Back to a rising market at  Waterfall, Co Cork, as €680,000 sought

A ‘sale agreed’ that dragged on for a year before collapsing might benefit the sellers of Caledonia, an eco-aware home in Cork’s Waterfall, at Ballyshoneen. 

A few miles west of the city and western suburbs, it was built on a two-acre rural site, to an above-standard specification, with energy-efficient features. When it first went up for sale, in 2012, it had a €675,000 price with Rose Property Services: sales terms were agreed last year at €655,000, but the deal never closed. Now, agent Mark Rose prices it at €680,000, and says there’s little of this quality on the market in the wider catchment, which is popular with UCC and CUH buyers.

Designed by architect James Sheehan to a ‘green’ home template, in a broad, V-shape with 800 sq ft of convertible attic, it has oil-fired, twin-manifold underfloor heating at ground level, with heat recovery system, three solar panels for hot water, biocycle and high insulation standards.

Gallery attic-level rooms overlook a kitchen/breakfast room at one end, with oak and gloss units, and overlook the main family living room at the far end, with white marble fireplace, 14’ high ceilings, and patio access. Other rooms include a study, living/dining room with fireplace, and four bedrooms, two with en suites, and all bathrooms are to a high level. The two-acre site includes a garage.

VERDICT: A second chance to buy.