True period piece appeal near the city

IF architects hadn’t been so grievously hit by the construction downturn, there’d be a queue of them trying to buy 5 Westview. Now, they’ll be here, touting for work.

This century-old home has huge period charm, with its original architectural features here, in rich abundance – and there’s scope to do something contrastingly funky out the back as well by way of extension and drawing in light.

With many of the building professions out of work and on depleted incomes, and banks very slow to advance sums for a do-er up, this means a narrower buying market for 5 Westview at Church Road, Blackrock in Cork. It is new to market with Frank V Murphy auctioneers, who cautiously guide it at €285,000.