Cream of the autumn crop hits the market in Cork

A RICH autumn harvest of homes has hit the sales market as September closes. The clutch of multi-million euro Cork houses gives diverse city, suburban and county living options.

Coming on top of the past fortnight's strong arrivals, and in one of the city's very best locations is Greenbanks, the former Irish base of blues legend Rory Gallagher, up for sale following the August death of his mother Monica.

On three-quarters of an acre and with water frontage on Douglas estuary, Greenbanks has a €1.5 million guide with Brian Olden of Cohalan Downing. Bidding will be intense, given the scope for upgrading to an exceptional private residence.

A county rival, however, for Pick of the Year will be Cloonmullin, one of the most authentic arts and crafts houses in the Munster region, on the Mill Road in Midleton, East Cork.

Expensively and extensively refurbished in the past seven years, it has over 5,000 sq ft of immaculate living space, up to seven bedrooms, and tended grounds of an acre and a half, with river frontage and a tennis court. Priced at €1.3 million, it is one of a brace of Midleton period €1 million-plus homes currently up for sale - but its architectural stamp gives it a real bonus niche.

Selling agents are Hamilton Osborne King.

Back in the city bounds, by Blackrock Castle, a late Georgian/early Victorian semi-detached house Eastcliffe hits all the right buttons for affluent traders-up, with lots of family space (4,000 sq ft) over four and a half floors. It has five bedrooms, mature private grounds with southerly rear aspect, river views and is guided at €1.8 million by Hamilton Osborne King.

Moving closer to town, at the city end of Blackrock, Victoria Road, has a large Victorian semi-d or end of terrace home Tirano for sale with a €850,000 guide quoted by joint agents Cohalan Downing and Hamilton Osborne.

It has very good quality accommodation within, over three levels, within a short walk of the city centre and with Cork's new urban quarter coming down along the docks to meet it. Given its low-maintenance front and back outdoor space, it is an ideal buy for families with Irish or overseas summer houses.