Olde worlde charmer

DON’T call it old fashioned, call it Olde Worlde: that’s the polite way of describing the charms of the Old(e) Coach House, above the River Lee and Lee Road in Cork.

The quaint-looking cottage is up at the top of Hollymount, one third of the way out west from Wellington Bridge and Sunday’s Well, heading towards the Angler’s Rest and Inniscarra.

The hillside setting is home to a couple of dozen post-war bungalows and houses, as well as the period Hollymount House, one-time home to a city sherriff (a new-build home at the bottom of the hill, the bright yellow and distinctively stylish house Solbackca, sold recently for just over €500,000.

The Old Coach House is right up overhead by the big period Holymount House, with a south-facing aspect overlooking the Lee Valley and Carrigrohane Straight Road.

“Viewing comes very highly recommended,” according to auctioneer Tim Sullivan, meaning the valley views as much as the property, and who seeks c €340,000 for the dormer cottage.

Despite expectations, it is not three-bedroomed: you could be forgiven for thinking that each of the box dormers held a bedroom, but the owners at one time switched a small central bedroom into an extended bright landing, that measures 14’ square - about the size of the two remiaing first floor bedrooms.

Downstairs, this older-style home on mature grounds has entrance porch, a good 18’ by 14’ sitting room with fireplace and beamed ceiling, a TV room/lounge, also with old fireplace, a compact kitchen/breakfast room, plus the house’s only bathroom, with shower.

At its price level, it might just about suit a first-time buyer with a bit of financial stretch and seeking something different. Or, it may be picked up by someone trading down who wants to potter around in an established garden (or in the large 30’ by 15’ garage) and in a quiet setting.

The property has had its windows replaced, it has dual central heating, and, unusually, has air conditioning units in most rooms.