Irresistible city project

DESPITE its rather desolate condition, No 2 Alexandra Terrace on Cork’s Military Hill, could be lived in immediately, says agent Andrew Moore.

But it would be camping conditions — and you’d want to be madly in love to move from one room outward, but then, this house is a fine project for a couple big on ideas but low on cash.

Subject to an engineer’s report, No 2 appears to be a fine, three-storey property in a pretty cool area of the city which offers a lot of space in return for the asking of €290,000.

And most of the original features are still there, such as high ceilings, cornicing, terrazzo flooring and some very fine fireplaces.

The floorboards will need sanding and polishing, but that’s the least of the work needed to bring the house up to standard; putting in a new kitchen and new bathroom would have to be first as the rooms are the hub of any house.

South-facing to the front, the house is rather dark towards the back, so any renovation should involve opening up the house in some way while respecting the Victorian detail.

On the market with Andrew Moore and Co, it’s a five-bedroomed house over three storeys, with a yard to the rear and a raised, sunny garden at first floor level and approached via a flight of steps.

The house has storage heating, and so will need new gas plumbing and perhaps an en suite bathroom tucked into one of its larger rooms.

The main bathroom is a good size and already accommodates a bath and separate shower on a half landing.

The first floor bedroom would also make a good drawing room and there are two further bedrooms on this floor, with two more overhead.

In terms of space there’s plenty to play around with and the location makes it a five-minute walk to town — and maybe a bit longer on the way back up hill.

First-time buyers looking for an off-piste property should give No 2 a look — it will need more money, but it could be done, room by room.