Play the regeneration game

Rose Martin on two derelict period properties with stacks of potential.

WHAT is it that is so appealing about derelict houses? Rotten floorboards and drunken roof tiles bring out the dreamer, nay fantasist, in some.

And forget getting a bargain, old houses eat money — and that’s before builder-battles and nervous exhaustion. It’s no wonder the top rating TV shows on these islands are property programmes.

Classic derelict houses are few and far between in Cork city — they’ve been flattened or flat-ified for the most part but right now, as autumn turns to winter, there are two tremendous period offerings up for grabs.

Let’s start at the very bottom: 20 Connaught Place on Wellington Road. This is being sold under the derelict sites act, by Cork City Council and Gerard O’Dea of Cohalan Downing and Associates, who will take it to auction on December 6. There is no reserve — and that speaks volumes about it: it’s a wreck.

But it’s a late Georgian wreck which has remained untouched over time. It also comes with a full conservation report. That may scare the developer off — particularly as there aren’t huge sums ‘flipping’ houses in today’s market — but it will draw in the enthusiast. Architects will probably top that list: they have the nous and the building trade contacts which should contract rather than expand a renovation budget.

The adjoining houses in the terrace (there are three) show all the signs of learned makeovers. Windows have been restored, walls replastered and paint colours are in the Farrow and Ball range, not to mention Australian tree ferns in the front gardens.

And while you can’t see the back garden if you’re viewing from the road, be assured that, despite being overgrown, it’s a superb piece of ground in the middle of the city. Ger O’Dea says there’s 3,500 sq ft of it, more than enough for an extension.

Running full south downwards, the neighbouring properties are delightful: full of apple trees and children’s toys, they are an unexpected oasis in the city centre.

The house itself is in rag order: the roof is off and ceilings are down. Floorboards are treacherous and it’s not possible to look out the windows, but there is so much potential here.

On-street parking, a front garden and the potential for a divine back garden, along with 1,500 sq ft over four floors, all add up to the ideal professional home.

The auction will be interesting.

Second on the list, and only because it’s in better condition, is 63 Sunday’s Well Road, a private treaty sale through Andrew Moore and Co.

On the market at €350,000, this house is also late Georgian (1830) and has an overgrown garden overlooking the Lee near the Shaky Bridge.

It also has some swanky neighbours and some formerly really rundown properties are now gleaming examples of renovation — property prices here are always good, too.

Again offering around 1,500 sq ft over four floors, this house will need substantial work but structurally it’s in much better condition than Wellington Road.

Again, it’s going to appeal to particular buyers — couples are most likely as the access is too awkward for families.

Both houses have the same layout: two rooms to each floor, facing full south, with Wyatt windows to the rear. Both are gems.