€485k Lough Villas home with water panorama gets our vote

Farnoge was a sanctuary for its civic-minded owner who was very much in the public eye

Farnoge, Lough Villas

The Lough, Cork city
€485,000
Size	134 sq m (1,442 sq ft)
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2
BER	F

THE deeply restorative power of water makes Farnoge a good choice for anyone looking to escape the noise, or to find sanctuary from, say, the demands of public life.

As its late owner was a well-known public figure in Cork city – and on the national stage – he must have enjoyed the peaceful scene laid out before his home in Lough Villas.

From the bay window of his living room, he could observe the comings and goings of various species – feathered and human – ducking and diving their way around the circular 1.1km walkway that rings the Lough, or winging their way to its central nesting island.

Observing animal behaviour in a natural environment was possibly instructive for a man who had a long career in politics, where ducking, diving and winging it are necessary survival skills.

Farnoge, a family home, with a garden that dips down towards the 4ha protected wildlife sanctuary so beloved of Corkonians, has been empty for more than two years, A savvy buyer might hope to avail of the Vacant Property Refurbishment grant, worth up to €50,000. 

The house is in reasonable shape and has a striking herringbbone floor in the hallway and solid oak flooring in the open plan living room/dining room, but some modernising is likely.

Energy upgrades are likely too as the rating is an F, with potential grant aid via SEAI.

The panorama at Farnoge is a key selling point and a good place to enjoy it in warmer months is from the patio, reached via double doors from the living room. The long, sloping garden drops down in tiers below the patio and a gardening enthusiast will have a good deal to work with, as well as the blessing of a south-facing aspect.

A 134 sq m semi-d, Farnoge is one of around half a dozen homes in this section of Lough Villas, where parking is to the rear. Selling agent Niall Cahalane of Cahalane Skuse Auctioneers says there’s room for four cars behind Farnoge. Entry to the cul de sac is off Lough Road.

Entry to the property itself brings you past an enclosed, slabbed rear yard and a detached garage with an electric, roller shutter door. The kitchen overlooks the rear of the property, as does a family room.

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms. One room is lined with bookshelves. The man of the house was an avid reader and had an impressive stock of more than 2,500 books.

Mr Cahalane says the house will, without a doubt, be purchased by an owner occupier “possibly a young family, who see how convenient it is to schools and colleges and the city centre, and of course the Lough, a fabulous amenity to have on your doorstep”.

Moreover he sees wonderful potential at the home.

“Given those beautiful, uninterrupted views and the southerly orientation, maybe you could add a sunroom,” the agent says.

He is guiding Farnoge at €485,000, a price he believes is within reach of stome first time buyers, “especially if they can avail of the grants”.

VERDICT: Not to labour the point, but you won’t get a vista much better than this in the city. Expect house hunters to descend in droves.