Money no object when this was built

MONEY wasn’t spared when most of the big, detached houses were being built in Wheatfields, near Cork’s Carrigaline.

Started off in 2004, as the market and economy seemed on course for never-ending riches, up to 54 serviced sites were offered here on 15 acres for self-builders, on serviced sites that sold for prices in the mid-€200,000s, ever before a block was put on block, and marble tile on marble.

Set over a mile or so a couple of miles out from Carrigaline on the Kilmoney Road, many of the Wheatfields houses were built in the, ahem, near-certainty they’d be worth a million or so on re-sale, so money was flung at the fit-outs and finishes.

Now, the 4,000 sq ft, five-bed, three en suite home, 27 Wheatfield, is back up for sale, having had a market flurry in ‘07 with an €850,000 asking price. Today, it’s guided by agent Tom Woodward at €580,000, and that’s quite possibly less than the sum of its parts, given site costs, build costs and the high-end accoutrements with which it is liberally sprinkled.

The spend starts at the electric front gates, past a lit and landscaped drive towards the tall, symmetrical house with palms by the front door, and a detached double garage to the side.

Internally, it’s got 4,000 sq ft, over three levels with top floor gym/playroom with en suite, and all the other four first bedrooms also have bathrooms — while the shower in the master bed’s en suite is an all-singing, all dancing, all wringing apparatus.

Downstairs is a bright hall with feature black cast iron ballustrade, drawing room with cast iron fireplace, an L-shaped kitchen/dining/family room with high-end granite-topped units and appliances, plus contemporary fireplace in the living section, utility, and a south facing conservatory.

No 27 also has a wired for sound and movies home entertainment package that cost tens of thousands of euros, a central vac, zoned gas heating, alarm, intercom and many functions can be controlled by GSM phone. Externally, the grounds have been fully landscaped, with perimeter planting, small law areas, gravel and large decking/BBQ area.

LOCATION: Carrigaline, Cork

PRICE: €580,000

SIZE: Sq m 370 (4,000 sq ft)

BEDROOMS: 4/5

BATHROOMS: 3

BER RATING: C2

VERDICT: You couldn’t build to this level for the price.