Highgrove: A river runs through it

LAST sold in 2005 for far in excess of its mid-€500,000s asking price at the time, the distinctive and modern home Highgrove had further moneys spent on it since by its purchasers, who’ve also added to insulation levels in this architect’s former home.

Set out at Glencree, by Brooklodge in Cork’s Glanmire, this woodland retreat with a €450,000 price guide via Michael O’Donovan of Sherry FitzGerald even has a river (the Glashaboy) running along much of its extensive boundaries: there’s about five acres going with this home, which must make it one of the most interesting mixes currently on the greater Cork market.

The grounds at Highgrove include sallys, beech trees, furze and a whole host more, and spring bluebells are there aplenty too, while the gardens and woods beyond can be reached via special walkways from the house’s main living level and decking — one of three levels in this unusual and deceptive build.

Highgrove was built in the 1980s by an architect for his own occupation and he sold on in the 1990s, and it sold again about five or six years ago — andit has proved adaptable for each new set of occupants.

A spiral stairs in the brick-walled reception hall (with solid fuel stove nearby) links all three levels of this tall dormer, and the five bedrooms (one en suite) are over the top two floors, while downstairs there’s a bit of split-level layout going on as well in the main, inter-linked living spaces, and one is sort of octagonal-shaped, with easy deck access.

VERDICT: If you are looking for something out of the humdrum, with space as well, this is it.