Two for the money

LIMEWORTH is a low density estate of big one-offs which face on to the link road at Ballincollig in Co Cork.

In terms of location, it’s very good — it’s close to the village, and the slip road to the Ballincollig bypass is just up the way.

But the real story is that these €1 million-plus houses are selling steadily, despite a downturn in the property market.

We may be in thrall to talk of a recession, but, as these houses will testify, there’s money out there.

The market for substantial, well-located properties hasn’t abated — granted, they may not be bid up to the stratospheric levels of two years ago, but they are still selling.

Norma Healy of Sherry FitzGerald is selling two biggies in Limeworth, nos 23 and 27, and she’s already sold two others so far this year.

Although similar in design, the two houses have different layouts and are nearly back to front on the southern end of the estate.

No 27 is the second last on a cul-de-sac and faces south over rolling fields towards Curraheen and Ballyburden.

And like all of the houses here, it’s finished to a tee: the immaculate gardens have wraparound cobbling and the beds are set with a variety of plants and trees. There’s also a block built-shed to the rear, so, really, there’s nothing else to be done.

The kitchen is an elaborate, and expensive, oak shaker number with island unit and matching utility, and high-end fixtures and fittings. Flooring is a deep mahogany and fireplaces are to an equally high standard.

The guide price for this double-fronted, five bedroom property is €1.1 million and there’s an offer close to that mark, says Ms Healy.

Meanwhile, No 23 is on offer at €1.2 million.

This is a four-bedroom house and, again, it’s brand new with a glossy finish.

Running to just under 3,000 square feet, and like No 27 over three floors, it overlooks a large and safe green area in the middle of Limeworth.

Again, it has mahogany floors in the formal reception rooms and solid oak in the bedrooms.

The kitchen has the same finish and runs into the dining room/conservatory.

These rooms overlook the south-facing and sandstone-paved back garden. A quick drive-by will confirm the safe and neighbourly atmosphere of Limeworth and, if the fancy takes, Sherry FitzGerald are the agents to contact.