Cottage with big ideas

This home began life as a two-bed cottage and has been bumped up to a 1,650 sq ft house since an revamp in 2006, writes Tommy Barker

WHAT was a traditional two-bed cottage on an acre has swollen, since a radical overhaul in 2006, up to 1,650 sq ft — but site size has diminished to 0.2 of an acre.

Now, The Cottage, at Killeendaniel, near Whitechurch, is a new arrival, creating a stir, thanks to its internal quality and finishes, and a location less than five miles from Cork City centre.

Within days of going for sale, with John Barry, of Frank V Murphy & Co, it was at (and over) its €245,000 price.

According to Mr Barry, “the best use has been made of it, the rooms are positioned to follow the sun all day long, and a new owner wouldn’t have to change a thing”.

The current, relocating owners bought it in 2000, went for planning to a new drawing, by architect Martin Sheehan, in 2005, and after Blarney builder, Anthony O’Sullivan, worked on it, they were back in situ in twice the space, and thrice the comfort, by 2006.

Originally a single-storey, two-room building, it now has a wee front porch, gable sun-room add-on, and mid-section split-level-linking entry hall, with new kitchen, bedroom and bathrooms and two more en-suite overhead bedrooms.

It has roof lights for drawing in the sun, and a good mix of French and sliding patio doors.

According to Mr Barry, it combines the charm and features of a period cottage, near the city, with a large, and bright, modern extension that’s been exceptionally well-finished. It has all been re-plumbed, has oil heating, plus open fire in the 19’ by 17’ sitting room, has a dining room off the kitchen, and has double-glazing.

LOCATION: Whitechurch, Cork

PRICE: € 245,000

SIZE: Sq m 155 (1,670 sq ft)

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 3

BER RATING: C1

BEST FEATURE: Great extension

VERDICT: Deservedly popular.