From old courtyard buildings to mod mews

THE transformation of the former Our Lady’s Hospital grounds in Cork continues, with the conversion of old courtyard buildings into an upmarket mews scheme of 14 units.

While work continues on the first phase of converting the sprawling Gothic hospital building overlooking the Lee river just west of the city, a new-build of 120 apartments is also in the last stage of sales.

So far, 120 new apartments have been completed in River Towers by developers Lance, and only six remain to be sold at prices averaging €180,000, says Darragh Taaffe of Keane Mahony Smith auctioneers.

Next out of the development blocks is a courtyard scheme of two-three and four-bedroomed townhouses, facing one another across a cobbled yard with reserved parking. Seven of the units have been released for sale.

The buildings were originally used as farm and machinery stores, and were later used as larders, stores and as a laundry for the hospital which stands on 19 acres of south-facing grounds.

Sizes range from 820 sq ft to almost 1,400 sq ft, and units have features like old cast iron pillars and heavy exposed beams, with original stone and brick walls on the front facades.

Price range from €200,000 to €285,000, and two four-beds have already been purchased by an investor.