This could be a very smart move

IT is big and although it is a bit short of beautiful on the outside at present, the location, size and price guide could make Maryland one of Cork city’s smartest property buys right now.

The 3,500 sq ft house, vaguely Victorian in its provenance, is off the Old Blackrock Road in Cork, off an old laneway opposite the South Infirmary hospital which puts the city centre within a half-mile reach.

The sheer proximity to the city is underlined by Maryland’s boundary: it is alongside and elevated above the traffic artery link road’s last few hundred yards run up to City Hall (watch out for a statue of the Virgin Mary in the bushes by the traffic lights opposite Boreenmanna Road for a precise location of Maryland’s big gardens). Those gardens extend to between one quarter and one third of an acre, an absolute rarity so close to town, and as the property is semi-detached it is set on one end of this site - and many will see the ‘excess’ ground as having possibility for a couple of townhouse sites.

Selling agent John Gaffney of GVM Auctioneers in Cork city expects Maryland to make over €800,000.

It was last offered for sale six or seven years ago, but the vendors kept it until now, when the time for its sale appears to be ripe.

Private owner-occupiers, investors and those with an eye on a small bit of development will be tempted, as Maryland has six bedrooms, and the reception rooms are large, with period-style features. The porch has Victorian tiling on the floor and attractive windows, the hall has herringbone wood parquet, the dining room is 13’ by 15’ and the drawing room is 19’ by 16’, with a white marble fireplace and bay window.

There’s also a living room with old pine floor, kitchen and utility, four first floor bedrooms and bathroom, and two second floor bedrooms plus a large attic.

Gas heating is installed, and the replacement windows are double glazed - but they aren’t in keeping with house’s period and do it no decorative favours.

Nevertheless, Maryland is a house with multiple options and demand will no doubt be wide and varied.