Trading up: Ballycotton, Cork €235,000

Sq m: 112 (1,200 sq ft)

With what the agents say is an exceptional setting in East Cork’s Ballycotton, right on Main Street, the family home Ard na Ree should be a summer 2014 seller. The fact the interior is quietly impressive will help sway viewers too — if they can take their eye off the sea and harbour vistas.

Auctioneer Adrianna Hegarty in Midleton is selling this 1970s brick-built bungalow, with its 1,200 sq ft of space on nicely matured gardens.

It manages to fit in four bedrooms, a family bathroom, a living room with wood-burning stove, and kitchen/dining room, all brought freshly and decoratively up to date.

Some neighbouring homes have maximised their views by adding balconies. New owners of Ard na Ree might look at extending, or going upwards, and right now there’s just Stira access in this single storey dwelling to its attic.

There are views down towards the Blue Flag beach at Garryvoe, and on towards Youghal. Ballycotton, with some quaint pubs and shops, a working harbour and pier with lifeboat service, is a short drive to Midleton.

VERDICT: The very most has been made of this existing bungalow’s space, but the site and setting are so good it would be worth trying to add more accommodation, if funds permit.