Big house makes grade

THERE’S nothing like the buzz of College Road, Cork at this time of year.

The turning of the leaves and the return of the students create an atmosphere of optimism that’s lacking elsewhere in town.

And there’s even a ‘sold’ board on one of the big residential houses on College road, which augurs well for the latest market addition around the corner, No 8 St Clare’s Avenue.

Big box bays and spanking clean windows are the first impression and inside it’s all about space – in off white.

Almost like a gallery, in fact, and No 8 has a high degree of art – in ceramics mostly, but with a few paintings thrown in for balance.

The house is bright, white and carefully furnished – the main living rooms interconnect with fold away old doors, and both rooms are simply designed with a cream sofa grouping at one end and a fifties dining set at the other.

The dining room runs across the back of the house, with the galley kitchen running perpendicular and fitted on two side, with views over the garden.

And what a garden. It’s twice as long as standard and has that lovely old feel.

Next door gives a good example of what can be done with these early 20th century houses, with its high, modern extension and faultless timepiece exterior.

And even though it’s not that old, No 8, with its high ceilings and big bright rooms carries a sense of its own history.

Personification or not, this is an ideal location for families who are tired of the car and the commute.

And here, UCC is a two-minute walk, the Bons less than one. And yes, there’s traffic, but heavily policed parking and once the front door is closed, there’s all that peace and quiet behind.

No 8 has four fine bedrooms, a tasteful main bathroom and a landing with a perfect layout for an extended staircase.

According to Johnny O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald, there’s more than enough room for a conversion there, which would add a study, gym or extra bedroom if required.

No 8 St Clare’s Avenue is on offer at €390,000 and well worth a look for families trading in, or up.