Take the scenic route home

WHY Cloghduv? This is the question most likely to be asked by viewers enticed by the range of new houses on offer in the mid-Cork village. It may be a bit far out for city dwellers, but then you could say that the time spent in traffic would see you home there in the same time - and via a scenic route.

Because single house development is prevented by Cork County Council’s Green Belt policy, first time buyers and trader-uppers are unable to build from new in country areas. In mitigation, the Council are encouraging developers to build around existing settlements, so services, and more importantly, community support, are immediately available.

Developers have taken the bait of ease of planning and new housing estates are now encircling little hamlets and villages within a 30 minute drive of the ciy.

With the nearby main Cork/Killarney road and with the advent of the Ballincollig bypass in a year or twoas well as having t, Cloghduv is well serviced. A secondary and very charming route leads to Ballincollig and there is a daily bus service for those who like to travel stress-free. Carraig Aoil, is a small development of big houses in Cloghduv where purchasers can have a choice of properties. There are at least three with various agents at the moment. One property in particular is being marketed by Norma Healy of Sherry FitzGerald and it carries a guide price of 380,000.

Looking like a standard dormer from the outside, it’s not until you get up close that the dimensions become striking. This is a large house with a high wall plate and an even higher than standard roof-line. The reason for this is the 10’ high ceilings in all of the reception rooms. The feeling of space is added to by wide and deep walk-in bays in both main rooms.

Indeed, the main hall staircase and landing would have the equivalent square footage of a small apartment, but has been left open to create a country house ambience.

Off-standard mahogany doors and glazed door panels, which allow in more light, add to the look.

The house has a more intimate living room at the back with a kitchen, sunroom and utility at the rear, left-hand side. These are joined by a circulation space that runs into a square sun room overlooking the gardens.

The upper floor has four bedrooms arranged around the large landing and all of the rooms are ensuite.

For a buyer looking for a house with gracious proportions and lots of space, number 23, Carraig Aoil is worth the once over.

Those looking for something smaller in size and price might care to take a stroll around the corner where McKenna O’Donoghue Clarke are selling Cois Coille, a new development of three bedroomed townhouses and three bedroomed semi-detached houses in the centre of the village. The first phase is now sold out, says estate agent, Kevin Murray, and phase two has yet to start, but will comprise eight units in a total of fourteen.

What distinguishes this small development is the size of the houses - most are up to 1,300 sq ft and the largest three-bedroomed semi’s sold at €167,500 with 1,343 square feet of space. The cheapest units sold at €143,000 and may partly explain why people are prepared to move out of town. The next phase, however, will probably have an increase in price.

A school, shops, a pub, a church and a GAA pitch are all just a short walk away.