A three-bed house or large site?

THE avid doer-upper might want to take a spin out Ovens way, where a house and an acre of ground are generating much interest.

Situated in Curraghbeg, one of the most attractive townlands in the Lee Valley, (the views are outstanding), the property is a five-minute drive from the main Cork/Macroom/Ballincollig bypass route, so is ideal for commuters.

The property is for sale with Robert O’Keeffe, of Irish and European, for offers in the region of €225,000 and could be looked at in two ways.

Firstly, it’s a substantial, three-bed house with work needed, or it’s a large site with the potential for planning, if the existing property is demolished.

Or, a buyer could take the long-term approach, living in the house now, with the prospect of building in the remainder of the site when incomes, and bank lending, rise.

The core of the property is an old cottage that has been extended lengthways, with a valley connection between old and new.

And while there is potential, the property will require a good bit of work, in damp-proofing and insulation: it appears to be structurally sound and room sizes are very big.

The site rolls north from the road and has great views, with a choice of two driveways, and most of it is laid out in well-tended lawn.