Green garden glory at €450k Skibbereen home

Cork Road, Skibbereen, Cork

Skibbereen, West Cork
€450,000
Size	138sq m (1,485sq ft)
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	1
BER	G

Motorists driving west along the Cork Rd towards Skibbereen town will be familiar with the distinctive landmark in the gardens of this detached bungalow.

A sturdy, stone-clad gazebo with fire-engine-red door and windows and Japanese Anemones nodding along its entrance occupies pride of place on the sloping front lawn. It was from this perch — where windows face north, south, east, and west — that the avid gardener of the house could best survey his handiwork.

With its rocking chairs and coffee table, it seems a much-loved spot, wired for listening to the radio or reading, or just watching the world go by after putting in the hard yards in the 0.79a garden, which is known around the town for its colourful, textured, and well-matured planting.

The bungalow is set further back from the main road and has been extended. Accommodation includes a hallway with terrazo floor, a kitchen/dining room, living room, family bathroom, and four generous double bedrooms. A loft offers further options.

Mark Kelly, of Hodnett Forde, is handling the sale of the 138sq m home and he notes its convenience to Skibbereen town centre (walkable), and its good condition, albeit it’s dated. It’s been empty for a few years, as the owner is deceased, so a buyer could enquire about a vacant property grant. What’s mainly called for is modernisation and probably the addition of another bathroom and some energy upgrades (it’s rated ‘G’). An integrated garage/workshop with double doors to the garden offers options, too.

Mr Kelly says families from the area are foremost among those viewing the house.

“It’s going to be a great family home again, with really good gardens for kids. We’re seeing lots of interest locally and also from a few parties thinking of relocating to West Cork.”

The agent says the €450,000 price is attractive, given the house and site size.

VERDICT: Solid home on generous grounds near the thriving market town of Skibbereen. Ideally positioned for enjoying the myriad attraciions of West Cork.Just over an hour’s drive from Cork City.