Trading up: Cobh, Co Cork €450,000

Sq m: (2,500 sq ft)

There’s an air of architectural distinction to the large family home called Taormina, possibly called after the high-rolling Sicilian seaside and hillside holiday resort.

And, thanks to its setting on the Valley road at Cork Harbour’s Great Island /Cobh, a new owner of this home will have the option of bathing or boating at nearby Cuskinny bay and its sublime bird sanctuary, home each year to Derek Mooney’s live broadcast dawn chorus.