3 days ago
Couples will love St Luke's townhouse, a superbly renovated €325k gem
LUCKY for someone, No 13 Alexandra Villas is a pretty little townhouse whose 120-year-old fortunes were restored by the couple that bought it seven years ago.
They did all of the sensible stuff first: re-wiring, re-plumbing, installing a new gas fired central heating system, taking out old windows and doors and replacing them with double glazing, even installing underfloor electric heating in the bathroom.
Having worked wonders with improving basic comforts, they then set about infusing their home with style, character, and charm.
Their endeavours paid off as was clear from the enthusiasm of viewers that came to look on day one.
'The owners did a fabulous job, they put blood, sweat, and tears into it, and we had about a dozen people viewing on the first day. It's already under offer at €347,000,' says selling agent Seán McCarthy of ERA Downey McCarthy.
The downstairs layout is clever, with open plan living/dining. A large picture window through an open arch at the dining room end overlooks a pretty courtyard and lets in plenty of natural light.
The arch leads to a rear hallway which brings you past a strikingly tiled bathroom to the neat kitchen, with Spanish-style tiling.
Any fear of a dark, pokey rear is banished by the French doors that open from the kitchen into the tiny, decked courtyard, 'perfect for morning coffee', Mr McCarthy says.
Installed just this year, a lovely old stone wall rises up behind the courtyard, so it's totally enclosed and private.
Two double bedrooms upstairs are also tastefully decorated.
Tucked in towards the end of a small, quiet, rectangular cul-de-sac between Military Rd and Alexandra Rd, high above St Luke's Cross, Mr McCarthy says a young professional couple would love it, given Cork City centre is a short walk downhill, and St Luke's Cross, with its bustling social scene — Henchy's Bar/Live at St Lukes/two restaurants/a coffee shop — is five minutes down the road.
'It's a gorgeous home in a great location, and we are very busy with first-time buyers and with people already renting in the area who love it there and want to stay put,' the agent says. He's guiding the 74sq m, two-bed terraced home at €325,000.
VERDICT: A first-time buyer or downsizer gem
