Drop of €150,000 in posh area

A PRICE drop of between 25% and 30% — a hugely significant €150,000 —has been applied to the last couple of big houses on Skibbereen’s posh Baltimore Road.

Five large, 2,700sq ft, three-storey Victorian house lookalikes on a site bordering a stream have been built by young local builder, Darren Hourihane, known for his quality finishes.

They launched a year ago at €575,000 and sold for just over, and under that sum, depending on the house chosen.

Now, though, after a few steady reductions in price, the last two or three are being offered at a knockdown price of €425,000 each. At the time of being launched, estate agent, Pat Maguire, noted they were already a few hundred thousand euros cheaper than similar, big new homes in chic Clonakilty, where, 18 months, ago niche scheme townhouses were making €400,00/450,000.

Now, €425,000 in Skibb will buy one of these detached, five-bed, 2,700 sq ft DH Contracts homes, loosely modelled on the Lindville Cork city model, which has spawned a plethora of Victoriana replicas.

Buyers are offered finished homes, with just about everything bar furniture: they include fitted kitchens with granite worktops and integrated appliances, recessed lighting, zoned heating systems, Jacuzzi bath, built-ins and 500 sq ft of decking.