The not-so-square Circle

Tommy Barker says no 8 The Circle proves you can’t judge a book by its cover.

THE old ‘appearances deceive’ line has been used in many a sales pitch, most often for older properties. It applies handsomely, and times over, to the almost-new No 8, the Circle, where there’s no real clue from the outside as to what lies within.

It’s a semi-detached bungalow, in popular Glenn na Rí, Tower, near Blarney in Co Cork.

Bigger than it looks, its interior is streets ahead of its outside look, really hiding its light under a bushel. And, the other surprise is the price: it is on offer for €385,000 plus with estate agent, Valerie Parkes of Savills Hamilton Osborne King.

This seems low for the space, size and quality, but she points out that more standard homes here sell in the €320,000/€330,000 price league, so she’s attached a modest premium for its extra room and designer quality and touches.

Vendors are Paul Coffey and Brian Drinan, and the latter is in the property/money/mortgage business, so, he has clearly got some insight into how interior appeal helps to sell a property.

In an enclave of bungalows, No 8 immediately mightn’t burst with kerb appeal, but if you can get past the kerb, you’ll be sold. Or rather, the vendors will be. Ever since it went on Savills website in the past week, it has been getting calls and bookings, and once the viewings are clocking in, the bidding will be sure to rise.

It is a three bed semi, originally about 1,100 sq ft, now swelled to 1,500 sq ft, thanks to a 400 sq ft extension done with a steel frame to the back, which is south-facing, with lots of glazing courtesy of Munster Joinery, a roof-light for extra brightness and recessed spotlighting for evening mood setting.

This high-ceilinged extension was added on last Spring, and prior to that the kitchen was overhauled. The kitchen look is crisp and clean with Cherrywood units on stubby stainless steel legs, with Madeira gold granite worktops, and the sale includes a contemporary stainless steel and chrome Waterford Stanley double cooker, contrasting with a Belfast ceramic sink.

This kitchen/breakfast space has a breakfast bar, with Liscannor stone base and solid Cherrywood top.

Other accommodation includes a sitting room with oak floor and a striking chimney breast in Donegal quartz stone with Gazco insert gas fire, a hall with tiled floor linking to the kitchen and family/dining room, and three bedrooms (the master bedroom has French doors to the garden) with a very good bathroom, complete with Jacuzzi jet bath and stylish fittings.

The multi-purpose new sunroom/reception/dining area is a 400 sq ft add-on, or 20’ by 20’, with gas piped fire and surround sound. French doors lead to the swathe of patio area, with lawns, lighting and landscaping.

Designed for easy indoor-outdoor living, No 8, the Circle is far from square.