Garden delight at prize suburban location

THERE are two Menloes, according to those in the know: those houses at the entrance to this estate in Blackrock, Cork, and those overlooking the green.

Glendhu — a new market entrant this week — overlooks the green, which explains why there were six viewings booked within hours of the sign going up.

Billy Casey is the agent in charge here and he’s looking for €550,000 for this south-facing four-bed.

And while the house needs work, the property has a lovely, sunny back garden which, in crisp autumn sunshine, is a strong selling point.

Many of the houses here have understated, but expensive makeovers.

The same approach could be possible at Glendhu, because it has a large, car port at the side, (with a shed to the rear), which could give way to a large, two-storey extension.

This property is a four-bed semi with a sunny ground floor area and interconnecting dining and living rooms. The kitchen area is approached along the detached side and faces south and west. This room has remained untouched over the years and still has a firebreast and chimney, which makes it perfect for an Aga, or even a pellet stove.

There are some lovely period touches, such as a double window slits to the side of the front door and the three-and-three banisters on the turned staircase. All the original doors and architraves are in place, save for double doors between drawing and dining rooms, and the house is bathed in light.

Bedrooms are good too, with a half landing branching off to a timepiece, turquoise bathroom, and there are two rooms to the front and two to the rear, facing full south.

The gardens are not overlooked and the veranda at the back makes the house look as good as it does to the front. The original windows are also in place.

The back garden is long and high hedgerows and a shed give privacy from neighbouring properties.

Casey and Kingston are the agents to contact.