Starter home: Douglas, Cork €130,000

A nineteenth century cottage has had a thoroughly modern makeover, so it looks like a modern apartment only much prettier on the outside.

Douglas, Cork €130,000

Sq m 55 (600 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 2

BER: pending

WITH its cute cottage exterior and bright modern interior, No 6 Clermont Cottages near Douglas village racked up more than 2,000 on-line views in its first week on the market.

Selling agents DNG Creedon are expecting huge interest in the one-bed property when viewings start this week.

Seeking offers of €130,000, auctioneer Glen O’Connor says it has two strong selling points — a superb location within a few minutes walk from Douglas and a thoroughly modernised interior

In recent months the owners have gutted the property to create an open plan space on the ground floor.

“The whole house has been redone — it has an extension at the rear, a new kitchen, new flooring and has been decorated in warm neutral tones,’’ says Mr O’Connor

Inside the front door there’s living area with a stove and beyond this is a newly extended kitchen with grey/green modern units, recessed lighting and a roof light. Off the living room under the stairs there is a guest WC.

A painted timber staircase leads to the upstairs which has an 11 ft square bedroom with a Velux window as well as a tiled shower room.

Behind the kitchen there’s a paved area and set of steps leading to a garden area which has recently been seeded.

Mr O’Connor says the 600 sq ft cottage has been drylined and fitted with gas heating, with double glazed windows and that a B energy rating is anticipated.

First time buyers, investors, and downsizers are expected to show up for actual, physical viewings.

The property is one of a row of 12 brick-faced cottages built in the late 1800s for the workers in Douglas’s St Patrick’s Woolen mills nearby.

According to the Property Price Register it previously sold for €95,000 in December 2013.

VERDICT: Like a modern apartment inside only prettier on the outside