Oaklee property returns to market, but the price goes up by 25%

NOT long after the carpets were rolled up and new oak floors were nailed down, it is changing rooms time again at 14 Oaklee.

This house, off Cork’s Model Farm Road, last went up for sale only in August 2003 as a fine family house which had been consistently worked on by its long-time owner. With nothing left to do, he sold up and went off to build a house from scratch.

It was snapped up by a family relocating from Dublin, who made some decorative and flooring changes when they moved in to savour the 3,000 sq ft of quality living space - and unexpectedly, they have been recalled to Dublin.

So, no 14 is on the go again, this time with a price guide of €740,000, compared to the €600,000-plus market figure when offered in August 2003, showing a 25% increase over two years, roughly in line with property inflation for the span.

And, since it last sold, the house which is the last house in a cul de sac park off the Model Farm Road, has an additional sales pitch: swift access to all areas, thanks to the new Ballincollig bypass.

The house, an ideal trader-upper in the western suburbs, and set for strong viewing traffic and bidding with Lia Dennehy of Hamilton Osborne King, has been extended to each side, and out the back, with a re-slated roof.

Lots of internal changes were made in the 1990s, so that this place now has a large entrance hall, lounge, 20’ by 13’ sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility, guest loo and conservatory all at ground level, and with oak floors in most of these rooms now to boot: there’s even an attached garage with conversion potential for real space-gobblers.

Overhead, there are four bedrooms, one with en suite and a narrow passageway opens up to reveal access to a hidden large storage area, dressing room or walk-in wardrobe.

The main bathroom sports a Jacuzzi bath, heating is by oil and there’s double glazing throughout, with special heat retaining glass in the 15’ by 12’ sun room/conservatory.