House on the hill with limestone features is well worth a view

CUT limestone salvaged from the original stables of the former Cleve Hill House features in the gardens of the suburban semi 5, Cleve Hill in Cork.

The vendors of 5 Cleve Hill, a mid 1900s suburban semi-d in a great location off the main Blackrock Road, within a short walk of Cork city centre, opted to remove a fourth bedroom, in effect a box room, giving over the space they gained to creating a larger main bathroom.

They also have secured planning permission for an extension to the side, in lieu of the existing detached garage; this would return a fourth bedroom and even more living space to No 5.

Estate agent Timothy Sullivan is selling the property which has a great setting and garden landscaping.

There is a westerly aspect to the back garden which has a tall boundary wall and smart use of brick, railway sleepers and old limestone — some of it cut and salvaged from an older structure, the one-time stable block which stood nearby.

Mr Sullivan has sold a fair share of Cleve Hill houses. Many of them were owned by the original builder’s family, who sold a further six acres of land there last summer to Howard Holdings for €10 million and which is likely to be developed for large multi-million euro detached houses. He also recently sold a total do-er upper there in the €500,000 price bracket.

He says that No 5 is a very clean home, in good overall condition but a new owner is likely to spend further — that extension option seems tempting.

There are two reception rooms, both with old style cast iron fireplaces and original wood flooring; garden access via French doors from the sitting room to the rear; a small study, and modern fitted kitchen.

Overhead, the main bathroom is slightly on two levels, the main bedroom has a bay window and the attic is floored with a roof light installed and pull-down stair access. Central heating is via oil, and windows are PVC.