Four-bed with minimalist decor and a superb view

THERE’S more than a few surprises in store at No 7 Sandy Lawn, on Castle Road, Blackrock in Cork.

First up is the house number, 7, given that there's only six houses in this niche scheme: apparently the land's vendor kept back a site which hasn't been built on.

The other surprises are all beyond the front door or glimpsed from the rear.

Decoratively, the interior is closer to penthouse apartment than to suburban detached home; cool, contemporary, and restrained "minimalist without being clinical," notes estate agent Noelle Morrison who seeks offers over €575,000.

The vendors are in the art and design business, and it shows. There's eye-catching paintings and photography on the walls, with pale coloured walls and honey-coloured floors a great backdrop for its display.

And, the location jumps out at you too: all the rooms at the back of the house look out at the River Lee towards Dunkathel House, while from the kitchen doors there's a framed view of Blackrock Castle.

The Castle Road development is one of several in the vicinity by O'Brien and O'Flynn, and there's over 2,000 sq ft of space on two floors, with four bedrooms, two of which are en suite.

There are two bright interlinked reception rooms off the hall to the left, with a TV room or study to the right, and beyond and behind is a large square kitchen.

The back garden, fully walled in, landscaped and private, has a raised flower bed with heavy planting of lavender, patios, raised decking and a play shed.