Latest news with #LindaO'Donovan
Irish Examiner
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
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.
Irish Examiner
03-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Get an Old Head start at €450k traditional cottage in Kinsale with a large workshop
KINSALE is not known for its modest homes. Architectural statements glitter on the hills that rise above it. No-one bats an eyelid at the multi-million euro price tags slapped on properties you'd buy for half the price five miles out the road. In such a frothy market, it's kind of a comfort when something more affordable comes along. Take this winsome two-bed cottage in Dooneen Upper, on the Old Head, the antithesis of the Fancy Dan design triumphs Kinsale is renowned for. It's a home of warmth and character with exposed stone walls, deep sills, ceiling beams and a smattering of outbuildings, spread over half an acre. Sunroom at Dooneen The current owners did some research and believe it dates to the late 1800s/early 1900s. The Census shows it was home for three generations to a family known as Manning. They sold up in the late '80s, whereupon a friend of the vendor bought it. 'She did significant renovations, bringing it back to the original stone and worked from there. She added a sunroom too. By the time we bought it in May 2004, she'd done a huge amount of work,' the current owner says. The new owners turned their attention to the stone outbuildings where they made provision for guests by converting a portion of one building into a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit. Stone outbuildings Another section is used as a home office. There's storage space too. A lofty multi-purpose workshed is another fine space, used by the current owners to restore antique furniture. Lofty workshop It's a versatile unit that could work as an artist's studio or as a workshop for someone with a trade. It's a bright, airy, light-filled space with endless potential. Together, the house and outbuildings have a combined floor area of 139 sq m. 'We put a lot of effort into the outbuildings and the garden, which was more like a yard, full of stones, which we used to build little stone walls and raised beds,' the owner says. Planting includes wild grasses, flowering shrubs and hardy perennials, which thrive on the south-facing site. The main cottage slots comfortably into this setting and is fittingly rustic. The country kitchen includes handcrafted cabinetry, a butler sink, a durable Aga stove that still heats the water and a window overlooking the beautiful landscape — although glimpses of the Atlantic are limited to upstairs. New owners might flip the living quarters to create a better vantage point for sea views. Even if they chose not to, they can be by the sea in jig time: A three minute spin will get up to Dooneen Strand or Garryvoe/Garrylucas beaches. Five minutes by car will get you to Ballinspittle village, where the kids of the current owners went to school. Kinsale town is a seven minute drive away. Selling this sweet cottage is Linda O'Donovan of Bowe Property and she's seeing good interest from West Cork locals, as well as those looking to relocate to the coast, and from families downsizing. She says the traditional stone cottage is a 'real gem, with lots of original features, very private, tucked away from the main road, yet very close to Kinsale'. The guide price is €450,000. VERDICT: Authentic piece of real estate far from the madding crowd. Lots of options with outbuildings. Could continue as a permanent home, or become a coastal bolthole or holiday home rental.
