Bargains in the basement
One of the many ironies of the building boom here is that it is easier for a developer to get planning for hundreds of houses than it is for a family to get approval for a one-off home. Another is it probably as easy to get approval for a landmark’ or ‘gateway’ tower of 16 floors of apartments as it is to be allowed to build a house taller than dormer, floor-and-a-half status.
The Canadian owner (and designer) of 3 The Hermitage in Glanmire, which is guiding at €675,000, was faced with the dormer dilemma when building his family home a few years ago. He managed to get a 2,200 sq ft house on a one-third of an acre site just off the old main Cork-Dublin road in Glanmire — but he also managed to build this timber-framed home on top of a highly usable 650 sq ft basement.
Provision has been left below for easy conversion to living/office/workshop space, and a new owner can pick up the options, or just use it as fine, dry, accommodating tanked storage space. (Access is only via the outdoors at present as the vendor thinks Irish people are nervous about basement steps within a house: “Too many slasher horror films and dark basement goings on,” he jokes.)
The house above has big open living areas on its ‘ground’ floor, with a wide welcoming hall, family/play room, living room and a big kitchen, with smart and quite rare elm units, and dining room. There’s also a study, utility room and guest WC with shower.
The top floor has four bedrooms, one of which is en suite. Each has lots of storage and built-ins, and the main family bathroom is a large affair. Wood floors feature throughout.
The Hermitage is a scheme of 14 individual houses, on serviced sites, which are now highly prized as trading up options. No 3 has three-zone heating system, and is ready to move into with all your caboodle, chainsaws and slash-hooks. Just throw it all in the basement and sort it later.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
