Trading up: St Francis Avenue, Cork €450,000

A FANTASTIC extended and hugely upgraded semi-d around the corner from this detached home called Westlands is currently under offer in the mid to upper €600,000s — and that shows the quality of the location.

No 7 St Clare’s Avenue near the Bon Secours off College Road went for sale in February guiding €780,000 via agents Davis Hunter, and has been viewing gently as one of the best refurbs on the southern market.

Now, brand new to market and carrying a €450,000 AMV with Timothy Sullivan Associates is this four-bed detached of 1,700 sq ft, with a couple of older style extensions giving scope for an optional fifth bedroom at ground level.

Westlands sort of conceals its facade from St Francis Avenue, behind a beard of mature full-leaf trees, and the fact it is higher up than road level allows its owners to use its front west-facing garden for sitting out, in full privacy.

Although now needing a bit of updating, and a more modern kitchen, it has kept attractive older features like fireplaces, and there’s plenty to work with, with three reception rooms, detached status, mature gardens front, back and side.

VERDICT: The location and site will justify spending in coming years on further improvements.