Trading up: Farran, Cork, €425,000

Go up and over the hill at Farran, above the Cork/Macroom road past Ovens, and you are almost into a different world.

Here, backroads past the Lee Valley Golf Club look over sections of the Lee river and reservoir.

After home-hunters’ long wait for a property on this stretch of Farran/Ovens countryside, estate agent Norma Healy of Sherry FitzGerald has not one, but two, new listings over and just under the €400k mark.

Dearer of the two dormers, at €425,000, is this very well-kept 1,630 sq ft four-bed, with views to the water and valley from its half-acre landscaped site, which includes a rear deck that’s south-facing, ideal for barbecues.

It has one of its bedrooms at ground level, making it accommodating for all ages, with a good balance between day and night rooms, according to Ms Healy, with one of its three other upstairs bedrooms with en suite.

Each of the two reception rooms has a fireplace, one room is double aspect, and the smaller TV room has a back-boiler for back-up efficiency, and there’s also a large kitchen/dining room, with patio access and a dresser matching the oak units.

VERDICT: Great community feel and facilities out this section of Farran.