Bidding flurry likely for East Ferry haven outstanding among its piers

THE East Ferry drive is a golden mile of scenic East Cork, and a small but sweet property package in its midst is about to create a stir at auction.

Coming under the hammer on June 2, Springwell is a compact two-bed cottage with a setting to do bidding battle for.

Sitting close to the road and beside the water it has a lovely strip of shore frontage and its own pier.

The existing house is in good condition, with central heating, and if extended it would make a stunning all-year round home.

Located near the main pier and old East Ferry river crossing point the house is a mere three miles from well-serviced Midleton town, and from there has rapid road access to Cork city.

Springwell looks across the inlet towards Great Island at the back of Cobh towards the superb period East Grove House, Marlogue and its marina, with the safe embrace of Cork harbour beyond for aspiring mariners.

Built in the 1940s, Springwell even has its own pier, which is sufficiently long to be in water even at the lowest of tides, according to Midleton estate agent Miah McGrath of McCarthy and McGrath.

He guides Springwell at €320,000-plus prior to auction.

"It is a unique, water's edge residential property located in an area of immense natural beauty," he said, anticipating strong local interest, as well as from further afield.

Springwell has a split-level layout with an attic room and a lower ground level/basement section, external access to the lower-level.

The current accommodation includes hall, kitchen/living room, pantry, rear hall, bathroom and two bedrooms. Recent significant sales in the East Cork area include the period gem, Rathcoursey House on 30 acres for about €1.5 million and Golden Point at the entrance to East Ferry, which sold for over €800,000.