Affordability and good rail link to pique buyer interest in Carrigtwohill home 

No 24 The Mews in Elmbury was treated to an above-standard fit-out by its owner

24 The Mews, Elmbury, Carrigtwohill

Carrigtwohill, Co Cork
€420,000
Size	115 Sq m (1238 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3
BER	A2

THE car journey from Glounthaune to Carrigtwohill is less than 10 minutes, yet the price differential between a modern three bed semi-d in both locations is upwards of €30,000, with Glounthaune at the upper end.

For sure it has a leafier, ‘village’ feel and is that bit closer to Cork city, but each location has a commuter rail link that is both reliable and frequent. Travel time to Cork city from Carrigtwohill by rail is less than 20 minutes.

The east-of-city town and surrounding area is a big employment base: home to various pharmaceutical plants, as well as logistics, freight and transport companies, who benefit from quick access to the N25, to Cork city’s port and to distribution networks. The upshot is that what was once a small village is now a busy town, a large commuter settlement, transformed by rapid population and housing growth – with hundreds more units in the pipeline. These homes come at relatively affordable levels compared to city values and, because they are new builds, are equipped to be energy efficient.

One such home is No 24 The Mews, in Elmbury, a large scheme in Carrigane, built with sustainability in mind. 

All of the properties in the development have an A2 BER. Feeding into this achievement is the air-to-water heating system and underfloor heating on the ground floor. Is there anything cosier?

Built in 2021 by Cork-based Murnane & O’Shea, the scheme – just 15km east of Cork city – is popular with first time buyers.

24 The Mews, Elmbury

Whoever buys No 24 will be getting a few extras as the original owners went above spec when doing their fit-out. Instead of the standard flooring, they chose Swiss Krono Dune oak flooring throughout the downstairs. Its advanced water-resistant technology means there’s good resistance to moisture and spills, so it’s practical as well as attractive. It’s even in the downstairs loo.

The kitchen got special treatment too: countertops are quartz on the presses and island unit, as well as the kitchen window sill. Kitchen/dining is open plan and double doors lead to the back garden. It’s crisp and modern.

“It’s a stylish home, with quite neutral colours, so new owners will have a blank canvas to work with,” says selling agent Adrianna Hegarty of Hegarty Properties.

Neutral choices in the front living room – with feature electric stove – can be personalised by whoever buys.

Minimal intervention in the rear garden – laid to lawn and fully enclosed – means it’s a blank canvas too.

 Out front is cobble locked, with peripheral shrubbery and parking for two cars.

The current owners of this smart, 115 sq m three-bed semi-d are upsizing from what was their starter home. Having grown used to the comfort of a well-insulated property, they are once again opting for a new build. They’re staying in the area, which has experienced significant infrastructure growth in recent years, including the construction of a €40m schools’ campus (primary and secondary co-ed) – albeit lingering concerns about a lack of playing pitches have yet to be addressed.

“Carrigtwohill is a really strong location, says Ms Hegarty, adding that her guide price for No 24 is €420,000.

 Neighbours will be keeping a close eye as it could be the first Elmbury re-sale to hit the Price Register.

VERDICT: No 24 is an attractive home, future-proofed energy-wise. Good transport links make Carrigtwohill a practical option for workers who can’t afford to buy homes in the city.