Go with the flow on this placid tide

THERE aren’t too many houses you’d come across in which you might be inclined to forget about one or two of the rooms, but Tideways is one of them.

There is lots, and lots, of space, and lots of rooms, and the grounds are so good, they are a suite of rooms in themselves.

The privately-set waterside home is just out along the Carrigaline to Crosshaven road, just before the start of the public walkway which tracks the old railway line down the rest of the scenic route to Crosshaven itself, and the setting is quite sublime.

A few miles further along the road, there’s a selection of beaches and, at off-peak traffic times, Cork city and airport are a 20-minute drive.

Some of Carrigaline’s best trading-up homes, in the €1 million to €1.5 million league, have views, water frontage, big sites or proximity to the town itself but few, if any, have all those in one package.

That’s why the price is at €1.8m via sole selling agent Mark Kelly of Lisney, who is expected to lure buyers from Cork city and further afield.

Locals, though, will already know and appreciate the distinctive looking Tideways, even if the advent of electronically controlled gates makes it less visible and more private than before.

Built around the 1970s, it’s a south-facing detached house with subsequent quality add-ons which gave it a swimming pool overlooking the Owenabue estuary and a games room annex.

A sun-room addition, meanwhile, provides a second link to these areas from the main residence’s dining room.

It has been extensively revamped and brightened up by the current owners, who picked it up about six years ago, and a new owner will be able to do as little or as much as they want to put their own stamp on it — it’s the sort of house which lends itself to individual expressions.

There’s almost an American house feel to Tideways, and it has some great sized reception rooms, such as the dual aspect 18’ by 24’ drawing room to the left of the hall (which open to the back garden via French doors) that has an open marble fireplace, alcove for statuary and decorative ceiling plasterwork.

The formal dining room, like the hall, has a sanded old pine floor and dark ceiling beams, a cast iron fireplace and access to a covered patio area/sun room/nook.

The kitchen has been recently upgraded with black granite worktops, and integrated appliances, and off it is a pantry and a dinette which leads in turn to the large 26’ by 15’ conservatory with great estuary activity views — the wildlife is a reason to have a telescope or binoculars on hand. From this glazed spot, there’s access to a 20’ by 20’ family reception room, with marble fireplace.

There’s a utility/laundry room, rear hall and assorted corridors, and a big swimming pool suite (with changing room, plant room and stores) which also has conservatory access. The pool is deep enough for safe diving at one end, though the diving board has been removed.

The ground floor snooker room is large enough for a full 12’ table and cue room, which is clubby in feel.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, one a genuine master suite with appropriate level of finishes and good en suite. One of the other bedrooms is also en suite.

Externally, the place is a family’s delight, with distinct garden areas sprinkled about the c0.6 acres of grounds. There’s a fountain, patios, lots of space for parking (in case the children get to have cars) accessed via electronic security gates. The back garden, meanwhile, with its mature shading Scots pines and direct water access is a place apart.

Lap it up.