Cute, spacious showhouse

WINDSOR Court was a farmyard — now it’s a pretty little enclave of four dwellings in a rural location at Glounthaune, Cork.

It does tip its cap to its agricultural past, however, with a striking arch at the rear of a landscaped courtyard. This leads to a rear mews, with four garages and a communal green space.

Built by Murphy Construction, (who are now on site on an infill scheme at Tivoli), the properties have a quirky, high-end style and of the four units each one has a different design.

The original showhouse is now on the market with auctioneer, Don Murphy, and it’s being sold, lock, stock and barrel.

It’s cute, spacious and immaculately presented and it fits that odd spot — a house that’s more suitable to singles, couples or downsizers than the average family home.

Rampaging kids aren’t really suited to its high decorative style and very adult layout. And despite the lovely courtyard and manicured beds, there isn’t a garden per se.

The detached garage at the rear is a fine size and would be ideal for a home office conversion. It adjoins the rear patio and could also be assumed into the main house by a glass connection, if necessary.

But there’s no need to tinker around with this house, as it’s perfect as it is: the ground floor has a bright, if smallish living room which is open plan to the kitchen.

This is a well designed, ergonomic space that includes a sunroom nook and it comes fully fitted — you only need knives and forks to move in here, really.

To one side is the utility, complete with washing machine and dryer and beside it is a good, guest suite. The hallway is quite wide and bright and a solid, oak stairs leads up to an elbow landing.

Facing to the front, and with views as far as Cobh Cathedral and the sea on a clear day, this is a fine room with a big, picture window.

Sliding robes sit on the gable end and aren’t fitted wall-to-wall, which gives a feeling of more space: the ensuite is fitted in the stone-faced gable and is also a good size.

The rear of the house has a single and double bedroom, with a main bathroom at the gable end. All of the rooms come fully fitted and dressed and the bathrooms are right up there in terms of styling.

Yes, it is a bit pricey at €695,000, but then you are buying a completely finished product, as Don Murphy points out, and a very exclusive property in Cork’s up and coming area.

There’s a rail connection from Glounthaune to the city, and with its magnificent views and high-southfacing aspect it’s no wonder this is the new Rochestown.

For grown-ups who appreciate originality and a top-quality finish, no 2 Windsor Court is a must see.

Meanwhile, Lisney are selling a property on the city side of Glounthaune which was inadvertently given a Glanmire address on these pages — shame.

No 21 The Highlands, has some of the best views of the lower harbour and again, a lovely rural ambience in a mature location.

It’s on the market with Anne Marie Kennedy for offers in the region of €655,000.