House of the week

IT’S 12 years old, but inside it feels practically brand new, thanks to ongoing upgrades and investment in decor and design.

And, after the first few weeks of viewings, No 14 The Hermitage is well-received, and under immediate offer — en route to its €495,000 asking price via Michael O’Donovan of Sherry FitzGerald who says there’s little of this calibre currently in the great Cork market. (His point is echoed by many other Cork agents this month. who acknowledge a dearth of good trading up stock, and a bit of summer clear-out of what had been for sale.)

There’s way more going on inside this 2,900 sq ft dormer home than you’d suspect from a cursory outside look in its cul de sac park. Sure, it’s neat, and immaculately turned out on its one-third of an acre site, but the only suggestion of something a bit more special within is the broad, highly varnished and arched timber front door — it sets an immediate tone of care — and it proves the selling maxim that first impressions start at or even before the front door.