Trading up: Blackrock, Cork €395,000

Sq m: 167 (1,800 sq ft)

Despite carrying a €395,000 asking price, virtually all of the first few dozen inquiries about 2 Sandy Lawn in Cork’s Blackrock have been from first-time buyers, reveals estate agent Glen O’Connor of DNG Michael Creedon.

This 1,800 sq ft detached four-bed home, with two en suites, is one of just seven houses in Sandy Lawn, a small scheme by O’Brien and O’Flynn who did the larger Sandy Lane development also nearby, along Castle Road and near Blackrock Castle too.

No 2 Sandy Lawn is 400 yards from the castle, and is a modern two-storey home which is vacated and unfurnished, which probably doesn’t show it to its best advantage.

It’s got two reception rooms, plus dining room, though all are modest sized and although a few rooms already interconnect, No 2 could do with some further opening up, or even linking into a conservatory/sun room which could be added on.

Overall condition is good, it has estuary views and the Blackrock network of walks, and will respond to a new owner’s injection of personality.

VERDICT: Part of a small niche scheme in niche Castle Road Blackrock setting.