Large, detached home in Greenfields

THE gardens are at least the equal of the house at number 31, Fernwalk. This large, one-off family home in a scheme of detached houses in Greenfields, west of Cork city, has a cracking good site, a third of an acre, planted with precision.

Even in these early spring weeks, you can sense what’s ready to burst into colour and life here — and, with years under their feet and roots, these plants are only going to get bigger, better and go on giving. The family that built this well-planned, 2,400 sq ft family home, nine years ago, are on the move to a new home coming close to completion, so they’re getting set to uproot themselves.

Greenfields, just off the Ballincollig by-pass, is a scheme that met the needs of families hoping to build their own homes in the past decade, but at a time when the county council wasn’t keen to grant permission for one-offs. This compromise meant individuality could shine through, but in an ordered, well-regulated fashion. It’s been a huge success, and it means families were reared with children of the same age to play with, just around the corner, a community forged.

Selling agent for number 31, Fernwalk, is Brian Olden, of Cohalan Downing, who guides €595,000 for the spacious, non-fussed home with solid, practical quality, understated decor and not a bad or a mean room in it, with two en-suite bedrooms, and excellent flooring throughout — all pretty much done in beech.

Beech in the raw also crops up heavily in the grounds, especially in the back gardens, used in defining rows and as hedge screening, brown now, but ready for fresh greenery within a month or so.

Then, (guided by Anna Bailey, of Ravenscourt Garden Centre, in 2005), there’s roses, special acers and magnolias, palms, and, behind the garage, a fruit and veg garden, with raised beds, espalied apple trees, Victoria plums, as well black currants, gooseberries, rhubarb, raspberries, strawberries and cherries — the latter mostly enjoyed by birds, notes the owner rather ruefully.

The entire back garden is wholly private, with double gates by the side of the house screening a rear drive and lofty garage, and the front drive is graveled with mulched front rose beds, and ornamental grasses.

Inside, there are three reception rooms (with dual aspect, or bay windows), an airy kitchen (maple units) and dining space with garden views, big utility and guest loo, and the stairs is in beech also, continuing the quality hardwood link between floors. Upstairs, that beech flooring spans the house, without door saddles, and the landing is very spacious, with all four bedrooms and en-suites on the generous size, while the master bed has a walk-in closet.

A five-minute drive from Cork city suburbs at Bishopstown, No 31 is a walk-in job, with gardens to savour.