Lots of interest expected in West Cork modern dormer with extras

THE West Cork market is about to come out of its seasonal slumbers, and auctioneer Martin Swanton of Ballydehob believes that the auguries are good as he brings a €1.1 million Ballydehob offering to market.

Why is he so confident? Probably because of the swift sale of a nearby, larger 3,000 sq ft home at Capppaghglass in recent weeks, within hours of going to the market. He sought €2.2 million, and it went ‘sale agreed’ for around the €2 million mark.

It is generally accepted the West Cork holiday home market cooled down in the latter part of 2006, after five years of frenetic activity and price rises over the national average, but saturation point on purchases hasn’t yet been reached.

The €2 million house was bought by a Cork business person for holiday usage, and Mr Swanton expects the same profile of buyer for his Foilnamuck offering, in the greater Ballydehob hinterland.

Built about nine years ago by its vendor, it is a three-bedroom large dormer, slate roofed and stone finished, on a valuable elevated 8.5 acres of land, with separate guest cottage a respectable distance behind and above it. The views, and the amount of land with it, will bring guaranteed interest and it looks over Rossbrin, the castle remains, and Horse Island.

“It is just over two miles from Ballydehob, within a walk of Audley Cove with great views; it is just a few weeks on the market and has come under viewing already, since families were down for the mid-term break,” commented Mr Swanton.

The stone-faced, traditionally-styled house with a modern twist, has a glazed central core and entrance hall, with the glass pitching up into the roof and bringing light in the gallery landing as well, with seating areas here at both levels.

The ground floor has a kitchen/dining space, large living room 20’ by 16,’ with open fireplace, slate floor and patio access. Exposed ceiling beams eature heavily in most of the rooms in the house, which has lots of varnished timbers throughout.

One of the three bedrooms is at ground level, and is ensuite, while overhead are two more bedrooms plus a main bathroom.

The separate guest cottage is lofted garage size, with a ground floor living area with kitchenette, along with overhead bedrooms.