Trading up: Shanakiel, Cork

Price: €295,000

A change of agents and a €25,000 price drop, a year after its last market launch, might increase the appeal of historic Shanakiel Lodge, for buyers who want something different.

Like a penthouse in a gate lodge in an old city setting, this is a compact, characterful, well-kept three-bed with 850 sq ft and great city views from its Shanakiel/ Sunday’s Well suburban perch.

It was the lodge to a period home that became the Shanakiel Hospital, which catered for WW1 patients, as well as receiving the body of Michael Collins after he was shot at Béal na mBlath, and it closed a year ago when services transferred to Mahon/Mater Private.

The gate lodge stands sentinel by a cul de sac off Shanakiel Road, below Strawberry Hill, dates to 1890, and was extended and renovated a century later with architect Dominic O’Flynn’s input, which means good use of space, a bright 14’ by 14’ lounge addition and access to a south-facing patio/balcony. It’s in walk-in condition, is close to UCC, major hospitals and Apple’s HQ, and has off-street parking.

VERDICT: Great character, comfortable, and ideal for traders-down or traders-in.