Ewe’ve got to see it to believe it

SSSH, don’t tell the kids, but this family home has a hidden U-value. Or, a very special ewe-value at the very least.

Limited grazing rights come gratis at No 44 North Avenue, which is in a recent new development on the side of Cork’s Airport Hill, at Lehenaghmore’s Matthew Hill.

The vendors have a young family and just for the craic and a bit of imagination, are pulling the wool over the youngest offspring’s eyes. They keep a life-sized model lamb in the back garden, and move it around all the time to give the impression (from inside the patio doors, at least) that the sheep is alive and actually grazing in the garden.

The warm-hearted parental trick will probably work until the weather itself gets warmer, and outdoor life beckons once more. Beats the telly, too.

Trading up moves by the family who’ve been here from day one, as a new build five years ago, bring the 1,040 sq ft No 44 to market, with estate agent Ann O’Mahony of Sherry FitzGerald, who seeks offers around €305,000.

It’s a three-bed semi d, owner occupied, with lounge, dining/family room off the kitchen, with guest loo, main bathroom, and one en suite as well.

Location is less than a mile off the south ring road, with hospitals, shops and schools all nearby. No 44 has a recently added glazed front porch, off street parking with side garden, and the back garden is sunny, so there are good pasture hopes here for a sheep or space for a dog. And, it faces a safe green area within a cul de sac, so there’s peace of mind playing space for older children and friends — commonage, really.