Period perfection means it’s time to meet your Waterloo

THERE are great, big inner city houses and then there are houses like this one, at 3, Waterloo Place, Cork that combine a brilliant location, a period property and manageability all in one.

Big, old houses are wonderful and their huge rooms and large spaces can bring serenity, even in the busiest of cities. However, old houses are expensive and need upkeep, apart from heating, painting and filling the larger spaces involved.

Here at number three, it’s a different story because, despite being a venerable, old property, this is a house of manageable proportions which still has period grandeur.

So, it comes with not one, but two drawing rooms, (one downstairs, and the other upstairs), original plasterwork and ceiling roses, as well as sash windows and original fireplaces.

The best feature of this house, however, has to be the kitchen area. Although not all modern and smooth, and despite its north facing position, this is a truly bright and welcoming space with a strategically placed Velux window over the working end.

Because the kitchen area has been extended into the rear yard, the dining area is in the old kitchen where a black Rayburn replaces the range that was here originally.

Walls are a soft white to maximise light and on a cold December day, the Rayburn gives off heat in waves. At the other end, the kitchen has quirky corners and units in a hand-painted, very old-fashioned green that looks just right.

Access to the rear yard is via double teak doors and the highlight of this white-washed space is a funky, corner fountain. The ground space is gravelled and laid with decking to form a recreation area in one corner. For what must have been a dank, north-facing yard, the effect is quite impressive.

Under the stairs is a guest cloakroom and on the first floor return is the main bathroom, with original bath and electric shower.

The odd pane of cathedral glass in the Georgian windows adds an eclectic touch.

The master bedroom is to the rear of the drawing room and it comes with a large, bright en suite with modern fittings and oh-so-now chestnut units.

The top floor, or attic, has one small box room and two double bedrooms with cast iron beds that look right in this setting.

This area is the least ‘done’ of the house, but is nonetheless a cosy space with new Velux windows giving panoramic views over the city.

Waterloo Terrace was originally built by the Hill Estate around 1832 and it has a quiet position just off Wellington Road. and units in a hand-painted, very old-fashioned green that looks just right.

Access to the rear yard is via double teak doors and the highlight of this white-washed space is a funky, corner fountain. The ground space is gravelled and laid with decking to form a recreation area in one corner. For what must have been a dank, north-facing yard, the effect is quite impressive.

Under the stairs is a guest cloakroom and on the first floor return is the main bathroom, with original bath and electric shower.

The odd pane of cathedral glass in the Georgian windows adds an eclectic touch.

The master bedroom is to the rear of the drawing room and it comes with a large, bright en suite with modern fittings and oh-so-now chestnut units.

The top floor, or attic, has one small box room and two double bedrooms with cast iron beds that look right in this setting.

This area is the least ‘done’ of the house, but is nonetheless a cosy space with new Velux windows giving panoramic views over the city.

Waterloo Terrace was originally built by the Hill Estate around 1832 and it has a quiet position just off Wellington Road.