Answering the call of Youghal at €450k Clifton Terrace

Victorian home has killer sea views

3 Clifton Terrace, Lighthouse Road, Youghal

3 Clifton Terrace Youghal
€450,000
Size	129sq m (1,389sq ft)
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3
BER	E2

Members of An Garda Síochána have a strong association with this impressive row of villa-style homes on Youghal’s Lighthouse Road based on the knowledge of the current owners who bought No 3 Clifton Terrace on a May bank holiday 25 years ago.

Standing at a top floor window and looking out over a great expanse of bay, Elise Finn said she “had a moment” that convinced her the seaside town was the place to be. “I looked out at the stillness and beauty of the bay and knew we had to move here. It was no easy decision. We had jobs, family, a beautiful home in London. But the ‘Call of Youghal’ was strong,” the vendor says.

Her husband had a family connection with the Victorian terrace — his grandad, Garda Windle, lived at No 6 from 1952 until his death in 1974. Next door was Garda Fotterill and his family at No 5, while Garda Ruane lived with his family at No 3, the house featured here.

At the time Youghal had a large garda station — the coastal town was still an active port and gardaí had customs duties too — and the Lighthouse Road houses were rented by the members of the force.

The current owners relocated to Youghal two years after buying the property, but never actually lived there, such was the extent of renovations required.

These days, after years of rehabilitation, the three-storey four-bed home — now a well- established, popular B&B — is in great shape, updated for contemporary living while retaining the charm of a classic Victorian townhouse. Set on a height on Lighthouse Road, the views over the mouth of the River Blackwater and Youghal Bay are as good as you would expect and at their most enjoyable from the window seat of the middle-floor, seaward-facing lounge.

Externally, the property shares a large sun terrace with adjoining No 4. The pair are reached via a pedestrian slope, with parking along the main road. The terrace is across the road from Youghal Lighhouse where a new €325,000 viewing platform is due to be unveiled this month.

Selling agent Brian Gleeson of Brian Gleeson Property said there’s already interest from the American market in this characterful semi-d, just minutes from both Youghal town centre and its Blue Flag Front Strand, where the new Midleton to Youghal greenway terminates.

The guide price for the 129sq m home is €450,000.

VERDICT: Overseas buyer a high possibility given quality of property and its enviable location/superb views. Could also be a fabulous family home or weekend retreat.