Beaumont semi-d had the sort of work done in 2008 that buyers today still covet

Chance to buy walk-in order four-bed extended semi with huge garden and to join Beaumont's beau monde

Single and two storey add-on to rear of No 21 Lower Beaumont Drive. Joint agents Jeremy Murphy and  ERA Downey McCarthy guide from €750,000

Beaumont, Cork City
€750,000
Size	184 sq m (2,000 sq ft)
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3
BER	C1

HERE’S one that was prepared earlier, as they say in all of the best TV cookery shows.

Set in Cork City’s Beaumont suburb, home to hundreds of semi-ds and detacheds dating in the main to the1950s, there’s a steady overhaul of family houses here coming to market as part of the natural life cycle of the area.

No 21 was upgraded in 2008: a number of neighbours have also 'gone large'

When they do, it’s common enough that home hunters look around for inspiration to see what they might be able to do with an ‘original’ of the species, seeking exemplars of just how well these old ‘uns can be nudged along to 21st century standards and lifestyle.

Top of many families’ aspirations lists is a well-set home, near schools, and services, with a good aspect, and a back garden big enough to allow for extension without gobbling up all of the outdoor plan space.

In for the long haul?

Then if they can do it, they’d like a bright extension, to the back and side — and really, any chance of being able to go up two storeys over some of that add-on more bedrooms’ space?

Well, here’s one that was, indeed prepared earlier.

In 2008, to be exact.

Hedge your bets at No 21

The 1950s built home was taken firmly in hand in 08’ when it was modernised and extended to an architect’s design and almost double in size.

Now it’s a very comfortable four-bedroom home of c 2,000 sq ft, or 184 sq m. on a site that is not only west-facing at the back but also exceptionally long.

So long in fact, it was able to be divided into two sections, with a large and level lawn nearest the house and patio, then with a second, more secret vegetable garden tagged along after, almost out of sight.

Lawn bowling, anyone?

No 21 Lower Beaumont Drive is set in on the right hand side of the Drive, off the main Blackrock Road by Ballintemple village and Longboats bar, facing one of the two entrances to the Crescent: Every time a house on this side/west to the back comes along, visitors and indeed bidders remark on the huge among of ground they then stand on.

No 21’s part of a row that backs onto Copperhill and Ardcairn (you’d never know those schemes existed, so far away are they on Churchyard Lane), and Beaumont has been a property hot-spot for yonks.

This was even before No 21 was picked up and moved to this level over 15 years ago.

Veg garden at the far end is hidden from sight

What was done then is still in vogue now, and as recently as last year the heat recovery system (ProAir) was updated too, ensuring fresh air internally, as well as the design allowing for easy indoor/outdoor connectivity.

Architect was Donal Anderson, builder was Larry Hickey, and No 21 hides some of its lights, and delights, behind mature bushes to the front.

A gravel drive inside the gate is able to take up to three cars, while the add-on space to the side can be glimpsed, left of the front door which has its side walls trimmed in horizontally-mounted cedar sheeting.

There’s a view right through the house, past a glazed door between the hall and rear kitchen ne/dining/living to the elongated rear, ending in sliding doors in the new extension/distance, fully glazed on two sides with a membrane roof.

There’s a good flow between the rooms at ground level: The two original reception rooms are now linked, front to back with a Stovax fire in the front one, and off to the left is a large utility rooms/store with side access, with a guest WC toward the front.

A new, feature stripped timber stairs leads to the first floor, where there are now four bedrooms, two to the front, one to the back, while the largest is the main, en suite bedroom in the ‘new’ wing.

Bathrooms are right up to date, with porcelain tiling, while most other flooring throughout is solid oak, and there’s Stira access to a floored attic.

Joint selling agents are Jeremy Murphy & Associates and ERA Downey McCarthy, who guide at €750,000, a price point that has been hit in recent weeks in smaller and even three-bedroomed semis in the wider Beaumont area (for example in the case of Rosarie, a three-bed at 14 Beauoment Lawn on a good site went sale agreed in July for €762,000).

Essence of southside suburb.....

No 21 may well go for a higher sum, possibly a good deal more given demand and short supply of walk-in order Cork suburban homes right now.

It got listed just last weekend and by Monday all slots for viewings by the two agents for Thursday and Friday afternoons had been booked up by 20 keen parties.

VERDICT: Having 20 booked viewings in the first two days alone from families with €750,000 or more to spend says something about the strength of the suburban market, and the dearth of supply.