Riverview Cottage has what it takes to attract a high-end buyer

THE house next door went for strong money last year and now, Riverview Cottage, Montenotte, comes to market at what’s described as a ‘reasonable’ €800,000.

And while that may seem lofty in present circumstances, next door did make close to €1.3 million, down however, from a high-point guide of €2.3 million.

And that was a larger house, in superb condition with a near 20-year makeover by vendor, top chef Canice Sharkey.

Riverview Cottage is slightly more modern, but at 2,500 square feet and detached on a large, south-facing site, this house has all the elements to attract the high-end buyer. Its owner also did a major overhaul 15 years ago and while the house may require a little bit of 21st century tweaking, it’s a move-in proposition.

It offers 2,500 square feet of space in a location that’s old and urban, but also settled, quiet and minutes from the city centre.

It’s still grand old Cork, and while the world has moved on since it was built in the 1830s or thereabouts, Riverview strongly retains the look and grandeur of another era.

A young family was reared here until recently which gives it proven family use and it’s minutes from Cork city’s private schools giving it appeal to the new type of buyer, more gentrification than old gentry.

Stylish and ultra urban, Montenotte is a green choice for city living because it’s a short commute to the city and the south-facing aspect is great for passive solar gain.

Riverview Cottage has a double line of bay windows, from first to second floor to bring all that light into the house.

It’s charm includes a double-width drawing room across the ground floor, part for dining and the rest as living area with both ends fitted with good, original fireplaces.

Ceilings are high, with polished boards and cornicing and other Victorian features are in place.

The main hallway is to the side of the house and comes with original terrazzo tiling and a square staircase set on the northern wall with a large feature stained glass window.

Access to the kitchen/dining room is on the eastern side and it runs in a L-shape southwards, with a breakfast room giving onto a courtyard on the northern end.

The country-style, hand made kitchen is the mid-point of an L-shaped run of rooms which finish in an informal dining area overlooking the rear garden.

Access to the south-facing patio is through double doors.

Upstairs, there are four, good bedrooms, including an en suite master with bay window, while bedroom two is similar in size and also has a bay. Bedrooms three and four are singles, face south and west and share a main bathroom.

Riverview retains its sash windows, has gas heating and comes with two sheds in the courtyard garden. It also has a driveway with parking for two cars and it’s old, bounded site gives it great privacy.