Trading up: Crosshaven, Cork €540,000

The sea is off in the distance, visible down the rolling landscape and fields from is this fine family dormer home, at south Cork’s coastal Ballinluska.

Set by the rugby pitch between sailing mecca Crosshaven, and beaches at Myrtleville, Fountainstown and bays dotted around the harbour mouthand headlands, this is a good trade-up option for active families looking for lifestyle options and living space, all in one.

Auctioneer Tom Woodward guides this 2,400 sq ft five-bed at €540,000, and say it’s attractive, well-kept and well-situated, on a site of two-thirds of an acre.

And, apart from the setting, it’s the site and cared-for gardens that will most appeal to home hunters looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

The south-facing back has a pergola/gazebo with swing, water feature, old pump and pond, (and rainwater harvesting system) glasshouse, shed and two patios, as well as lots of lawns, shrubs and veg beds.

Mature high hedges bound the gardens giving shelter and privacy, and the sunny back is overlooked by a balcony of the extended first floor master bedrooms, which has built-ins, and an en suite shower room.

There are four first floor bedrooms in all, and one more at ground by a guest WC, and separately there two reception rooms, kitchen, and sun rooms.

VERDICT: Year ‘round comforts by the sea.