Starter homes: Cobh, Cork €169,000

Size: Sq m 92 (990 sq ft)

There’s an air of cared-for owner-occupation to 8, The Spires in the Cobh town development, evident inside and out. The early-2000s home, built by Ruden Homes with an external Victorian/Edwardian look with banded render, is in this popular Cobh scheme at Carrignafoy.

A big bonus savoured by its owner is the west-facing back garden: it has produced crops of courgettes, peas and beans, and what hasn’t been eaten is in the freezer for the winter months pending a sale. There’s also a hammock, pergola and a shed for more all-weather use in this neat as a pin garden.

Selling agent is Liz Hannon of English Auctioneers, who guides at €169,000 and who bills the place as “splendid”.

Decor is smart, with a chunky timber fireplace in the front 14’ by 11’ sitting room which also has a bay window, off a maple-floored hall.

To the back, there’s an attractive kitchen/dining/ living room with light oak units, to match the doors. A breakfast bar divides the functions, and smart use is made of a skylight over the living space and patio doors to make it extra bright and airy.

Overhead are three bedrooms, with an en suite shower room off the master bedroom, while the family bathroom has a wood-panelled bath.

The location is very strong within the popular estate of around 100 homes by the Top of the Hill, with a good choice of schools, plus a 2006-built leisure centre with swimming pool.

VERDICT: Well-tended, inside and out.