Best of both worlds in period home

THERE'S a lot to be said for buying a new home and starting from scratch, as any owner of an old house will tell you, but the attractions of age and elegance are still hard to beat.

In the case of Woodbine Lodge in the harbour district of Glenbrook, Co. Cork, a combination of both elements are on offer.

Firstly, this is an old house with lots of those quirky features that make it different from the production-line features of modern day homes. Secondly, and probably most importantly of all, it has had the nuts and bolts of its structure tightened up, so it's in a ready-to-move-into condition.

This means that along with period fireplaces, there are new flues to make a blazing hearth a practical possibility (without having the Passage Fire Brigade to hand).

A new roof and modern insulation keeps a snug cover on the house and cleverly, a new, draught-proofed front door has retained the old stained glass insets, so its practically is thankfully indistinguishable from the original.

Other features include new wiring and plumbing, and a fireproof metal balcony that leads up to the high garden a clever fusion of access and escape.

On half landing the staircase is lit by cathedral glass windows and decorated in a cheery yellow with cream highlights, which give a light feel to this central area of the house.

The formal drawing/dining room is to the left and is a generously proportioned room decorated in burgundy and peach.

The focal point here is the while marble fireplace in the centre of the room and the bay window overlooking the garden. This is fitted with a pine window seat.

One of the more attractive features of the house are the original sash windows. In good working order, they have been in place for at least one hundred and fifty years and with a yearly coat of paint, should last another century or two.

The main living room and kitchen are to the right of the hallway. The living room again faces front and is simply decorated in buttery cream and terracotta with some eye-catching curtains that look like they came all the way from India. This room is homely and elegant at the same time.

The kitchen is at the other side of double doors and, in keeping with the look, is fitted in country pine with racing green tiles over the worktop.

The spot where a range once stood now houses a hob, but could be adjusted for a solid fuel cooker again, if required.

Across the hall to the rear is a large utility room and bathroom. With traditional tub and sink, this highlights one of the drawbacks of Woodbine Lodge, it has only one bathroom and this is on the ground floor.

However, the bedrooms are spacious and at least one, the nursery, could become a luxurious bathroom, in terms of space at least. This room is on the first floor with the master bedroom and guest bedroom. The fourth bedroom is used as an office, and access to the garden is through French doors to the rear: the kitchen opens onto the rear yard.

The second floor is entirely open plan and is a multi-purpose room that is presently a teenage den: one side for recreation and the other for bed.

The back garden soars upwards and because it's clear of the house, it's not in shadow and so has full sun all day. The terraced lawn has great privacy and even better views.

Woodbine Lodge is for sale through Malcolm Tyrrell of Cohalan Downing and Associates for offers of €320,000.