The million dollar look

Tommy Barker says American-style touches make this a unique home.

A SMALL-time developer with a flair for ‘one-off’ projects worked on number 1, Heatherfield Lawn - and created something special.

The last in a cul-de-sac scheme of ‘one-offs’ on the Cork side of Carrigaline, this 3,000 sq ft house - with the potential to have five-bedrooms - is large enough for a family, and smart enough for a couple with a feel for interior design and furnishings.

The wood-clad, double bay windows jutting from the coloured, render facade set a small style marker, as does the cedar sheeting on the porch columns. The house is set on one-fifth of an acre.

Surprises begin once past the front door: glistening, cherry-wood floors that run throughout the ground and first-floors; a hall that soars dramatically to 25ft, almost to the roof ridge; an open-tread staircase with walnut steps.

The scene stealer is the kitchen-dining area in the rear extension. This has a long kitchen island in walnut, and slick, high-gloss, smooth-action drawers and cupboards. The island has a gas hob, overhead extractor, splash-backs in brushed steel, and a large, US-style fridge: the look is a million dollars.

There is a part-wall divide between the 23’ by 21’ kitchen/dining room and the family room is to the front of the house. Those who favour the US-style ‘great room’ concept can remove this to make a stronger statement, says estate agent, Kieran McNamee. Installations include CAT Six cabling, computer-controlled lighting systems and underfloor heating.

Mr McNamee says the asking price is €700,000, and is confident of assertive bidding once people have seen the house’s quality and individuality.

Floor-to-ceiling height on the ground floor measures 11’, and other rooms downstairs include a small study, with French doors to the back garden, a sitting room, utility and guest toilet.

The top floor, at attic level, has two bright rooms, suitable as children’s bedrooms or studies, and a shared, low-ceilinged bathroom. The middle floor has the best of the bedrooms - three doubles with design quirks.

The master bedroom has a dressing room, an en suite with a Jacuzzi bath and separate, double-size power shower with a wall of jets. There are also ‘his ‘n’ hers’ sinks and a bidet for the timid.

The two other bedrooms have a shared bathroom.

The house, which will have a 9% stamp duty, is ready for occupation.

Instead, they can put their creativity into landscaping the gardens.