The real deal for wealthy high rollers

ROSANNA HOUSE is the epicentre of an oh so exclusive group of detached houses above the Lee Road in Cork city.

In fact, it makes the gated developments of today's brochures look limp-wristed by comparison: this is the real thing.

The winding driveway of the old house climbs above the tree line of the Lee Road and opens onto a wide pasture with a few unobtrusive driveways opening along its length.

The first you come to is 'Turnberry', marked with the Sherry FitzGerald emblem because this red-brick house and grounds is new to the market this week with auctioneer, Sheila O'Flynn.

And this ivory tower living, (but just 10 minutes to town) doesn't come cheap the guide price is in excess of €950,000 and there's already been viewings.

A four to five-bed dormer bungalow, it's right in the middle of an acre site and has incredible views. These are even better in winter, say the owners, when the bare trees disclose all of Ballincollig and its surrounds: and they don't suffer from frost here as the 100-year old beech, oaks and laurels create a micro-climate. Add the full-south aspect and acid soil and you've got a gardener's heaven.

The house itself is in superb condition and has a comprehensive, light oak kitchen, a utility that's the equivalent of a second kitchen and a range of living rooms.

Best of all is the south and west facing conservatory which is the first room you approaching: it's the house's informal entrance.

Bedrooms are all on the first floor and are on the generous side. The smallest is a good double and bathrooms are huge: the master is en suite and there's a full bathroom on the ground floor with a main bathroom on the first floor.

The fittings includes quality fireplaces, wide picture windows and French doors and a wraparound patio/terrace. Exquisitely private, Turnberry has one of the most exclusive locations in the western suburbs and that's not auctioneer-speak: it's in the heart of the Greenbelt and one-offs like this are out of the question here for the future.

So, it marks one of the few chances for purchasers looking to move into this area, and while the house is hitting the million euro mark, there seems to be a decent cohort in this bracket out there.