This extended home hit the market, and these property pages, in the first week of January, and was quickly under offer: then, it went ‘Sale Agreed’ just a month or two afterwards, as the primroses did, indeed return in spring to Primrose Hill in Tower, near Blarney.

Tower, Co Cork

Tommy Barker visits a 1970s bungalow near Clonakilty that has been given a tasteful rebuild, complete with high-spec insulation and cutting-edge green building techniques.

Tommy Barker says this residence is an authentic arts and crafts home.