All sweetness and light and a perfect finish in Prospect

Rose Martin discovers a Cobh residence that’s perfectly finished.

THERE are fine Victorian properties in Cobh – the town is coming down with them – but few are finished to the standard of 3, Prospect Villas.

It’s not that the house is breathtakingly styled, or grand – it’s just perfectly finished.

In old houses there’s always something to do, some flaky, plaster corner, a rattling sash, or a dodgy baluster, but here at no 3, all matters have been taken in hand. Basically, it’s a lovely house – no mustiness, no creakiness, no cold feeling of age, just a warm, well-cared for home.

If there is one slight fault, (and this is personal), it’s the authentic, Victorian Blue finish in the main drawing room – too cold.

However, all else is sweetness and light, from the honeycomb cream carpet on the staircase, (an elegant piece of joinery in the Georgian style), to the brand new country kitchen and the soignee drawing and dining rooms.

And it’s so neat and clean, with handy corners of storage and those key elements that make a house look good – pictures and books. Best of all, it has a top floor eyerie that’s set aside purely for listening to music and reading – a real study.

Imagine a Sunday morning here with the radio, the papers and the waft of roast from downstairs – bliss. This Prospect Villas home neatly combines the best in modern comforts with the graciousness of a period property.

The attention to detail includes replacement, double-glazed elements in the original sashes, parterre features in the front garden and a lushly planted rear terrace ideal for outdoor breakfasting.

The kitchen, part of a modern, Velux-lit extension, has solid wood worktops, a large five-burner stove and a pantry with modern steel shelving.

The eat-in part has a handy alcove where a range would once have stood, and is now used for storage – a small cast iron stove would be ideal here.

To the front, the main reception rooms run south and west and come with big sash windows, including an open bay leading to the garden, along with immaculate cornicing.

The staircase is lit by an original curved window with cathedral glass and off the first floor return there’s a modern, guest bathroom tucked behind old panelled doors.

The master bedroom is on the first floor and has two windows overlooking the water at Rushbrooke, while a similar double bedroom also comes en suite.

The main bathroom is a masterstroke: a large room, it’s finished in a warm panelling, deep green paint and has traditional bathroom fittings, including stand-alone slipper bath, and a double shower.

The next floor has that sleek study, a second double bedroom under white-painted beams and another large bathroom.

No 3 comes with a garage accessed from a small by-road near Knockeven, and a parking space to the rear of the house. There is pedestrian access from the main road into Cobh.

Liz Hannon of English Auctioneers is the selling agent for 3, Prospect Villas and is looking for offers close to €550,000.