Crosser cottage sets sale

IT’S a bit of a beauty, this double-decker cottage in Crosshaven. And it’s not just the privacy, the huge site and the reach-over views of Drake’s Pool — it’s the potential.

This isn’t a doer-upper, it’s not even a big project — rather it’s a house that will excite all sorts of notions in a buyer. And they will be divided on that potential — and on a gender basis.

First, let’s explain the history: The house is actually only six years old and was designed by architect Bill Brady as a sort of downsizer for the original owners. He put a large, open-plan living area on the upper level, along with two bedrooms, and on the lower level, a bathroom, third bedroom, utility room and uber-large garage. So far, so good.

Now, bear in mind that the house has 2,000 sq ft overall, so any woman viewing it is going to see it as a shame to have just one reception room when the bones of 500 sq ft are tied up in a “useless” garage.

Fantasies of a great big glorious kitchen with sunroom projection are going to be invoked, and as the room opens onto the lower and most private area of the site, this sort of thinking could be regarded as well-founded.

Now, the other gender will see things differently. They will immediately recognise the main purpose of this double garage — it’s a great big boathouse. Even for pootlers, this will be irresistible, especially considering the location.

Jack’s Cottage (it was named for a long-time inhabitant of the pre-existing cottage) is located in Kelleher’s Wood, just off the main Crosshaven/Carrigaline road and is accessed via a long and impressive, albeit shared driveway from the road. The house, however, is surrounded by some 1.3 acres of a site in a wooded, private setting.

The grounds haven’t been touched really, and to be honest, the house will need a freshening up, but there’s so much that could be done, it would make a fantastic project. It has high, sheeted ceilings with recessed lighting, a wonderful aspect and bright, fresh rooms with lots of space. The master is en suite and the ground-floor bedroom has use of a shower room. Windows are oak PVC and the roof is real slate, while the plumbing system is pressurised, so the main bits are out of the way.

Someone with a little imagination could make a fine job of this house. And, considering all its features, Jack’s Cottage is evenly priced at €650,000. Plus, there could be further development potential down the line — not to be sniffed at.

Malcolm Tyrrell of Cohalan Downing and Associates is in charge of the sale.