Ready for a new generation to make its mark

A THIRD of an acre site in Bishopstown, and a four-bedroomed detached property just a minute from the South Link - rare indeed.

Roan Carrig, on the Waterfall Road, was the first house to be built in this row of large one-offs, according to the owner, in what was then rolling countryside.

The work of a reputable builder, it was bought second-hand by the family in the 1970s and now, 30 years on, this property is ready for a whole new generation.

The four-bedroomed house is on the market with Malcolm Tyrrell of Cohalan Downing for offers in the region of €675,000.

While it will need an upgrade and will probably be extended, it appears to be in good structural condition. The site will be the major attraction, allowing room to expand on the existing footprint - which means the asking price is probably just the beginning, especially when last year’s record prices for the Bishopstown/ Model Farm Road area are taken into consideration.

This year’s prices are also on the up: next door, a four-bed detached has hit €850,000 through Alan Browne of Cahalane Skuse and further out the Waterfall Road, the same firm has sold five, five-bedroom detached houses in the Fleming’s Heatherfield scheme at a mere €770,000 a pop.

The site is superb, well-maintained and with mature trees and beds: the house is set in the middle and is screened from its neighbours by well trimmed trees to the rear. Good boundary walls run on the other three sides.

Directly across from the entrance to the Halldene Estate, this area has missed being a rat-run to the Curraheen road and is a quiet residential road.

However, the Bandon road roundabout is just next door and there’s a choice of shopping centres in the immediate vicinity.

The draw here is likely to be the proximity to CUH, UCC and the Bon Secours, and medics were prominent among the bidders for last year’s big properties in this area.

Roan Carrig doesn’t have the huge range of rooms required by modern buyers, but it does have lots of potential and comes with four bedrooms, bathroom, two receptions and a kitchen/diner.

The drive sweeps around to the back of the house, to the main entrance, with its very symmetrical facade and central gable.

The back, which faces the road, has a double bay on each end, which allows lots of southerly light to both reception rooms and kitchen and the sun moves round to the back as it travels west.

Built in the 1950s, the main entrance hall is unusual in that it’s oak, panelled in a very attractive ’30s style. The rest of the rooms are of their period, with Connemara marble fireplaces and a kitchen with walk-in pantry.

An addition to the side, which links to the slated, square garage, will most likely be knocked in favour of a modern extension and that could be two-storey, allowing an extra bedroom and en suite, along with the existing four bedrooms and bathroom.

Although a bit dated, Roan Carrig is ideal as a family home and, with a makeover, could be a very impressive property indeed.