New generation could make city semi home

NOT only has there been a steady steam of Menloe Gardens houses in Cork up for sale in the last few years, but re-sales too are becoming a feature.

Every housing estate goes through cycles, from fledgling arrivals to family nurturing and maturing years, people trade up, down or depart the land of the living, and highly rated Menloe Gardens, off the Blackrock Road and designed in the English Domestic Revival style, is into its second generation of family rearing.

Two of three of the houses which sold in the last few years have been used as interim homes by their purchasers, and so it is the case with Scarteen, bought as a city base for a mobile businessman two years ago who is again on the move.

On the market with Dominic Daly, who also sold it last time around, the four-bed semi has a price guide of €600,000 and is under offer over €500,000 (another Menloe Gardens home, Rockhurst, a three-bed detached home, has a €650,000 price guide with Cohalan Downing).

Scarteen was extended and redesigned by its previous owner, who used the talents of interior designer Sarah Murphy, and now has three reception rooms, and two of its four bedrooms ensuite.

One of the bedrooms is in the side extension at ground floor level, with a bay window, and the master bedroom upstairs has a fireplace and ensuite with bath.

Reception rooms have a flow to them, including the front living room with black marble fireplace and double doors to a TV/family room, with cast iron fireplace, and to a 10/ by 10’ conservatory to the back. Beyond the conservatory is a raised decked area.

The kitchen, 20’ by 10’, is very fine, with Antico flooring, marble topped units, central work area and has a gas stove. Cooking is by gas hob and electric oven. The ground level also has a utility and guest loo.

Location is on the left, on the entry to Menloe Gardens before the cul de sac park broadens out around a fine green area with mature chestnut trees.

There are front and rear gardens, the back faces east, there’s parking in front for three cars, and the c1930s built house has gas heating and an alarm.