Trading up: Ballingurteen, West Cork €195,000

Size: 207 sq m (2,230 sq ft)

IT’S amazing what you can do with a traditional farmhouse — as this house in Ballingurteen shows. Taking an original old building and wrapping a new wing around it, as well as copious insulation, this is a prime example of why knocking vernacular houses is not always the answer.

And with a less-is-more approach to the interior, this four-bed beauty is on the market at €195,000 through Miche•l Duggan of Sherry FitzGerald O’Neill, under early offers.

Standing on mature grounds of an acre, this is a fine family house in a rural location, but close to Ballineen/Enniskeane on one side and Clonakilty on the other; Bandon’s also an easy commute.

Hardwood windows, balconies, wood-burning stoves and open-plan living space means a lot of attractive extras and very little to do post-purchase.

This kitchen is also very good, with a range of hand-painted units and utility, while the rest of the ground floor space includes a study, living and dining room and access outside to a patio area.

Upstairs, there’s a lovely tub in the main bathroom and a balcony off the master bedroom, while the remaining three bedrooms share two main bathrooms.

The house comes with oil heating, solar panels, stove and an open fire, along with well water (no water charges), phone and broadband.

Critically for families, the local primary school is only a mile away and Clonakilty is 10 minutes’ drive; Cork City is less than an hour’s commute.

VERDICT: Smart job, and already under offer at the asking price.