Ballycotton property would make an ideal site for a cluster of townhouses

BUILT by direct labour in 1932 and with plans probably drawn up roughly in a copybook, this three bay property is a bit of an unpolished gem.

And why? Because it's right in the village of Ballycotton and has a site of just under two acres. It's got six bedrooms, really bright reception rooms and while it needs a lot of modernisation, would make an impressive family home.

But that might not happen because the site is probably worth more than the house and indeed, a cluster of townhouses would give a much better return on the guide price of €400,000.

Bridget Colbert and Cyril Wall of Burke Wall Property Partners are the estate agents here and both feel there will be substantial developer interest in the property.

Ballycotton is not only a fishing village but is also a seaside resort within the ambit of the Greater Cork area and as such, within commuting distance of the city.

The combination of the sea, the rolling countryside and excellent amenities in nearby Midleton makes this village a strong lifestyle choice for house buyers. Which is why the site of 1.7 acres close to Ballycotton national school will excite the imagination of builders and doer-uppers in the East Cork area.

At present, Coolbeg is in need of some investment, but structurally, appears to be sound. The ground floor has a dining room and lounge on either side of the main hallway and to the rear is a kitchen and study with ground floor bathroom. The kitchen gives onto the lean-to sunroom.

On the upper floor are six bedrooms, all of which are double rooms, although there is only a shower room at this level and one of the bedrooms would have to be sacrificed for a main bathroom.

So again, the market gives another toss-up between those looking for home and those looking for houses.