Make a pitch for a ‘Gran Design’ home, in every sense of the word

THE expression ‘keep your friends close, and your enemies closer’ — used in the Godfather movies but originating centuries ago in China — might well apply when it comes living closely with loved ones. Witness the proximity, or otherwise, of the ‘granny flat.’

Being under the wing of a family member can work for the best, or less well, depending on approach and attitude. Similarly when dealing with independent space for a teenager, or a returned off-spring, back for a while in the family fold and nest. A house to accommodate a few generations of a family may be the suburban, new-to-market offering at 15, Knockrea Lawn, just off the Ballinlough Road in Cork city.

Close enough to walk to the city centre, this dormer home has two reception rooms, and three bedrooms, along with an attached but independent en suite granny flat with kitchenette/living space.