Where style and a clean finish combine

IT’S hard to get a handle on how big Cnó Capaill is until you see it — and that’s big, as in impressive, not in a look-at-me kind of way.

What took the owners three years in planning is now up for sale and it could rightly be said to be someone else's good fortune.

Firstly because this area is now tightly zoned A3, which means only existing dwellers have permission to build here, and even then, under very strict criteria.

Secondly, the quality of the finish is superb, including really good sanitary ware and plumbing and top class flooring. And thirdly, because the site combines mature boundaries with 180 degree views over rolling countryside, while still being just five minutes from Douglas and almost the same again from Carrigaline, Cork.

Cnó Capaill, (Horse Chestnut) is at the Monkstown end of Maryborough Hill, at Hilltown and sits on site once occupied by a small cottage, now demolished to make way for this new property.

This is a modern dwelling but neither is it minimalist, it takes the best of the standard two-storey and gives it a twist. The major feature of the house is the entrance hallway a huge space tiled in chequer board marble with a staircase leading off to one side: this is lit by a large square window which is framed in stone at the front.

All the ground floor rooms are ranged around this ballroom space: the kitchen faces to the rear and a study, bedroom and guest bathroom are to the left with the reception rooms to the right.

The kitchen has good looking cherry and maple units with a hob and extractor located in a centre island. Light fittings are in polished steel and all appliances are Miele, including a double and single oven with microwave combination. These are included in the sale.

One of the best features here is the walk-in pantry with wall to ceiling shelving and pull-out cupboards.

Solid maple flooring runs from the kitchen into the adjoining family room with its simple slate finished fireplace and then another set of doors lead out to the sun room, which doubles as a dining room.

This in turn has another set of doors to the main living room facing towards the front. Up the fine ash staircase is a large landing with walk-in linen press and four huge bedrooms ranged around it.

The look is kept simple in all rooms but furniture is hand-made by the Cork-based craftsman, Sacha Whelan.

So, the master bedroom has a whole suite in maple and elm, down to a mirror over the dressing table. Then, to one side is a fully fitted walk-in dressing room and ensuite bathroom. The guest bedroom is also ensuite and has a separate walk-in wardrobe, while the two remaining rooms come with free-standing fittings.

Cnó Capaill is a walk-in job, almost like buying a new house, as it's only just over a year old, but it comes fitted and with such a subtle style that it will be acceptable to all tastes.

Paul Reidy of Sherry FitzGerald are selling this 2,600 sq ft property for offers in the region of €690,000.