Moving up in the world

HOUSE hunters looking to get into the upper end of the market in Cork have had their thoughts turned to suburban Douglas, as much by virtue of the selection of good second-hand stock as by the quality of location.

One of the most prestigious of local addresses, the Rectory being disposed of by the Church of Ireland, went up for auction this week selling for just over €800,000 while an adjoining site made €420,000, and in its wake are a clutch of other fine trading-up homes from €600,000 upwards.

Also on the go are the Edwardian style Kenilworth, on the main Douglas Road with six bedrooms and a €750,000 guide; Kilbrin in Woodview where bidding topped 1 million before slumping back down under that neat price barrier after an offer was withdrawn; San Michele in Hettyfield at €600,000; while Clooney, a detached home on large grounds near Daily's shop has been sold for over €700,000 to a consortium who will redevelop it for commercial use. Latest to join the sales selection is Creichton, a 1970s six-bed detached house on large grounds, just at the foot of Maryborough Hill by the Douglas Fingerpost.