Such sweet seclusion

YOU’D hardly know that Glandore House exists — and that’s only a small part of its many charms.

Set off the Blackrock Road, right in the heart of Blackrock village in Cork city, this extra large four-bed large family home stands on a full acre of valuable suburban grounds.

The c 100-year-old house is in fine fettle for its age, kept up to comfort levels by its owner who was in the construction industry, and the gardens give maximum privacy, walled in for the most part, screened by mature trees.

The splendid isolation allows for a remote country feel, with urban services at the gates: bus route, two bars, an Iago food hall, walks on the Marina, games at Pairc Ui Chaiomh and a clear run into Cork city centre a three miles away. The only imposition might be playground banter, for limited periods each day, and the school closes down at holidays and Summer.

Price guide for Glandore House is quoted as “in the region of 800,000” by Peter Cave of Hamilton Osborne King. But, if some of the viewers sees the clear potential that is in portion of the grounds for perhaps one or two house sites (subject to planning permission), then the price could ratchet up.

A narrow lane, Glandore Avenue runs along the eastern high-wall boundary of Glandore House, while two fine Victorian semi-detached houses called Glandore Villas screen Glandore House from the public gaze. Electronic access gates complete the privacy and security that is such a feature of his house.

It has about 3,000 sq ft of space in all, with well-sized but not over large reception rooms and 10’ high ceilings and simple cornicing.

One of the original four first floor bedrooms was joined up to the master bedrooms and converted to large en suite bathroom, and to make up for this change the attic level has a very large fourth bedroom, with proper full staircase access.

Not necessarily a period house, and without too many period trimmings (the cast iron bath with brass taps, enamel soap trays and chunky waste pipe is a find, though), it is nonetheless a hugely desirable family home.

The main reception rooms include a living room with bay window and an excellent white marble fireplace with tiled and cast iron inserts, a 18’ by 13’ dining room with doors to a sun room and some attractive stained glass features plus south facing windows overlooking the full length of the 130’ long rear garden.

There is also access to the 24’ by 11’ sun room off a family room to the back of the house.

Other ground floor rooms include a galley style 18’ long kitchen with a large utility room off it. There is a rear hall with access to a cloakroom, to the attached double garage (conversion potential for granny flat etc here).

There is a first floor snooker room for serious fun and games.

Meanwhile, for those that like the Blackrock area but can’t stretch to this 800,000-plus home, a starting point could be a two-bed apartment with the same agents at 34, Pine Court on the Church Road n a 1970s L-shaped development, with living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Even though it is a first floor unit, it has its own garden off the ground level hall access. Price guide is close to €180,000.