Villas in Tivoli. Two years ago, its AMV was €2 million, it was cut to €1.7m and now it is holding firm at €950,000 and impressing the viewers who come its way via Sherry FitzGerald.

No 3 is the eastern end of a short terrace of some of the most intact and best-conserved Georgian homes in Cork city, which have had a select coterie of admirers since thorough restoration in the past decade.

Now, after CIE has reputedly spent more than €15 million building a new bridge to service Bellvue Villas and a couple of other residences across the Cork-Midleton/Cobh line, its only bugbear (access via a level crossing) has been removed: the houses now have the costliest approach drive in Ireland.

South-facing, overlooking the Marina and about a mile from the city centre, No 3 has accommodation on three full floors, plus attic rooms and a self-contained basement flat. Dating to the early 1800s, it has architectural detailing and proportions to suit the most demanding of period home purists.

Meanwhile, just coming into its own is the December ‘09 market arrival, 5, Sydenham Terrace in Monkstown, overlooking a bustling part of Cork harbour and again a period pad of some note.

Said to date to about 1830 and built for British naval officers, it is truly in shipshape fashion. No 5 has a €795,000 AMV, via agent Catherine McAuliffe of Savills who says the row of well-kept homes here is considered to be Monkstown’s Grand Circle, with the very best views around.

Two-storey to their cul de sac street behind, Sydenham Terrace houses show three levels to the public and No 5 has 2,600 sq ft of space, with four-bedrooms in the main upper house portion and, in effect, there’s a lower ground level as an added almost self-contained basement bonus.

No 5 has polished brasses, period trimming and brightness and views.

Buy now and you can be well anchored for the summer sailing season.