Architectural ingenuity means this 120-year-old Magazine Road home is one of a kind

Modern elegance without losing the Edwardian charm of this university adjacent home

4 Fernhurst, Magazine Road, Cork

Magazine Rd. Cork
€545,000
Size	100.7 sq m (1084 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2
BER	B2

Fans of property renovation shows might well see some features here similar to those adding the wow factor to house overhauls on TV.

No 4 Fernhurst View, a Magazine Road three-bed end-of-terrace, has an internal courtyard and glass lightwell bringing natural light right into the centre of the house.

Built in the early 1900s, this home was extended and refurbished in 2007 — even some exterior details give clues that this is no typical property. To the front is a clean-looking wooden deck area with a graceful mature Japanese maple tree adding colour and some privacy.

Inside, the hall has engineered laminate walnut flooring leading to a solid walnut staircase and the same flooring extends into the living room creating a harmonious sightline which brings an understated, airy feel to the home.

“It’s a beautiful property, very nicely laid out — and different from your usual Magazine Rd house,” notes Johnny O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald.

A space-saving sliding pocket door connects the hall to the dual-aspect living room which has that interesting overhead glass lightwell bringing more light in.

This living room also links on to the kitchen which has a large sliding glass door opening onto the south-facing rear garden, as well as access to the central enclosed courtyard. The space includes both eye and floor level units, complemented by a large central island. All kitchen appliances — ceramic hob, oven, dishwasher, and fridge/freezer — are included. A concealed utility press houses the washing machine and dryer which are also included.

The house, which has zoned gas heating, was initially used as a family home by the owners who then let it out as a corporate rental for a few years. The rear garden was designed for low maintenance with a synthetic lawn but new owners may well opt for a return to nature.

Two of the three bedrooms upstairs are doubles and there’s Stira access to a fully floored loft.

Within walking distance of the Bon Secours hospital and UCC, this home is also handy for walks around the Lough and there are shopping options in Togher and Wilton nearby, as well as the city centre which is on a bus route and within walking/cycling distance.

VERDICT: It’s nice to see a bit of architectural flare meld with period character in a city home.