Sloping site accentuates the look of split-level house

THIS split-level east Cork home, at Drominane, Killeagh, works with, and not against, its site.

The sloping, one-acre allows the house to fan out across a scooped-out site, giving a sweep of rural views to the south, and the house set into it is shaped like a three-pronged fork, or three splayed fingers, for lots of windows and views.

It was built in 2007, say selling agents, Property Partners Burke Wall, though it looks as if the house evolved in sections, over time, to become the 3,000 sq ft that it now is. At its core is a sturdy, stone-faced main block, with a Dutch-barn-like roof. The kitchen/dining room is up here, at this level, with a glazed gable and French doors for balcony-like views, and, directly over-head, in the roof space, are three or four Velux roof lights for extra brightness: this also allows the main banks of kitchen units in dark walnut, and overhead exposed roof purlins, to not overpower the open-plan 37’ by 18’ space.

The house is entered from the back, blander portion and the hall is walnut floored, with attic access and steps leading down in one direction, and up the other because of the house’s split-level nature. The main lower level room is the bright master bedroom’s suite, with sliding doors to the front patio and gardens.

There are three other bedrooms, all doubles, a utility, a study, a 20’ by 18’ sitting room with feature glass block section to the hall, and with French doors to the garden.

Heating is via oil, and is zoned for efficiency, walls are double insulated (internally slabbed and in the cavity), while the gardens are largely landscaped and have a safe children’s play area. There’s also a detached garage, with roller door.

Selling agent, Property Partners Burke Wall, seek €595,000 for the house on an acre, and note that it is 10 minutes’ drive from Midleton, Youghal and beaches at Garryvoe.