Trading Up: Ringarogy, Baltimore €350,000

Sq m: 160 (1,700 sq ft)

Summer dreams are made of something like this Baltimore harbour hideaway home — but they won’t be delivered upon in time for summer 2014.

For sale with agent Andy Donoghue of Hodnett Forde auctioneers is Ringarogy Island farm-home (to right of pic), added to by a second, adjoining residence, each with two beds and a bathroom.

But, the real value of this two-plus-two old West Cork farmhouse mix with its €350,000 price tag is the two acres it all sits on, with direct access to the water, across a roaring water bay inlet from Baltimore town.

“It would be quicker to get to Baltimore by boat than to go around by road,” quips Mr Donoghue, as the water option is just about a half-mile route, for those who are at home on the sea.

Handily, though, there’s also car access to and from Ringarogy island, by bridge, and already there are some very chic, architecturally-designed high-end holiday homes along this island stretch facing the harbour and Baltimore castle.

“With its superb views and direct water frontage at the end of a field, this is a most unique opportunity to acquire a truly exceptional property, currently with a traditional farmhouse and side extension, all now requiring complete modernisation,” says the Hodnett Forde auctioneer.

VERDICT: What a site.