Trading up: Fountainstown, Cork €280,000

A turning tide of market confidence could see a rebuild, or even one, two or three new homes, on the grounds of this seaside older-style bungalow called Chusan, a stone’s skip from the Ferry Road at Fountainstown.

Fresh from a strong sale at popular bathing pool Poulgorm overlooking the ocean near Myrtleville, estate agent Tom Woodward has this ‘mere’ 800 sq ft two-bed home of some charm for sale, but that appeal may well be outweighed by the pull of its half acre site, and some development potential.

He reckons this quite large site off the Sand Road (even the address has a tug at the heart strings) has scope for up to three house sites, subject to planning approval: there’s currently a house, plus a mobile home, happily on the site.

In any case, it’s almost certain something more swanky will get bedded down in this setting, so close to Fountainstown beach, about a half hour’s commute to and from Cork city.

Mr Woodward guides at €280,000, a level which reflects the fact the views aren’t near as expansive as his Poulgorm house sale, but it does have inlet and sea/harbour glimpses, he adds.

Currently, it has a living room with solid fuel stove, kitchen, lean-to sun-room, utility, bathroom and two bedrooms.

VERDICT: Ripe for development.