Rooftops' view at gorgeous €395,000 Georgian townhouse in galvanised heart of Cork City

Nicholas Street is part of a wider neighbourhood in the throes of change for the better

Thu, 21 Sep, 2023 - 16:36

Nicholas Street, Cork City
€395,000
Size	169 sq m (1819 sq ft)
Bedrooms	2/3
Bathrooms	1
BER	D1

THERE’S been a hell of a lot of positive change in the greater Douglas Street area of Cork City since this Georgian townhouse, No 32 Nicholas Street, appeared in these pages a decade ago.

It makes for a great tale of inner-city rejuvenation. Key to the transformation were the Presentation Sisters, who took their lead from their resilient foundress, Nano Nagle. Instead of throwing in the towel when dwindling student numbers forced the closure of their Douglas Street school in 2006, they set about redeveloping the empty school buildings. They created Nano Nagle Place, a complex that houses a museum, heritage rooms, gardens, a restaurant and bookshop and is also home to several educational charities.

Last year the museum, which tells the story of Nano Nagle and the city in which she worked, won the coveted Council of Europe Museum Prize, the first time an Irish museum won the award since 1980.

It’s become an important tourist attraction in the city. Visitors can also visit the awarding winning Good Day Deli in the former convent's walled garden, where Nano Nagle is buried.

Good Day Deli in the gardens of the former convent

Sharing this terrific complex is UCC’s impressive Cork Centre for Architectural Education, a joint venture with MTU, which opened in 2018, bringing students back to the street.

UCC/MTU school of architecture on Douglas Street Picture: JCA Architects

Nearby also is historic Red Abbey, the remains of a 14th century Augustinian Abbey and the oldest structure in Cork City.

Red Abbey in early morning sun Picture: Denis Scannell

Residents/businesses in the area have contributed to improvements too.

Even with so much to offer, Cork City Council is keen to bring the neighbourhood to the next level and has appointed a design team to improve the public realm on Douglas Street, and on White Street and Mary’s Street, which adjoin it. The objectives include creating an environment which will encourage a shift to more sustainable transport (walking and cycling), as well as improving the quality of life for residents.

So, with much good work done and more to do, becoming part of this ancient and evolving neighbourhood, where city life is at its authentic best, starts to look very attractive.

Late 18th century Nicholas Street comes hurtling down to Douglas Street from Evergreen Road high above, a long, steep and fairly narrow stretch of road, lined by a terrace of houses on either side.

No 32, with its bright yellow door and exposed brick façade is one of the more attractive homes. Externally, it hasn’t changed since it last featured as House of the Week in 2013, but internally, it’s a different story.

Ten years ago, when James Donnelly of Counihan’s bar was selling up, it was a smaller, 1500 sq ft home. Now, thanks to a a rear extension, it’s more than 1800 sq ft.

The kitchen was replaced and modernised and the extension beyond it, down two steps, is a fine living room with a glazed back wall where double doors open into the impressively long (47’) west-facing garden, which is fully enclosed by old limestone walls.

To the front of the house is a separate living room with original flooring and large windows with original timber surrounds and shutters.

Above this reception room is the main bedroom which has an interconnecting nursery room. New owners might convert it to an ensuite or walk-in wardrobe, or a third bedroom. On the top floor is a large attic-style bedroom, with the unexpected but welcome addition of a private balcony, with views that any city dweller would envy.

No 32 is up for sale with Johnny O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald, who sold it in 2014 for just under €233,000 (the guide was €190,000). This time the guide for the extended home, which has a new gas combi boiler and improved BER (up from E1 to D1) is €395,000.

It comes to market as the owners relocate overseas and Mr O’Flynn says it is “very much an owner/occupier type of house”. Its city convenience may also attract investors.

As Nicholas Street is in the heart of Cork City, parking options aren’t at a premium, but that won’t matter to buyers committed to more sustainable living.