Super sized extended home

Tommy Barker says this suburban home hints at loads of goodies inside.

SUPER SSIAs Me - that’s the fate of many Irish homes facing extensions when the savings funds come through.

And the job done at this family house has smart ideas for those wondering what way to go. Out? Up? Out the back? 13 Eugene Drive has covered all options.

The sales brochure says “the property is deceptive externally, with viewing required to appreciate,” and this enticing tag line is only close to accurate.

In fact, the external appearance of 13 Eugene Drive in Cork’s Douglas suburb of Grange more than hints at some of the goodies and space within. The large twin rooflights indicate an attic conversion, and indeed there is a spacious 25’ by 13’ room up here, reached via a smartly-slotted in spiral staircase set into a glass block surround. The room has multi-use potential.

Next, the side annexe, presumably a converted garage, has a smart set of French doors and wood blinds showing the presence of a third reception room, a 18’ by 13’ TV room/lounge, but also a space which may have home office potential. But, the best surprise is behind, out of public sight, and it is a decent shape and scale of rear extension of sun room onto the quality kitchen/breakfast area. It creates a multi-purpose bright new space: anyone with a semi-d and some alluring SSIA cash coming through might like to copy some of the ideas - or, if you decide to bite the bullet, sell up your own home and move in here straight away: a sort of ‘here’s one we prepared for you earlier.’

Estate agent Tim Sullivan reckons that 13 Eugene Drive in Grange Heights (now with a new quality Supervalu store, plus an Aldi as Grange road neighbours) now has up to 2,000 sq ft of living space, if the attic conversion is included.

Mr Sullivan quotes a guide in excess of €450,000, and says no 13 is in excellent condition throughout, with a high level of finishes. It has four bedrooms, private rear garden and the sale includes carpets, blinds and curtains.

The main two reception rooms are a 17’ by 12’ sitting room with fireplace, to the front of the property, while linked behind is a dining room with patio access via French doors.

The newly-created kitchen/breakfast space is now 19’ by 14’ with granite topped units, tiled floor and the extension has a high pitched gable and lot of lofty glazing. Also at ground level are a utility room and guest wc.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, some with built-ins, main bathroom, and there’s that spiral staircase access to the attic conversion which has good side storage areas.

No 13 has gas heating, double glazing, alarm, and off-street parking.

It is within a short distance of Douglas village, shopping centres and the south city ring road system, and the flyover in construction at the Kinsale Road roundabout should help ease this area’s notorious traffic congestion. As the agent says, viewing is required, and recommended.