Three-storey bungalow

FIRST, the word “bungalow” got sort of made-over in an Irish way: it generally refers to a single-storey dwelling, but allowances are made for attic and sometimes dormer rooms.

Now, the word dormer bungalow is getting an added twist and bonus, at least in the case No 10 Stonewell, at Kinsale’s curiously titled Catholic Walk.

One of a 30-house build by dormer bungalow pioneer Bride View Developments, who’ve been modifying the type for 25 years or so, this is in effect a two-and-a-half-storey, eh, bungalow.

A steep roof pitch not only allows for four first floor bedrooms, with two en suite, there’s also a bit of extra space found up higher again, under the attic pitch, for a tent-shaped 30’ by 120’ play room, lit by four rear-facing Veluxes.

Even without the bonus space, No 10 has 2,110 sq ft of space over its two main accommodation levels, says Patricia O’Regan of Sheehy Brothers, acting jointly with Keane Mahony Smith.

She guides No 10 at €510,000 as it goes newly to market (previous top sales here in Stonewell hit the €750k level), and it is probably one of the last finished out, about six years ago, and on one of the very best sites in the BVD scheme as well, she adds.

That site is a corner one, with lots of sun getting in, and there are appropriately-placed patios then outside to match, with direct access from sets of French doors at the corner/end of the open plan, full-width living area, beyond a spot well able to accommodate a baby grand piano. The vendors’ musical tastes and prowess are evident, with guitars, mandolins and banjos lining the walls. This space also houses a simple brick fireplace, with solid fuel stove inserted, the floor is oak and the kitchen has white painted units and an island.

The original plan for this house design had a ground floor en suite fifth bedroom, but here it is billed as family room, with a very compact study where the loo might have been. The ground floor level also has a utility, and a guest WC off the hall. Heating is gas, and the immaculate greened-in grounds have separate off-street parking for two cars.