Spacious Dunmanway cottage has been cleverly extended

THE coast is no longer clear. First, and even second-time buyers are being priced out of West Cork's coastal regions with the result that demand inland has risen.

And it pays to forsake the sea as this house in Dunmanway shows, because, in MBA-speak, you get more bang for your buck.

Located at Knockduff, Dunmanway, this property is a fine, cleverly extended cottage, that not only looks good, but also packs plenty of space. And it costs €280,000, with that price rising to somewhere above €300,000 if you throw in an extra one and a half acres. Take the house 20 miles or more south and you'd be looking at double the asking price, if not more.

Ernest Forde of SWS Property Services is the agent dealing with the sale and says the house is in perfect condition and ready for occupation. So far it's mostly young couples who've come to view the property, he says, as it's ideal for growing families. Not only have you got five bedrooms and a range of living rooms, but there's also all that outside space on offer. In fact, the house could be a self-sufficient small holding, so all those Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall fans, take note.

Mr Ford has a bid of €140,000 on 3.5 acres in a separate lot and there is the option of taking the house on 4.5 acres or on 2.5 acres as well as the acre of ground on offer at the €280,000 asking price.

Just two miles from Dunmanway, local services are excellent and the house comes with dual heating, gas and solid fuel and double-glazed teak windows. The older part of the house, which was a high cottage, hasn't been interfered with too much, says the agent, and combines with the newer extension while keeping its character.

The ground floor has a living room, lounge, kitchen/diner, utility and guest bathroom. Overhead, there are five bedrooms and a main bathroom, with the option to convert one bedroom to an ensuite, says Mr Forde.

Located to the north-east of Dunmanway, the house is also within easy reach of the N22 and Macroom.