Prices galloping upwards at the Paddocks and surrounding areas

THE PADDOCKS — where children may safely play and prices can gallop.

The south city estate on Maryborough Hill, Cork, is still holding it's own as one of the most desirable residential areas in Cork city and how.

With the latest property to come up for sale in the estate, prices have just hit the €950,000 mark, a level that might cause a sharp intake of breath for even jaded property watchers.

Steep rises in property prices began in the spring market with large, detached houses in Grange making over €850,000.

Number 1, The Village in Frankfield is now bid at €975,000 for Pierce Cuthbert of Property Choice and at Abbotswood in Rochestown, houses are making, on average, 950,000 with larger properties already past the crucial, million euro mark.

The Paddocks has big, but not brash houses and as a mature estate, it has weathered well. On the lower edges of Maryborough Hill, it's just a walk to the amenities of Douglas.

Number 11 is now up for sale, not because its owners are trading up, but because they are moving. Consequently, the detached, Roddy Hogan-designed house is now on the market with Malcolm Tyrrell of Cohalan Downing and Associates.

The guide price given is in the region of €950,000 and that includes a large site and four-bedroomed living space. For all its well-founded attractions, the unexpected bonus here is the view. Or views, as the house has three, deep bay windows which take in a huge sweep of Cork harbour and the northern hills beyond. In fact, it would be hard to get work done in the front-facing study with such a backdrop.

Number 11 has two levels at the moment, ground and first floor, but there is scope to develop the attic. Also, the ground floor is split level, with the main living room on the left-hand side of the entrance hallway, and the study across the way. The family room, kitchen and guest bathroom are up two steps, which creates a psychological break for the viewer and gives the house a greater sense of space.

The living room is perfectly proportioned for facing sofas on either side of the fireplace and double doors give access to the hallway, laid in mellow, wide-plank oak.

The study is fully finished with shelving and file cabinets in cool steel and wood, sourced from Mimo. The polka-dot office chairs are a surprising change from the usual utilitarian grey.

And despite being north-facing at this side, the rooms are remarkably bright. The family room and kitchen behind face full south, as does the landscaped garden.

Old trees and plenty of shrub beds give character and, for summer dining, there's a patio area running across the back, with access from the utility and family room.

Upstairs, there are four, double bedrooms, including an ensuite master bedroom and a main bathroom.

The site might also allow an extension to the rear, and the front drive has parking for two to three cars, with no facing houses for extra privacy.