Pick of the bunch in quiet western suburb estate

THERE'S a reason why Cherry Grove has been described as a 'best kept secret' estate somebody has taken the road sign away.

However, it does mean you'll only go there if you know where it is, but a big bold sign on the main road should give an indication of a new house up for sale in the estate.

Brooklands is a detached four bed with an Arts and Craft design, a huge sunny site and a great location in Cork's western suburbs.

Just on the market with Michael McKenna of McKenna O'Donoghue Clarke, the house has frontage on two sides, with its main entrance through Cherry Grove.

Brooklands, also known as Brookland Cottage, is not as big as it appears from outside and would probably average out at 1,500 to 1,600 square feet small by the standards of those buying in this bracket.

It has a guide price of €650,000, but when you add on stamp duty, the price of a decent extension and renovation costs, that's just a starting point.

At the moment, Brooklands is a generation behind in interior design and fittings, but has some charming qualities, the most important of which is its cosiness and brightness.

It has casement windows in good condition, an arched doorcase and cedar cladding on the gables. Set on a large site, at least a quarter of an acre, it has a long south-facing garden at the Cherry Grove side and a shorter, but still generous lawn running down to the Model Farm Road.

This bare lawn allows full views of the property from the road at the moment, but some planting and leveling could give this more privacy.