€910k old world charmer on Victoria Road needs upgrades, but has grace in spades

Laurel Bank is one of two dozen venerable homes lining the leafy approach to Blackrock Road

Laurel Bank, Victoria Road

Victoria Road, Cork city
€910,000
Size	212 sq m (2282 sq ft)
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3
BER	D1

VICTORIA Road is a fine example of how roads can shape first impressions of a neighbourhood.

An aerial photograph of Victoria Road, taken in 2013, when the R&H grain silos were still part of the skyline Picture: Denis Scannell

 As a gateway to Blackrock, it sets the tone for what’s to follow: genteel period homes, set among generous greenery, in one of Cork city’s more moneyed suburbs.

Towards the city end of this notable group of late 19th century properties is Laurel Bank, one of a pair of three-storey semi-ds that showcases many of the qualities associated with Victorian design: generous hallways, 9 ft high ceilings, decorative plasterwork, original marble fireplaces, light-capturing bay windows.

Laurel Bank - in the same family ownership since the 1980s – has remained largely faithful to its Victorian ideals, albeit with a builder in the household, it was perhaps inevitable that some renovations would follow. As the size of the original kitchens in these tall homes paled in comparison to the gloriously proportioned main front reception rooms, most have been reworked for modern living. The renovations at Laurel Bank took place in 1990, with the addition of an “up-an-over" rear extension.

 It deepened the kitchen and created enough space overhead to add a home office and two bathrooms.

Although very well maintained, the 212 sq m house is fairly dated now and it’s highly likely that new owners will opt to knock the extension and replace it with a larger annex, designed to capture the light, which is particularly good to the rear of these homes, as the aspect is south west. The Irish Examiner has visited several other homes on this road in recent years and the scale of what’s possible is considerable, as the rear gardens run deep. One of those homes was No 3 Park Villas, renovated to the nth degree by an exacting owner, who extended the kitchen into a gorgeous, lightfilled space, where full-height Crittal-style glazing opens to a patio. That same house sold in 2024 for €1.3m to a Cork University Hospital consultant who came up to the city from Kinsale having sold his Sandycove home for a tidy sum to US billionaire James Berwind. He subsequently applied for, and was given, planning permission to build a single storey extension to the rear.

There’s other building activity imminent on Victoria Road. Site clearance is underway behind Parkhurst, the only detached home on the road, where a 0.85a site with planning consent for nine home sold above the €1.55m asking price in 2025. Westbrook Construction Ltd, whose directors are Seán and Cornelius O’Sullivan, are developing the niche scheme. 

Development site at Parkhurst, Victoria Road Cork, was sold by Sherry FitzGerald for above the €1.55m asking price in 2025. It has planning permission for nine homes. 

Given the desirability of the area and how close it is to the city centre, to the rejuvenating docklands and to Marina Park, you can just imagine the clamour.

For those who would prefer one of the original Victoria Road homes, Laurel Bank is on the market for €910,000. Apart from the ceiling heights and generous room proportions, the standout out feature is the interconnected living room and dining room.

 The former has a beautiful bay and original fireplace. 

Tailor-made for Victorian entertaining, double doors open from one room to the other. 

Behind them is a small family room, and beyond that, the kitchen. 

There’s also a cloakroom, boot room and guest WC. Bedrooms are spread over the top two floors, five in total.

 From the first floor, a trio of windows overlooks Victoria Road from the main, expansive bedroom. All bedrooms and bathrooms will need upgrades.

Having seen other gardens on the road, it’s safe to say a great deal more could be done with the rear of Laurel Bank, which is mainly paved.

 A garage at the far boundary could be used as a home office, says selling agent Stuart O’Grady of Sherry FitzGerald. The driveway out front can accommodate several cars.

Mr O’Grady started viewings this week, and early interest is from families trading up, along with some well-heeled, older first time buyers. “It’s mainly professionals working in town,” the agent says, adding that anyone who looked at Laurel Bank has a rear extension in mind.

The location, across the road from Kennedy Park and tasty Salt restaurant, is ideal for families whose kids go to school in the city.

VERDICT: Elegant home in a gentrified part of town, a five minute walk from City Hall, near lots of lifestyle attractions and exponentially improving public realm. Expect to invest in significant cosmetic upgrades. New kitchen and new bathrooms also on the cards.