Starter homes: Glounthaune, Cork €140,000
Not only have the horses bolted from the stables, but the people are long gone from the lodge too — so it’s a case of roll up the sleeves time, and roll out the plans time.
A slice of local Glounthaune history east of Cork city is Combermere Lodge, a circa 100 years old stone-built roadside dwelling with yard, outbuilding and stables, just up the hill from the church.
Built to the front of the former grounds of Combermere House (one-time home to the Harrington’s paints family,) this cluster is on c one-third of an acre and “and needs complete restoration and renovation,” says estate agent Frances O’Brien, of DNG Murphy Condon in Glanmire.
The grounds have just had an amount of clearance, and look like a small jungle has been felled there in preparation for sale and scrutiny.
She guides it at €140,000, noting there’s a chance for a new owner to design something quite special here — by demolishing the poor quality sheds, one could create “an unique family home in a beautiful courtyard type setting,” Ms O’Brien ventures.
There’s over 100’ of road frontage in this setting a half mile above Glounthaune which has a commuter rail link back to the city, and the setting near services such as shops and schools is quiet, she adds.
The lodge itself is two storeys and basic, with old fireplace opes.
It has septic tank and mains services — and promise galore.
One for romantics.
