Sublime Bellevue a Georgian gem

SUBLIME — that’s the word to describe the renovated and redecorated Georgian town house, No 2 Bellevue Villas, at Tivoli, Cork.

One of three in a terrace overlooking the Lee at the Skew Bridge, it’s been significantly reduced in price. And the added good news it that vastly improved access to the venerable old row is on the way.

A flyover crossing being built over the Cork/ Cobh rail line will allow easy car access to the terrace, increasing its attractions.

Bellevue Villas escaped what might be termed, the desecration of multiple occupancy.

The houses are almost museum pieces — they remain as they were when first built and include ancient stoves, shutters, delicate staircases, railings, and glorious sash windows.

And where the odd fixture or fitting had gone missing, the original developers used original or close to original, replacements.

Their work was rewarded as purchasers had the sensibility and discretion to finish the houses off in the same manner, and the faded old row is now a line of sumptuously restored period properties. Cork’s North Great George’s Street — at a stretch.

A young family purchased No 2 and have given it not only a lived-in, warm feel, but also, a grandeur that suits its era.

And while there may be a predominance of pink in the attic bedrooms, (once the servant’s quarters), there’s a gracious grand piano in the first floor drawing room and sympathetic furniture sourced from all over, including Sotheby’s.

No expense was spared in the decoration and fitting of No 2’s, 4,000 square feet. It is a lovely house from top to bottom.

No 2, mid-terraced has its asking price reduced from €1.65 million to €1.2m, via agents Casey and Kingston. Next door, the equally plush No 3 Bellevue Villas is also for sale since last year, down now from c €2m, to about €1.2m with Sherry FitzGerald.