19-06-2025
Pitch (and putt) perfect at sleek €825k Carrigrohane home
THE value of getting things right from the start will not be lost on house hunters who come to view this handsome home in Rocklodge, Carrigrohane by a popular pitch and putt club.
Rocklodge Pitch and Putt course is over the garden wall
It has the crisp finish of a new build, but the truth is it dates back to 2008. Built by Colm Desmond, and designed by the owners, their combined efforts laid the groundwork for lasting success. The desire for a home filled with light was the vision that guided them from the start.
'Light was our overwhelming consideration. Our previous house was dark, especially the entrance hall and stairs. Out here in Rocklodge, there's no better way to start the day than descending to the light-filled entrance hall,' the owners say.
Light-filled hallway
It's uplifting for sure. Natural light floods through soaring glass panels that frame the doorway and rise above it to the double-height ceiling where two skylights amplify the brightness.
The homeowners were ahead of the curve in prioritising energy efficiency before it became standard practice. The property has a B2 energy rating, helped by underfloor heating downstairs and a series of solar panels which help reduce the electricity bills, by supplying hot water. From the buyer's viewpoint, it makes them eligible for more advantageous green mortgage rates.
Bright landing
The quality of the property and the price point – guide is €825,000 — puts it at the upper end of the family home market.
Expansive rear lawn and patio area
Professionals are likely to dominate and the likelihood is it will attract medics as it's west of the city — the right side for anyone travelling into Cork University Hospital (CUH) campus in Wilton or the Bon Secours Hospital on College Road. It could also suit academics travelling to UCC or MTU, or high networth individuals working in tech in Dell EMC's nearby Ballincollig campus, or up in Apple on Hollyhill, reachable by car in about 10 minutes.
Linda O'Donovan of Bowe Property is the agent selling this five-bed, 254 sq m home, with detached garage and lots of storage. With viewings about to get underway, interest is mainly from families looking to trade up.
'Rocklodge is a desirable enclave that families trading up tend to seek out if they want to stay west of the city, but with good access to the western suburbs. It offers the best of both worlds – countryside living, and close-to-the-city convenience,' Ms O'Donovan says.
One of the reception rooms
The house itself has plenty to offer. Rooms are of generous proportions, ceilings are high, picture windows are plentiful. There's a touch of luxury to the kitchen with its sleek cabinetry and striking central island with quartz worktop.
Surrounded by garden and countryside views, it's open to the dining area which has direct access to the patio via French doors.
Off the kitchen is the family room, one of two deluxe reception rooms, of which the larger, with engineered hardwood floor, is to the front of the property.
One of two reception rooms
The owners say it's a tough choice to pick a favourite feature.
'It's a close call between the open plan nature of the kitchen dining and living area, or opening the curtain of the large window in the master bedroom with views over the valley and hills beyond,' they say.
They add that the beauty of the area 'was brought home during covid times' when they made the most of country walks and beautiful views.
They were blessed too to have one third of an acre of tastefully landscaped, mature, private gardens with lots of patio areas to choose from. 'It's the best of country living, yet 10 minutes from the city,' the owners say.
VERDICT: Upmarket family home with good access to transport links and schools, in Ballincollig and Cork city.
