Property 15-10-2011

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:14:14:40Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:1

Zone:XP1

Property 15.10.2011

XP1 - V1

& Interiors

Curves in all the right places Extended semi-d for sale has curves inside and out PLUS • FIRST TIME BUYERS GUIDE • STYLISH HOMES • GET THE LOOK • ANTIQUES • STEP BY STEP DIY Photo by Denis Scannell

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TERAPROOF:User:noelcampionDate:13/10/2011Time:13:52:02Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:2

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

PROPERTY

HOUSE WEEK OF THE

Tommy Barker reports

XP1 - V1

Pictures: Denis Scannell

Model Farm Road, Shanid For Sale by Auction €585,000 Auction (unless previously sold) 11am 26th Oct, Sherry FitzGerald, 6 Lapps Quay, Cork ����������� ��� ��� ��� ���� ����� ������ ��� ��� ������� ���� ���� ���� ����� �� ����� ������ ��� ����� ��������� � ���� � ������ � ������ ���� � �� ���� � ������� � ������ ����� � ���� ���� � ����� � � �������� � ��� � �� ��� �� ��� � ��� �� �� ������� Call Sheila O’Flynn on 086 2574948 /021 4937418 or Johnny O’ Flynn on 086 6015560 /021 4937411

Douglas Road

D

ESPITE all of its roof angles and brick, the maple, contrasting with bespoke display cabinets and front facade of Melrose really doesn’t do radiator covers in warm chestnut, with slender justice to what’s on offer in this new-tosycamore inlay. There’s a tall white stone fireplace, market offering on Cork’s Killumney Road, a with gas insert fire, and walls are painted in few miles west of the city and easily reached from it horizontal bands of muted colours. and the western suburbs.

There’s access from here to a large, added-on The interior of this big, early 1990s family home was sunroom to the back, primely placed for day-long fairly radically altered and expensively upgraded by sunshine, and it has two sets of French doors to the its owners in the mid-2000s after they’d lived in it for a sweep and swirls of sandstone patio and paving, with few years, and it has gravel beds, brick BBQ, water remained in pristine order feature and low, sweeping Location: Killumney, Cork since: it’s a walk up to, and sheltering walls which are a Price: €695,000 down into, job, thanks to hard-landscaping feature in three approach steps to the their own right -the sort of Size: 230 sq m (2,500 sq ft) light-hued hardwood front thing Diarmuid Gavin would Bedrooms: 4 door, and once inside, it is paint an indigo blue or an down a few porcelain tiled aubergine colour as BER rating: Pending steps to the main house’s architectural bravery. Here, Broadband: Yes quarters. it’s discrete. Beyond is It has been extended to the immaculate lawn, and a long Best asset: Superb interior side and to the back in recent side border in gravel to allow years, which has added great all-weather and gardening/ utility/study space plus a large sun room at ground mower access to a big metal shed. A covered side level, and overhead it has given a very big en-suite passage to the western side of the house allows for carbathroom to the main, rear and south-facing master port screening and rear garden access as well, and bedroom, with attractive ceiling shape. The main overall site is about three-quarters of an acre. bathroom is very large, with a branded Jacuzzi bath Back inside, the kitchen/dining room is the scenealmost lost in one end and with a power shower stealer, with units by upmarket Italian company tucked away by the entrance door.

Scavolini, with composite/quartz tops, high end But, good and all as the bedrooms are (and they are appliances (Smeg gas hob) and lots of storage, plus excellent, with Sliderobes/built-ins, access to eaves island, with its double-cream units finished in brushed attic storage, quality wood flooring and tiling etc) the steel. Off to one end is the big utility, with highplace this house really scores is at ground level. efficiency boiler (heating is zoned), and almost hidden It is all kept light and airy, with space for a piano off the kitchen via a quirky curving passage is a under the open-tread beech stairs, flooring in the huge family den/TV/playroom, and even further tucked (25’ by 16’) living room/dining room is immaculate away, a snug home office.

CONTENTS 4

TRADING UP Brick in front, and dash behind, No 2 Estuary View is good in between as well.

6

STARTER HOMES Turners Cross has apartments at €170,000 for two, or a house for €55,000.

8

FIRST TIME BUYERS Mortgage interest relief reductions for FTB’s could make buying a smart move

16 FEATURES The best in a small parcel — an architect/client pairing transforms a home

20 24 26 28 30

With its universally high standard of finish and specification inside and out, Melrose comes to market as a high-end trading up option with Sheila O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald, who guides it at €695,000 and who says the quality really has to be seen to appreciate.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

€535,000

€395,000

Glanmire

Amstel, Marble Hall Park ��������� ��������� ��������� �� ��������� ������ ��� �������� ������ ���� �������� �� � ������ ��������� �� ��� ���� ����������� ����������� ��� ��������� ���� �� ���������� ����� ����������� � ���� � �������������� ���� � ������ � ������ ���� � �� � ������� � � ���� � � �� ����� � ��������� ��� �� ������� �� �� ������� Call Ann O’ Mahony on 086 8055834 or 021 4937409

€450,000

Highgrove, Glencree, Brook Hill ��������� �������� ���� ���� �� � ����� ������� �� �������� �� ���� ���� ���� � � ����� � ���������� � ������ � ���� � ������ � � ���� � � ��� � ����� ��� �� ������� �� �� Call Michael O’Donovan 086 8205474 /021 4937407

VERDICT: The owners didn’t spare the bobs when they moved out for months to let the builders in, Melrose has had an unstinting upgrade, without unnecessary bling or bluster.

Rochestown

€320,000

61B Foxwood, Garryduff ����� ������� �� �� ������� � ������ � �������� �������� ���� ������� �� ��� ������ ������ �� ������� �� ��� �� ����� ���� �������� � ������ � ������ � ���� � ���������� � �� � � ���� � ��� � ���� Call Ann O’ Mahony on 086 8055834 /021 4937409

Wilton

€310,000

��� ���������� �������� ���� � ��������� �� ��� ������� � ��� �������� ��� ����� �� � ������ �������� ����� �� ���� ���� ��� � ��� ����� ���� ���� �������� ��� �� ������� �� �� ������� Call Sheila O’Flynn on 086 2574948 /021 427304�

Douglas

€265,000

32 Grange Erin, Grange ��� �� ������ �� �� ������� � ���������� ����������� � ��� ���� ���� ���� ������ ��� �� � ������� ������� ������������ ���� � ������� � ������ � ������ � � ���� � � ��� � ���� � ������� Call Ann O’ Mahony on 086 8055834 /021 4937409

Rochestown

€199,000

4 The Ferns, Foxwood, Garryduff � ����������� ������ � ��� ���� ���� ������� ��� ����� ������������ ����� � ���� � �������������� ���� � ������ ���� � �� � � ���� � � ���� �� �� ����� �� �� ������� Call Ann O’ Mahony on 086 8055834 /021 4937409

NEW HOMES SHOW HOMES OPEN THURSDAY 20TH OF OCTOBER 12 - 2PM OR BY APPOINTMENT INTERIORS DIY HOME ECONOMICS GARDENING ANTIQUES

PROPERTY EDITOR Tommy Barker, 021 4802221 property@examiner.ie INTERIORS EDITORIAL Sue O’Connor, 021 4802386 interiors@examiner.ie INTERIORS ADVERTISING Ger Duggan, 021 4802192 interiorads@examiner.ie PROPERTY ADVERTISING Marguerite Stafford, 021 4802100 marguerite.stafford@examiner.ie

2

Farran

An Radharc, Currahally ��� �� ������� �� �� ������� ������� �� �� ���������� �������� �� �� ���������� ���� �������� ���� ���� ��� ���� ���������� ����������� ����� ��� �� ���� ���� ������� ����������� ���� �� ����� ��� ���� ���� ����������� ���������� � ������� ���������� � ��� ���� � ������ � �������������� � ����� � ������ ���� � ���������� ���� � ����� � ����� ���� � � ���� �� ���� � ��������� ���� ������ ������� Call Norma Healy on 086 8525940 or 021 4937406

Thinking of buying?

Call Sherry FitzGerald New Homes ��� ��� ���� �� ����� ������������

Crosshaven

from €150,000

Brightwater, Drakes Point �� �� � � ��� �� � � ��� ���� ����� ����� ��������� � ��� ���� ��������� � ��� ���� �������� � ��������� � ��� ���� �������� � ��������� � ��� ��������� �������� � ��������� � ��� ��� ��������� Call Sherry FitzGerald Cork on 021 4273041

������ ����������� � ����� ����� ���� ���� ��� ��� ���� ������������ ���������

������� �����

from €225,000

Boreenmanna Road �� �� � � ��� �� � � ��� �������� ��������� � ��� ��������� ��������� ����� � ��� ���� ��������� � ��� ����� ���� ��������� � ��� �������� ��������� � ��� �������� ��������� Call Sherry FitzGerald Cork on 021 4273041

Clonmore

from €170,000

Mallow ��� �� � � ��� �� � � ��������� � ��� ���� ��������� � ��� ���� ���� �������� � ��������� � ��� �������� ��������� � ��� �������� ��������� Contact Mary O’Callaghan or John Singleton on 022 42651

follow us on ����������������������

���������������������������������

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

3

TERAPROOF:User:noelcampionDate:13/10/2011Time:13:52:02Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:2

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

PROPERTY

HOUSE WEEK OF THE

Tommy Barker reports

XP1 - V1

Pictures: Denis Scannell

Model Farm Road, Shanid For Sale by Auction €585,000 Auction (unless previously sold) 11am 26th Oct, Sherry FitzGerald, 6 Lapps Quay, Cork ����������� ��� ��� ��� ���� ����� ������ ��� ��� ������� ���� ���� ���� ����� �� ����� ������ ��� ����� ��������� � ���� � ������ � ������ ���� � �� ���� � ������� � ������ ����� � ���� ���� � ����� � � �������� � ��� � �� ��� �� ��� � ��� �� �� ������� Call Sheila O’Flynn on 086 2574948 /021 4937418 or Johnny O’ Flynn on 086 6015560 /021 4937411

Douglas Road

D

ESPITE all of its roof angles and brick, the maple, contrasting with bespoke display cabinets and front facade of Melrose really doesn’t do radiator covers in warm chestnut, with slender justice to what’s on offer in this new-tosycamore inlay. There’s a tall white stone fireplace, market offering on Cork’s Killumney Road, a with gas insert fire, and walls are painted in few miles west of the city and easily reached from it horizontal bands of muted colours. and the western suburbs.

There’s access from here to a large, added-on The interior of this big, early 1990s family home was sunroom to the back, primely placed for day-long fairly radically altered and expensively upgraded by sunshine, and it has two sets of French doors to the its owners in the mid-2000s after they’d lived in it for a sweep and swirls of sandstone patio and paving, with few years, and it has gravel beds, brick BBQ, water remained in pristine order feature and low, sweeping Location: Killumney, Cork since: it’s a walk up to, and sheltering walls which are a Price: €695,000 down into, job, thanks to hard-landscaping feature in three approach steps to the their own right -the sort of Size: 230 sq m (2,500 sq ft) light-hued hardwood front thing Diarmuid Gavin would Bedrooms: 4 door, and once inside, it is paint an indigo blue or an down a few porcelain tiled aubergine colour as BER rating: Pending steps to the main house’s architectural bravery. Here, Broadband: Yes quarters. it’s discrete. Beyond is It has been extended to the immaculate lawn, and a long Best asset: Superb interior side and to the back in recent side border in gravel to allow years, which has added great all-weather and gardening/ utility/study space plus a large sun room at ground mower access to a big metal shed. A covered side level, and overhead it has given a very big en-suite passage to the western side of the house allows for carbathroom to the main, rear and south-facing master port screening and rear garden access as well, and bedroom, with attractive ceiling shape. The main overall site is about three-quarters of an acre. bathroom is very large, with a branded Jacuzzi bath Back inside, the kitchen/dining room is the scenealmost lost in one end and with a power shower stealer, with units by upmarket Italian company tucked away by the entrance door.

Scavolini, with composite/quartz tops, high end But, good and all as the bedrooms are (and they are appliances (Smeg gas hob) and lots of storage, plus excellent, with Sliderobes/built-ins, access to eaves island, with its double-cream units finished in brushed attic storage, quality wood flooring and tiling etc) the steel. Off to one end is the big utility, with highplace this house really scores is at ground level. efficiency boiler (heating is zoned), and almost hidden It is all kept light and airy, with space for a piano off the kitchen via a quirky curving passage is a under the open-tread beech stairs, flooring in the huge family den/TV/playroom, and even further tucked (25’ by 16’) living room/dining room is immaculate away, a snug home office.

CONTENTS 4

TRADING UP Brick in front, and dash behind, No 2 Estuary View is good in between as well.

6

STARTER HOMES Turners Cross has apartments at €170,000 for two, or a house for €55,000.

8

FIRST TIME BUYERS Mortgage interest relief reductions for FTB’s could make buying a smart move

16 FEATURES The best in a small parcel — an architect/client pairing transforms a home

20 24 26 28 30

With its universally high standard of finish and specification inside and out, Melrose comes to market as a high-end trading up option with Sheila O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald, who guides it at €695,000 and who says the quality really has to be seen to appreciate.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

€535,000

€395,000

Glanmire

Amstel, Marble Hall Park ��������� ��������� ��������� �� ��������� ������ ��� �������� ������ ���� �������� �� � ������ ��������� �� ��� ���� ����������� ����������� ��� ��������� ���� �� ���������� ����� ����������� � ���� � �������������� ���� � ������ � ������ ���� � �� � ������� � � ���� � � �� ����� � ��������� ��� �� ������� �� �� ������� Call Ann O’ Mahony on 086 8055834 or 021 4937409

€450,000

Highgrove, Glencree, Brook Hill ��������� �������� ���� ���� �� � ����� ������� �� �������� �� ���� ���� ���� � � ����� � ���������� � ������ � ���� � ������ � � ���� � � ��� � ����� ��� �� ������� �� �� Call Michael O’Donovan 086 8205474 /021 4937407

VERDICT: The owners didn’t spare the bobs when they moved out for months to let the builders in, Melrose has had an unstinting upgrade, without unnecessary bling or bluster.

Rochestown

€320,000

61B Foxwood, Garryduff ����� ������� �� �� ������� � ������ � �������� �������� ���� ������� �� ��� ������ ������ �� ������� �� ��� �� ����� ���� �������� � ������ � ������ � ���� � ���������� � �� � � ���� � ��� � ���� Call Ann O’ Mahony on 086 8055834 /021 4937409

Wilton

€310,000

��� ���������� �������� ���� � ��������� �� ��� ������� � ��� �������� ��� ����� �� � ������ �������� ����� �� ���� ���� ��� � ��� ����� ���� ���� �������� ��� �� ������� �� �� ������� Call Sheila O’Flynn on 086 2574948 /021 427304�

Douglas

€265,000

32 Grange Erin, Grange ��� �� ������ �� �� ������� � ���������� ����������� � ��� ���� ���� ���� ������ ��� �� � ������� ������� ������������ ���� � ������� � ������ � ������ � � ���� � � ��� � ���� � ������� Call Ann O’ Mahony on 086 8055834 /021 4937409

Rochestown

€199,000

4 The Ferns, Foxwood, Garryduff � ����������� ������ � ��� ���� ���� ������� ��� ����� ������������ ����� � ���� � �������������� ���� � ������ ���� � �� � � ���� � � ���� �� �� ����� �� �� ������� Call Ann O’ Mahony on 086 8055834 /021 4937409

NEW HOMES SHOW HOMES OPEN THURSDAY 20TH OF OCTOBER 12 - 2PM OR BY APPOINTMENT INTERIORS DIY HOME ECONOMICS GARDENING ANTIQUES

PROPERTY EDITOR Tommy Barker, 021 4802221 property@examiner.ie INTERIORS EDITORIAL Sue O’Connor, 021 4802386 interiors@examiner.ie INTERIORS ADVERTISING Ger Duggan, 021 4802192 interiorads@examiner.ie PROPERTY ADVERTISING Marguerite Stafford, 021 4802100 marguerite.stafford@examiner.ie

2

Farran

An Radharc, Currahally ��� �� ������� �� �� ������� ������� �� �� ���������� �������� �� �� ���������� ���� �������� ���� ���� ��� ���� ���������� ����������� ����� ��� �� ���� ���� ������� ����������� ���� �� ����� ��� ���� ���� ����������� ���������� � ������� ���������� � ��� ���� � ������ � �������������� � ����� � ������ ���� � ���������� ���� � ����� � ����� ���� � � ���� �� ���� � ��������� ���� ������ ������� Call Norma Healy on 086 8525940 or 021 4937406

Thinking of buying?

Call Sherry FitzGerald New Homes ��� ��� ���� �� ����� ������������

Crosshaven

from €150,000

Brightwater, Drakes Point �� �� � � ��� �� � � ��� ���� ����� ����� ��������� � ��� ���� ��������� � ��� ���� �������� � ��������� � ��� ���� �������� � ��������� � ��� ��������� �������� � ��������� � ��� ��� ��������� Call Sherry FitzGerald Cork on 021 4273041

������ ����������� � ����� ����� ���� ���� ��� ��� ���� ������������ ���������

������� �����

from €225,000

Boreenmanna Road �� �� � � ��� �� � � ��� �������� ��������� � ��� ��������� ��������� ����� � ��� ���� ��������� � ��� ����� ���� ��������� � ��� �������� ��������� � ��� �������� ��������� Call Sherry FitzGerald Cork on 021 4273041

Clonmore

from €170,000

Mallow ��� �� � � ��� �� � � ��������� � ��� ���� ��������� � ��� ���� ���� �������� � ��������� � ��� �������� ��������� � ��� �������� ��������� Contact Mary O’Callaghan or John Singleton on 022 42651

follow us on ����������������������

���������������������������������

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

3

TERAPROOF:User:noelcampionDate:13/10/2011Time:14:04:28Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:4

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V2

XP1 - V2

PROPERTY

TRADING UP

POULADUFF ROAD, CORK €275,000 Sq m: 121 (1,300 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Bedrooms: 4 Broadband: Yes

EVEN excluding the very good attic/den room conversion, there are four bedrooms in the done-up, 1950s-vintage bungalow Iona, off the Pouladuff Road in Cork city.

The 1,300 sq ft family home is in Landscape Park, near the Harp Bar, according to estate agent Gary O’Donnell of ERA Downey McCarthy, and he’s guiding the suburban home in the well-regarded park at €275,000. Mr O’Donnell says it’s perfect for a family trading up, or buyers trading down who want a bungalow with everything on the one level.

But, that would be to overlook the amenity value of the attic level, a den with Velux windows fore and aft, and two TV and phone points — it’s a retreat room for the teens especially.

Back down at ground level, Iona has a 13’ by 12’ living room with bay window and cast iron fireplace, the kitchen/ dining room has oak units, and the upgraded main family bathroom has a new corner bath. The master bedroom, meanwhile has its own en suite with shower.

Iona’s site is fully walled in, front and back with a detached garage and the front garden has been concreted to give parking for up to four cars.

VERDICT: Because of the mature suburban setting, Iona has already come under good viewing interest.

LONG ISLAND, CORK €195,000 Sq m: 84 (900 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Bedrooms: 2 Broadband: Yes

ISLAND life can take its toll — but Long Island, in west Cork’s Roaringwater Bay opposite Schull, is an easy-reach option, in almost all weathers.

It’s just a five-minute boat spin from Colla Pier on the mainland, and this renovated 19th century home Harbour Cottage is one of the most accessible on the island as well.

It has just had a price reduction of €50,000, after not landing a buyer over the summer, and now agent Micheal Duggan of Sherry FitzGerald O’Neill says for the €195k guide the owner will also throw into the sales pot a 16’ Orkney Longliner boat with 15hp outboard, plus a Toyota Corolla, of c1990 vintage for island jaunts and hauling up coal and provisions from the nearby pier.

Harbour Cottage is on about a half acre, near a shingle beach with a road running to the island’s eastern point separating the grounds from the sea.

The upgraded house has a new roof, teak double glazing, solid fuel heating, terracotta tile floor, open hearth and lots of character, plus a half-door by the porch.

Work done includes a kitchen by Kilkenny-based craft joiner Clive Nunn.

VERDICT: At its reduced price guide, this is a justifiable option on an easilyaccessed island with a small year-round population.

MONTENOTTE, CORK €295,000 Sq m: 98 (1,050 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

Sq m: 225 (2,450 sq ft) BER rating: C2

Bedrooms: 4 Broadband: Yes

THE dormer home 2 The Estuary, off the Church Road in Carrigaline south Cork is going to be an attractive trading up-buy for local families. Detached, with nearly 2,500 sq ft of space, in a location within a stroll of the town, it has lots going for it, and the price at €395,000 mightn’t break the bank either.

New to market with Michael Piggott of Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan Daly, it’s the sort of package more often seen in a more rural setting, but its popular estate location means children can go out the door to friends’ houses, without the need for cars, commutes and pickups. If there’s a slight downside, its in the site size, fairly standard for an estate, certainly not comparable to your one-off in a further-flung location.

Having said that, the gardens are excellent, private, mature and wellutilised, with good al fresco dining area by the back boundary. Internally, there’s an Amtico-floored hall, 18’ by 13’ living room with bay window and cast iron open fireplace, a smaller family room, a sun room with solid roof, kitchen with island and dining room opening to a patio (one of two patios), plus utility and guest WC. No 2 has a ground floor bedroom, and three more bedrooms upstairs, one of which is en suite.

VERDICT: The vendor has done the work to make it a walk-in option.

VERDICT: Detached, well-located and well-kept, not bad at the price level.

IT doesn’t look it now, but this attractive Co Carlow stone and brick farmhouse was largely derelict back in 1998, before it was saved and rehabilitated.

Now standing on 0.8 of an acre at Springhill, by the foot of the Killeshin hills, it now has been done to such a level that it’s better than at anytime in its early heyday, says agent James McDermott of Sherry FitzGerald McDermott, based in nearby Carlow town.

The salvation work included adding a new kitchen and a sunroom, all kept sympathetic to the original character — right down to a cheery yellow half door.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

CARRIGALINE, CORK €395,000

IMPRESSING already on viewings, and getting calls from buyers looking to trade in from outer Cork to within walking distance of the city centre, is 4, Springfort, Montenotte.

On the market with Joe Gavin of James G Coughlan Associates, he says “it’s as good as new, the owner has spent tens of thousands of euros prior to putting it up for sale.”

So, the three-bed semi-d has a new kitchen, new main bathroom and en suite, new carpets, fresh creamy porcelain floor tiling in the hall and new pine kitchen and a full redecoration too and “it shows and feels like a new house,” notes its agent.

Dating to the 1990s, No 4 Springfort has an uncommon, but wholly useful feature, a solid sliding door separating its two ground level reception rooms, which draws back into one of the walls when not used as a partition. It means ever inch of each room’s ground space can be used.

No 4’s a box ticker too with off-street parking, south-facing walled-in back garden, gas heating and double glazing, the attic has just been re-insulated and once the lightbulbs are exchanged for low energy ones, and the immersion lagged, it should be on course for a ‘C’ BER rating, it is suggested.

KILLESHIN, CARLOW €285,000

4

��������� �������� ��������������

We scan a selection of trading up homes around the country

Sq m: 160 (1,712 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

Right now there are two reception rooms, one with solid fuel stove in a brick fireplace (there’s also oil central heating,) kitchen with pine units and tiled floor, utility, and it has been rewired, replumbed and insulated.

The grounds include a storage shed, and paddock.

VERDICT: Traditionally, Carlow attracted a lot of the good-lifers looking to get out of Dublin, and this home has much of the sort of charm that country-loving cohort should fall for.

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IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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PROPERTY

TRADING UP

POULADUFF ROAD, CORK €275,000 Sq m: 121 (1,300 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Bedrooms: 4 Broadband: Yes

EVEN excluding the very good attic/den room conversion, there are four bedrooms in the done-up, 1950s-vintage bungalow Iona, off the Pouladuff Road in Cork city.

The 1,300 sq ft family home is in Landscape Park, near the Harp Bar, according to estate agent Gary O’Donnell of ERA Downey McCarthy, and he’s guiding the suburban home in the well-regarded park at €275,000. Mr O’Donnell says it’s perfect for a family trading up, or buyers trading down who want a bungalow with everything on the one level.

But, that would be to overlook the amenity value of the attic level, a den with Velux windows fore and aft, and two TV and phone points — it’s a retreat room for the teens especially.

Back down at ground level, Iona has a 13’ by 12’ living room with bay window and cast iron fireplace, the kitchen/ dining room has oak units, and the upgraded main family bathroom has a new corner bath. The master bedroom, meanwhile has its own en suite with shower.

Iona’s site is fully walled in, front and back with a detached garage and the front garden has been concreted to give parking for up to four cars.

VERDICT: Because of the mature suburban setting, Iona has already come under good viewing interest.

LONG ISLAND, CORK €195,000 Sq m: 84 (900 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Bedrooms: 2 Broadband: Yes

ISLAND life can take its toll — but Long Island, in west Cork’s Roaringwater Bay opposite Schull, is an easy-reach option, in almost all weathers.

It’s just a five-minute boat spin from Colla Pier on the mainland, and this renovated 19th century home Harbour Cottage is one of the most accessible on the island as well.

It has just had a price reduction of €50,000, after not landing a buyer over the summer, and now agent Micheal Duggan of Sherry FitzGerald O’Neill says for the €195k guide the owner will also throw into the sales pot a 16’ Orkney Longliner boat with 15hp outboard, plus a Toyota Corolla, of c1990 vintage for island jaunts and hauling up coal and provisions from the nearby pier.

Harbour Cottage is on about a half acre, near a shingle beach with a road running to the island’s eastern point separating the grounds from the sea.

The upgraded house has a new roof, teak double glazing, solid fuel heating, terracotta tile floor, open hearth and lots of character, plus a half-door by the porch.

Work done includes a kitchen by Kilkenny-based craft joiner Clive Nunn.

VERDICT: At its reduced price guide, this is a justifiable option on an easilyaccessed island with a small year-round population.

MONTENOTTE, CORK €295,000 Sq m: 98 (1,050 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

Sq m: 225 (2,450 sq ft) BER rating: C2

Bedrooms: 4 Broadband: Yes

THE dormer home 2 The Estuary, off the Church Road in Carrigaline south Cork is going to be an attractive trading up-buy for local families. Detached, with nearly 2,500 sq ft of space, in a location within a stroll of the town, it has lots going for it, and the price at €395,000 mightn’t break the bank either.

New to market with Michael Piggott of Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan Daly, it’s the sort of package more often seen in a more rural setting, but its popular estate location means children can go out the door to friends’ houses, without the need for cars, commutes and pickups. If there’s a slight downside, its in the site size, fairly standard for an estate, certainly not comparable to your one-off in a further-flung location.

Having said that, the gardens are excellent, private, mature and wellutilised, with good al fresco dining area by the back boundary. Internally, there’s an Amtico-floored hall, 18’ by 13’ living room with bay window and cast iron open fireplace, a smaller family room, a sun room with solid roof, kitchen with island and dining room opening to a patio (one of two patios), plus utility and guest WC. No 2 has a ground floor bedroom, and three more bedrooms upstairs, one of which is en suite.

VERDICT: The vendor has done the work to make it a walk-in option.

VERDICT: Detached, well-located and well-kept, not bad at the price level.

IT doesn’t look it now, but this attractive Co Carlow stone and brick farmhouse was largely derelict back in 1998, before it was saved and rehabilitated.

Now standing on 0.8 of an acre at Springhill, by the foot of the Killeshin hills, it now has been done to such a level that it’s better than at anytime in its early heyday, says agent James McDermott of Sherry FitzGerald McDermott, based in nearby Carlow town.

The salvation work included adding a new kitchen and a sunroom, all kept sympathetic to the original character — right down to a cheery yellow half door.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

CARRIGALINE, CORK €395,000

IMPRESSING already on viewings, and getting calls from buyers looking to trade in from outer Cork to within walking distance of the city centre, is 4, Springfort, Montenotte.

On the market with Joe Gavin of James G Coughlan Associates, he says “it’s as good as new, the owner has spent tens of thousands of euros prior to putting it up for sale.”

So, the three-bed semi-d has a new kitchen, new main bathroom and en suite, new carpets, fresh creamy porcelain floor tiling in the hall and new pine kitchen and a full redecoration too and “it shows and feels like a new house,” notes its agent.

Dating to the 1990s, No 4 Springfort has an uncommon, but wholly useful feature, a solid sliding door separating its two ground level reception rooms, which draws back into one of the walls when not used as a partition. It means ever inch of each room’s ground space can be used.

No 4’s a box ticker too with off-street parking, south-facing walled-in back garden, gas heating and double glazing, the attic has just been re-insulated and once the lightbulbs are exchanged for low energy ones, and the immersion lagged, it should be on course for a ‘C’ BER rating, it is suggested.

KILLESHIN, CARLOW €285,000

4

��������� �������� ��������������

We scan a selection of trading up homes around the country

Sq m: 160 (1,712 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

Right now there are two reception rooms, one with solid fuel stove in a brick fireplace (there’s also oil central heating,) kitchen with pine units and tiled floor, utility, and it has been rewired, replumbed and insulated.

The grounds include a storage shed, and paddock.

VERDICT: Traditionally, Carlow attracted a lot of the good-lifers looking to get out of Dublin, and this home has much of the sort of charm that country-loving cohort should fall for.

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IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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STARTER HOMES TURNERS CROSS, CORK €55,000 Sq. m: 39 (425 sq ft) BER rating: Pending BIDDING to be one of the cheapest properties in the Cork city market is 2, Holyville, in old Turner’s Cross.

The tiny two-bed mid terraced house near the football stadium by Curragh Road is new to market with agents DNG Creedon, who describe it as “cosy” and with rental potential, plus it’s being sold fully furnished.

It has a ground floor living/dining room with fireplace, galley kitchen behind, and a WC beyond that again. Overhead are two single bedrooms.

Bedrooms: 2 Broadband: Yes

Semi-d cottage an oasis in the city It needs a bit of work, but this private bungalow has loads of potential. Tommy Barker reports

More spacious inside than the sq ft figure would suggest, writes Tommy Barker Location: Price: Size: Bedrooms: BER rating:

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

GREEN-fingers are in evidence at 13, Gweedore Park, in Cork’s city’s Mayfield suburb.

And, while all is cheery outside (especially in the sunny back garden) the end-terrace house’s other surprise is how much it manages to fit into its modest 810 sq ft internally.

At ground level, there’s a living room, kitchen, utility plus guest WC, and overhead are two double bedrooms, with built-ins, a single, and a main family bathroom as well — so pretty much all you’d find in a three-bed semi-d of over 1,000 sq ft, give or take an en suite.

Selling agent for No 13 is Michael O’Donovan of Sherry FitzGerald, who says it is in good condition,

with a south-facing back garden with decking, and lots of colour — though that’s probably waning a bit as October bites deeper.

Both the main bathroom and the kitchen have recently been modernised (kitchen units are Shaker maple) and the kitchen is to the front of the house, facing towards a green past the enclosing front hedging, the living room’s behind, and the garden access is via the utility.

VERDICT: No 13, Gweedore Park is near schools, shops and services. The city is not too far away either and its back garden is a surprising and welcome little oasis.

C

ALLED after a range of hills in Scotland’s Isle of Skye, The Cuillins in Cork is a three-bed semi-d cottage tucked away from the world outside by its fronting, high stone boundary

wall.

You’d nearly pass this pair of discrete houses unbeknownst, except for the solar panels put up on the roof on the other ‘half ’ of this pair a couple of years ago, when it got an upgrade after being put up for sale.

Location: Price: Size: Bedrooms: BER rating: Broadband: Best feature:

Boreenmanna, Cork €210,000 84 sq m (900 sq ft) 3 Pending Yes Location

CASTLETOWNROCHE, CORK €140,000

Location: Price: Size: Bedrooms: BER rating: Broadband:

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

AN energy consumption at least 40% below the standard new-build is the promise at the showhouse home for sale at 82, Mulla Vale, in Castletownroche.

No 82 is also fullyfurnished, says agent Matt Fallon of FML Properties, seeking €140,000 for the semidetached house with solar panels, wood-pellet boilers, loft air circulation/recovery, and high insulation levels too.

6

Sq. m: 84 (900 sq ft) BER rating: N/A

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

Now needing some work too is The Cuillins, new to market with agent Jeremy Murphy Associates, who guides the nicely old-fashioned property at €210,000.

It’s at the city end of the Boreenmanna Road, near the Glenanaar Bar (which has just advertised starting a day-long food trade, so any builders drafted in here won’t go hungry while on site) and you can easily walk to town in 10 minutes, or be on the city link road by car in less than a minute.

There’s a timber pedestrian gate and a set of double timber doors for car access to the south-facing suntrap front garden inside that screening wall, and there’s a compact back garden plus side garden space.

Internally, The Cuillins has a linked or open-plan living room/dining room, with solid fuel stove in situ, kitchen with old-fashioned units, bathroom and three bedrooms, the third a single size.

VERDICT: There’s a private charm to this bungalow, and further spending could make it a city oasis.

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON FRIDAY, 21st OCTOBER, 2011 AT 3pm IN THE PARISH HALL, INNISHANNON, CO. CORK.

VERDICT: A wellmaintained house with a nice back garden and sea views.

VERDICT: The specification even includes a walk-in

INNISHANNON, CO CORK €100,000 HURRY, not much time left before its auction...and you’d hardly get a site or planning in the hinterland at this sort of sum.

As part of an executor sale, this three-bed cottage on three-quarters of an acre at Killominogue is due an auction disposal on October 21 with a guide of €100,000 via agents Sherry FitzGerald Brennan Busteed.

A new dwelling was built on a portion of the original acre site, and now this single storey home (with outbuildings) needs fairly full refurbishment, or even replacement.

Mayfield, Cork €120,000 78 sq m (810 sq ft) 3 Pending

VERDICT: While it’s cheap, it is small — and it works out at about €125 per square foot.

REDUCED again in price is the three-bed semi with colourful back garden 8, Meadow Valley, by the Strand area of Youghal, in east Cork.

The three-bed, threebathroom house has a good level of finish, and it’s an affordable buy in a cul de sac of just 14 houses, say Noel Mackey Auctioneers.

Sq. m: 102 (1,090 sq ft) BER rating: A

PROPERTY

VERDICT On the Cork and Kinsale side of Innishannon, this could be a bit of a snip.

YOUGHAL, CORK €159,000 Sq. m: 111 (1,200 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Deceptive little terraced property with a garden hidden out back

XP1 - V2

Turners Cross, Cork €170,000 for two apartments Sq m 59 plus 68 3 plus 2 Pending Yes

Ideal self-contained apartments A perfect buy at €170,000, No 7 Evergreen has been totally rebuilt, Tommy Barker reports

wardrobe in the en suite master bedroom.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

CALLING sisters, brothers, parents buying for college-going children — and investors — No 7 Evergreen, in Cork’s Turner’s Cross, has got something to share around.

Refurbished a few years ago, in effect No 7 was totally rebuilt, and now is home to two self-contained apartments, with access to a private rear garden from the ground floor one.

Selling agent is the highly experienced Patricia Stokes, who has just recently joined Lisney’s Cork offices to head up their residential section. She seeks offers around €170,000 for the duo and “it could be

great buy for a couple of sisters, or other joint buyers, who want to be near one another in a very convenient setting near UCC and the city centre,” she observes of the single lot offering.

The ground floor unit has 730 sq ft, with two en suite bedrooms, plus a guest bathroom, and open kitchen/living area with brick feature wall overlooking the back garden.

Overhead, Unit 2 has 640 sq ft, yet manages to fit in three bedrooms, two of them en suite.

VERDICT: An easy to keep investment or joint buy.

CORK CITY €220,000 Sq m: 97.7 (1,045 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

No 9 Kings’ Square, Mitchelstown Co. Cork

KILLOMINOGUE, INNISHANNON, CO. CORK. Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

HOUSES in the cul de sac Cherry Court off Cork’s Boreenmanna Road don’t come up for sale to often — so curious house-hunters may have to be told it is opposite the entrance to Clanricarde Estate, by Glencoo Lawn, making it quiet, and within a stroll of the city centre.

With its gravelled back garden with mature boundaries, No 7 comes to market with agent Dan Howard of Dooley and Howard, who has it under offer below his €220,000 guide price.

In good order, it has two reception rooms and three bedrooms with one en suite.

VERDICT: So quiet, it seems off the beaten track, but it’s in the midst of suburban services.

(On the instruction of the administrator, in the estate of Patrick McCarthy Deceased.)

A single storey traditional style cottage, on c.3⁄4 acre and outbuildings.

Accommodation comprises of kitchenette, dining room, living room, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Although the dwelling requires complete refurbishment, it offers excellent potential, given its large and mature site, along with its location, on the Cork side of Innishannon, plus its proximity to Kinsale etc. A superb opportunity for anyone.

Solicitors with carriage of sale: Julie Gallwey, P.J. O’Driscolls, 41 South Main Street, Bandon.

Selling Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Brennan Busteed Bandon 023 8854444 Sherryfitz.ie / myhome.ie / daft.ie

Beautiful Georgian home dating from 1784 with an abundance of character and many of its original features incl. plaster cornicing, wide floorboards, shutters and picture rails.

Large walled-in south-facing well maintained garden and rear entrance. Overlooking a beautiful Georgian square with lawns and a central avenue of mature lime trees.

Acc: Ent., Din., Draw., Conserv., Pantry, Shower rm., Kit, Bath., 7 Beds.

Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan 2 The Waterside, Ash Quay, Fermoy - Tel: 025 32725 Mob: 086 1712700 IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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STARTER HOMES TURNERS CROSS, CORK €55,000 Sq. m: 39 (425 sq ft) BER rating: Pending BIDDING to be one of the cheapest properties in the Cork city market is 2, Holyville, in old Turner’s Cross.

The tiny two-bed mid terraced house near the football stadium by Curragh Road is new to market with agents DNG Creedon, who describe it as “cosy” and with rental potential, plus it’s being sold fully furnished.

It has a ground floor living/dining room with fireplace, galley kitchen behind, and a WC beyond that again. Overhead are two single bedrooms.

Bedrooms: 2 Broadband: Yes

Semi-d cottage an oasis in the city It needs a bit of work, but this private bungalow has loads of potential. Tommy Barker reports

More spacious inside than the sq ft figure would suggest, writes Tommy Barker Location: Price: Size: Bedrooms: BER rating:

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

GREEN-fingers are in evidence at 13, Gweedore Park, in Cork’s city’s Mayfield suburb.

And, while all is cheery outside (especially in the sunny back garden) the end-terrace house’s other surprise is how much it manages to fit into its modest 810 sq ft internally.

At ground level, there’s a living room, kitchen, utility plus guest WC, and overhead are two double bedrooms, with built-ins, a single, and a main family bathroom as well — so pretty much all you’d find in a three-bed semi-d of over 1,000 sq ft, give or take an en suite.

Selling agent for No 13 is Michael O’Donovan of Sherry FitzGerald, who says it is in good condition,

with a south-facing back garden with decking, and lots of colour — though that’s probably waning a bit as October bites deeper.

Both the main bathroom and the kitchen have recently been modernised (kitchen units are Shaker maple) and the kitchen is to the front of the house, facing towards a green past the enclosing front hedging, the living room’s behind, and the garden access is via the utility.

VERDICT: No 13, Gweedore Park is near schools, shops and services. The city is not too far away either and its back garden is a surprising and welcome little oasis.

C

ALLED after a range of hills in Scotland’s Isle of Skye, The Cuillins in Cork is a three-bed semi-d cottage tucked away from the world outside by its fronting, high stone boundary

wall.

You’d nearly pass this pair of discrete houses unbeknownst, except for the solar panels put up on the roof on the other ‘half ’ of this pair a couple of years ago, when it got an upgrade after being put up for sale.

Location: Price: Size: Bedrooms: BER rating: Broadband: Best feature:

Boreenmanna, Cork €210,000 84 sq m (900 sq ft) 3 Pending Yes Location

CASTLETOWNROCHE, CORK €140,000

Location: Price: Size: Bedrooms: BER rating: Broadband:

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

AN energy consumption at least 40% below the standard new-build is the promise at the showhouse home for sale at 82, Mulla Vale, in Castletownroche.

No 82 is also fullyfurnished, says agent Matt Fallon of FML Properties, seeking €140,000 for the semidetached house with solar panels, wood-pellet boilers, loft air circulation/recovery, and high insulation levels too.

6

Sq. m: 84 (900 sq ft) BER rating: N/A

Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

Now needing some work too is The Cuillins, new to market with agent Jeremy Murphy Associates, who guides the nicely old-fashioned property at €210,000.

It’s at the city end of the Boreenmanna Road, near the Glenanaar Bar (which has just advertised starting a day-long food trade, so any builders drafted in here won’t go hungry while on site) and you can easily walk to town in 10 minutes, or be on the city link road by car in less than a minute.

There’s a timber pedestrian gate and a set of double timber doors for car access to the south-facing suntrap front garden inside that screening wall, and there’s a compact back garden plus side garden space.

Internally, The Cuillins has a linked or open-plan living room/dining room, with solid fuel stove in situ, kitchen with old-fashioned units, bathroom and three bedrooms, the third a single size.

VERDICT: There’s a private charm to this bungalow, and further spending could make it a city oasis.

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON FRIDAY, 21st OCTOBER, 2011 AT 3pm IN THE PARISH HALL, INNISHANNON, CO. CORK.

VERDICT: A wellmaintained house with a nice back garden and sea views.

VERDICT: The specification even includes a walk-in

INNISHANNON, CO CORK €100,000 HURRY, not much time left before its auction...and you’d hardly get a site or planning in the hinterland at this sort of sum.

As part of an executor sale, this three-bed cottage on three-quarters of an acre at Killominogue is due an auction disposal on October 21 with a guide of €100,000 via agents Sherry FitzGerald Brennan Busteed.

A new dwelling was built on a portion of the original acre site, and now this single storey home (with outbuildings) needs fairly full refurbishment, or even replacement.

Mayfield, Cork €120,000 78 sq m (810 sq ft) 3 Pending

VERDICT: While it’s cheap, it is small — and it works out at about €125 per square foot.

REDUCED again in price is the three-bed semi with colourful back garden 8, Meadow Valley, by the Strand area of Youghal, in east Cork.

The three-bed, threebathroom house has a good level of finish, and it’s an affordable buy in a cul de sac of just 14 houses, say Noel Mackey Auctioneers.

Sq. m: 102 (1,090 sq ft) BER rating: A

PROPERTY

VERDICT On the Cork and Kinsale side of Innishannon, this could be a bit of a snip.

YOUGHAL, CORK €159,000 Sq. m: 111 (1,200 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

Deceptive little terraced property with a garden hidden out back

XP1 - V2

Turners Cross, Cork €170,000 for two apartments Sq m 59 plus 68 3 plus 2 Pending Yes

Ideal self-contained apartments A perfect buy at €170,000, No 7 Evergreen has been totally rebuilt, Tommy Barker reports

wardrobe in the en suite master bedroom.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

CALLING sisters, brothers, parents buying for college-going children — and investors — No 7 Evergreen, in Cork’s Turner’s Cross, has got something to share around.

Refurbished a few years ago, in effect No 7 was totally rebuilt, and now is home to two self-contained apartments, with access to a private rear garden from the ground floor one.

Selling agent is the highly experienced Patricia Stokes, who has just recently joined Lisney’s Cork offices to head up their residential section. She seeks offers around €170,000 for the duo and “it could be

great buy for a couple of sisters, or other joint buyers, who want to be near one another in a very convenient setting near UCC and the city centre,” she observes of the single lot offering.

The ground floor unit has 730 sq ft, with two en suite bedrooms, plus a guest bathroom, and open kitchen/living area with brick feature wall overlooking the back garden.

Overhead, Unit 2 has 640 sq ft, yet manages to fit in three bedrooms, two of them en suite.

VERDICT: An easy to keep investment or joint buy.

CORK CITY €220,000 Sq m: 97.7 (1,045 sq ft) BER rating: Pending

No 9 Kings’ Square, Mitchelstown Co. Cork

KILLOMINOGUE, INNISHANNON, CO. CORK. Bedrooms: 3 Broadband: Yes

HOUSES in the cul de sac Cherry Court off Cork’s Boreenmanna Road don’t come up for sale to often — so curious house-hunters may have to be told it is opposite the entrance to Clanricarde Estate, by Glencoo Lawn, making it quiet, and within a stroll of the city centre.

With its gravelled back garden with mature boundaries, No 7 comes to market with agent Dan Howard of Dooley and Howard, who has it under offer below his €220,000 guide price.

In good order, it has two reception rooms and three bedrooms with one en suite.

VERDICT: So quiet, it seems off the beaten track, but it’s in the midst of suburban services.

(On the instruction of the administrator, in the estate of Patrick McCarthy Deceased.)

A single storey traditional style cottage, on c.3⁄4 acre and outbuildings.

Accommodation comprises of kitchenette, dining room, living room, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Although the dwelling requires complete refurbishment, it offers excellent potential, given its large and mature site, along with its location, on the Cork side of Innishannon, plus its proximity to Kinsale etc. A superb opportunity for anyone.

Solicitors with carriage of sale: Julie Gallwey, P.J. O’Driscolls, 41 South Main Street, Bandon.

Selling Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Brennan Busteed Bandon 023 8854444 Sherryfitz.ie / myhome.ie / daft.ie

Beautiful Georgian home dating from 1784 with an abundance of character and many of its original features incl. plaster cornicing, wide floorboards, shutters and picture rails.

Large walled-in south-facing well maintained garden and rear entrance. Overlooking a beautiful Georgian square with lawns and a central avenue of mature lime trees.

Acc: Ent., Din., Draw., Conserv., Pantry, Shower rm., Kit, Bath., 7 Beds.

Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan 2 The Waterside, Ash Quay, Fermoy - Tel: 025 32725 Mob: 086 1712700 IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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FIRST TIME BUYERS — COMMERCIAL FEATURE

“Padua” 58 Wilton Gardens, Wilton, Cork.

A well located 3 bedroom residence in a mature residential estate overlooking an attractive green area. Wilton Gardens is an excellent location close to the city centre, UCC, CUH, Bons Secours and CIT Guide Price: €249,500 Solicitor: Mr. Val Turnbull, Barry Turnbull & Co., Washington Street West

St. Anthonys, Adamstown, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork.

A three bedroom detached bungalow in a most private location yet close to Bishopstown, Ballinhassig Village and the South Link Road.

Ideal for country living but with convenience on your doorstep.

Guide Price: €245,000 Solicitor: Catherine Coleman & Associates, 25 Main Street, Midleton.

Glanerought, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Loan approvals still going ahead

T

HE property market for today’s first-time buyer is a very different one compared to that of five years ago.

Then, there was no problem getting finance, but there was a problem getting a house for a reasonable price. Today, the dust finally appears to have settled on an era of madness: for the firsttime buyer, there is a wealth of choice out there in new and second-hand homes at prices representing the kind of value that will not be repeated in the future.

Paul Hawkesworth of Hawkesworth & Co Financial Services – a man who has been working in mortgage market for the best part of a decade – says that

8

although the lending criteria for banks have narrowed considerably, first-time buyers are still being approved regularly.

Apart from secure employment, the main criteria seem to be based around applicants showing an unfailing ability to make regular rental payments and/or savings deposits equivalent to or higher than proposed mortgages repayments. “You can still borrow up to 90-92% finance,” he says.

As ever, the issue of interest rates is crucial.

To the first-time buyer considering whether or not to make their first purchase, this question represents a particularly crucial factor determining whether or not they are going to make that step.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

"Apart from secure employment, the main criteria seem to be based around applicants showing an unfailing ability to make regular rental payments"

Interest Rates – Where to next?

DESPITE the increases that the ECB have exacted on us over the last year, the clear message coming from the markets is that a reduction is on the cards – possibly as early as December when new projections will be published – and that rates may even be cut further still over the coming year.

At his last meeting in charge in Berlin recently, Jean-Claude Trichet resisted the move to reduce rates, but this move appears to be an inevitable one to be announced in the near future by the incoming ECB president Mario Draghi, who takes over

the reins of the ECB on the 1st of November.

“It’s a hard call to make,” says Hawkesworth. “The rates seem very up and down at the moment. All the economists were predicting that interest rates were going to come down, but then the inflation figures came out and that seemed to put a stop on it. But there is certainly talk of an interest rate reduction in December, but not one as strong as had been predicted in late September.”

Joan Henry – Director of Research with property group Savills feels more certain of the reduction:

Please note that all properties are at varying Levels of completion from builders finish to “turnkey”and are being sold as is.

• 3 Bed semi - detached • 1038s.ft.

Price: €105,000 Solicitor: Ms Caroline Meaney.

PJ O’Driscoll & Son, 73 South Mall, Cork

“Interest rates aren’t going to go up any more.

The ECB are going to cut interest rates later in the year. It was probably a mistake, in hindsight, to put them up in the first place the way the banking situation has gone.”

The tendency so far has been for the Irish banks to keep their rates higher than they should normally be in order to try to cut their large losses. Now that their collective balance sheets

are regaining a healthy pallor, however, it would seem inevitable that they will at least hold their current rates over the next 12 months, if not actually follow through with reductions themselves: “Certainly if the ECB reduces interest rates, they (the Irish banks) will have to come under some sort of pressure to reduce their rates too,” says Hawkesworth.

“You’d be expecting the Irish banks not to increase interest rates and for the ECB to cut rates once, if not twice,” says Joan Henry.

Continued on page 10.

108, The Haven, Jacobs Island, Mahon, Cork.

69 The Manor, Clandullane, Fermoy, Co. Cork

A spacious three bedroom detached home. Located only seven minutes from the town of Fermoy. The property is being sold to “Builders Finish”level allowing its purchasers to put their own decorative stamp on the property.

Price: €115,000 Solicitor: Ms Caroline Meaney, PJ O’Driscoll & Sons, 73 South Mall, Cork.

Glanerought, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Please note that all properties are at varying Levels of completion from builders finish to “turnkey”and are being sold as is.

• 3 Bedroom townhouse • 1355s.ft.

Price: €120,000 Solicitor: Ms Caroline Meaney.

PJ O’Driscoll & Son, 73 South Mall, Cork

Ag en S u t on 2 – n. Oc site 4p t 16 thi s m

FIRST TIME BUYERS

Inish Orga, Curryclogh, Bandon, Co. Cork.

Joint Agent A spacious two bed ground floor apartment in this well established development. Fully Furnished. Car Parking available.

Guide Price: €165,000 Solicitor: Ms. Elaine O Driscoll, PJ O’Driscoll & Son, 73 South Mall, Cork.

88 South Mall, Cork, Ireland.

A selection of 4 bedroom detached, 3/4bedroom semi detached and 3/4bedroom town houses conveniently located near Bandon town centre and only 20mnutes drive from Cork city centre.

Prices Starting From: €140,000 Solicitor: Mr John Sheehan, JW O’Donovan Solicitors, 53 South Mall, Cork. tel: 021 4277717

fax: 021 4274820

16 Fernwood Crescent, Togher, Cork.

A well proportioned three bedroom semi detached home with commanding views over the city. Situated in a most convenient location in close proximity to CUH, Wilton and a host of schools, shops and all major road networks.

Guide Price: €160,000 Solicitor: Mr Richard Irwin, Irwin Kilcullen, 56 Grand Parade, Cork.

“Cuil-irra” 6 Woodlands, Coolflugh, Tower, Blarney.

A well proportioned 4 bed detached bungalow (2300s.ft) situated in a small cul de sac close to all amenities. With mature gardens and views onto Muskerry Golf Club. Private site of approx: 1/3acre.

Guide Price: €220,000 Solicitor: Ms. Helen Bourke, HV O’Donoghue, 8 South Mall, Cork.

Glanerought, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Please note that all properties are at varying Levels of completion from builders finish to “turnkey”and are being sold as is.

• 2 Bedroom Apartment • 761s.ft.

Price: €80,000 Solicitor: Ms Caroline Meaney.

PJ O’Driscoll & Son, 73 South Mall, Cork

Ag en S u t on 2 – n. Oc site 4p t 16 thi s m

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Ag en S u t on 2 – n. Oc site 4p t 16 thi s m

TERAPROOF:User:timmyherlihyDate:13/10/2011Time:12:16:26Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:8

Glen Imail, Victoria Cross, Cork

A well located semi detached residence in close proximity to Cork city centre, CUH and UCC. The house is in need of complete refurbishment having suffered from flooding in January 2010. This house has great potential Guide Price: €160,000 Solicitor: Daly Derham Donnelly, 1A Washington Street, Cork.

email: information@cdacork.com IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

9

Zone:XP1

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FIRST TIME BUYERS — COMMERCIAL FEATURE

“Padua” 58 Wilton Gardens, Wilton, Cork.

A well located 3 bedroom residence in a mature residential estate overlooking an attractive green area. Wilton Gardens is an excellent location close to the city centre, UCC, CUH, Bons Secours and CIT Guide Price: €249,500 Solicitor: Mr. Val Turnbull, Barry Turnbull & Co., Washington Street West

St. Anthonys, Adamstown, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork.

A three bedroom detached bungalow in a most private location yet close to Bishopstown, Ballinhassig Village and the South Link Road.

Ideal for country living but with convenience on your doorstep.

Guide Price: €245,000 Solicitor: Catherine Coleman & Associates, 25 Main Street, Midleton.

Glanerought, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Loan approvals still going ahead

T

HE property market for today’s first-time buyer is a very different one compared to that of five years ago.

Then, there was no problem getting finance, but there was a problem getting a house for a reasonable price. Today, the dust finally appears to have settled on an era of madness: for the firsttime buyer, there is a wealth of choice out there in new and second-hand homes at prices representing the kind of value that will not be repeated in the future.

Paul Hawkesworth of Hawkesworth & Co Financial Services – a man who has been working in mortgage market for the best part of a decade – says that

8

although the lending criteria for banks have narrowed considerably, first-time buyers are still being approved regularly.

Apart from secure employment, the main criteria seem to be based around applicants showing an unfailing ability to make regular rental payments and/or savings deposits equivalent to or higher than proposed mortgages repayments. “You can still borrow up to 90-92% finance,” he says.

As ever, the issue of interest rates is crucial.

To the first-time buyer considering whether or not to make their first purchase, this question represents a particularly crucial factor determining whether or not they are going to make that step.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

"Apart from secure employment, the main criteria seem to be based around applicants showing an unfailing ability to make regular rental payments"

Interest Rates – Where to next?

DESPITE the increases that the ECB have exacted on us over the last year, the clear message coming from the markets is that a reduction is on the cards – possibly as early as December when new projections will be published – and that rates may even be cut further still over the coming year.

At his last meeting in charge in Berlin recently, Jean-Claude Trichet resisted the move to reduce rates, but this move appears to be an inevitable one to be announced in the near future by the incoming ECB president Mario Draghi, who takes over

the reins of the ECB on the 1st of November.

“It’s a hard call to make,” says Hawkesworth. “The rates seem very up and down at the moment. All the economists were predicting that interest rates were going to come down, but then the inflation figures came out and that seemed to put a stop on it. But there is certainly talk of an interest rate reduction in December, but not one as strong as had been predicted in late September.”

Joan Henry – Director of Research with property group Savills feels more certain of the reduction:

Please note that all properties are at varying Levels of completion from builders finish to “turnkey”and are being sold as is.

• 3 Bed semi - detached • 1038s.ft.

Price: €105,000 Solicitor: Ms Caroline Meaney.

PJ O’Driscoll & Son, 73 South Mall, Cork

“Interest rates aren’t going to go up any more.

The ECB are going to cut interest rates later in the year. It was probably a mistake, in hindsight, to put them up in the first place the way the banking situation has gone.”

The tendency so far has been for the Irish banks to keep their rates higher than they should normally be in order to try to cut their large losses. Now that their collective balance sheets

are regaining a healthy pallor, however, it would seem inevitable that they will at least hold their current rates over the next 12 months, if not actually follow through with reductions themselves: “Certainly if the ECB reduces interest rates, they (the Irish banks) will have to come under some sort of pressure to reduce their rates too,” says Hawkesworth.

“You’d be expecting the Irish banks not to increase interest rates and for the ECB to cut rates once, if not twice,” says Joan Henry.

Continued on page 10.

108, The Haven, Jacobs Island, Mahon, Cork.

69 The Manor, Clandullane, Fermoy, Co. Cork

A spacious three bedroom detached home. Located only seven minutes from the town of Fermoy. The property is being sold to “Builders Finish”level allowing its purchasers to put their own decorative stamp on the property.

Price: €115,000 Solicitor: Ms Caroline Meaney, PJ O’Driscoll & Sons, 73 South Mall, Cork.

Glanerought, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Please note that all properties are at varying Levels of completion from builders finish to “turnkey”and are being sold as is.

• 3 Bedroom townhouse • 1355s.ft.

Price: €120,000 Solicitor: Ms Caroline Meaney.

PJ O’Driscoll & Son, 73 South Mall, Cork

Ag en S u t on 2 – n. Oc site 4p t 16 thi s m

FIRST TIME BUYERS

Inish Orga, Curryclogh, Bandon, Co. Cork.

Joint Agent A spacious two bed ground floor apartment in this well established development. Fully Furnished. Car Parking available.

Guide Price: €165,000 Solicitor: Ms. Elaine O Driscoll, PJ O’Driscoll & Son, 73 South Mall, Cork.

88 South Mall, Cork, Ireland.

A selection of 4 bedroom detached, 3/4bedroom semi detached and 3/4bedroom town houses conveniently located near Bandon town centre and only 20mnutes drive from Cork city centre.

Prices Starting From: €140,000 Solicitor: Mr John Sheehan, JW O’Donovan Solicitors, 53 South Mall, Cork. tel: 021 4277717

fax: 021 4274820

16 Fernwood Crescent, Togher, Cork.

A well proportioned three bedroom semi detached home with commanding views over the city. Situated in a most convenient location in close proximity to CUH, Wilton and a host of schools, shops and all major road networks.

Guide Price: €160,000 Solicitor: Mr Richard Irwin, Irwin Kilcullen, 56 Grand Parade, Cork.

“Cuil-irra” 6 Woodlands, Coolflugh, Tower, Blarney.

A well proportioned 4 bed detached bungalow (2300s.ft) situated in a small cul de sac close to all amenities. With mature gardens and views onto Muskerry Golf Club. Private site of approx: 1/3acre.

Guide Price: €220,000 Solicitor: Ms. Helen Bourke, HV O’Donoghue, 8 South Mall, Cork.

Glanerought, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Please note that all properties are at varying Levels of completion from builders finish to “turnkey”and are being sold as is.

• 2 Bedroom Apartment • 761s.ft.

Price: €80,000 Solicitor: Ms Caroline Meaney.

PJ O’Driscoll & Son, 73 South Mall, Cork

Ag en S u t on 2 – n. Oc site 4p t 16 thi s m

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Ag en S u t on 2 – n. Oc site 4p t 16 thi s m

TERAPROOF:User:timmyherlihyDate:13/10/2011Time:12:16:26Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:8

Glen Imail, Victoria Cross, Cork

A well located semi detached residence in close proximity to Cork city centre, CUH and UCC. The house is in need of complete refurbishment having suffered from flooding in January 2010. This house has great potential Guide Price: €160,000 Solicitor: Daly Derham Donnelly, 1A Washington Street, Cork.

email: information@cdacork.com IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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FIRST TIME BUYERS — COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MORTGAGEINTERESTRELIEF The rate of mortgage interest relief available to first time buyers is 25% in year 1 & 2. 22.5% in years 3, 4 & 5 & 20% for years 6 & 7. This is capped at a maximum interest of €10,000 for a single applicant or €20,000 for a joint applicant. This is provided the mortgage is drawn before the end of this year.

For example: A couple taking out a mortgage of €300,000 on a variable rate of 3.95%. Interest in year 1 = €11,850. (€300,000 x 3.95% = €11,850) €11,850 x 25% = €2962.50. (maximum allowance for year 1) €2962.50 ÷ 12 = €246.87 (amount due to the applicant in mortgage interest relief each month) From the 1st of January 2012 to the 31st of December 2012 any first time buyers taking out a mortgage will be entitled to mortgage interest relief at a reduced rate of 15%.

This is only applicable on the first €3,000 for single applicants or €6,000 for joint applicants.

For example: A couple taking out a mortgage of €300,000 on a variable rate of 3.95%. Interest in year 1 = €11,850. (€300,000 x 3.95% = €11,850) This is now capped at a maximum of €6,000. €6,000 by 15% = €900. (maximum allowance for year 1) €900 ÷ 12 = €75 (amount due to the applicant in mortgage interest relief each month) Mortgages taken out after the 31st of December 2012 will not qualify for mortgage interest relief.

Mortgage interest relief will be completely abolished at the end of 2017.

Information compiled by Hawkesworth & Co. Financial Services

FIRST TIME BUYERS — COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Perfect time to buy

P

urchasing in today’s market does present a lot of good value.

The statistics are showing average values of properties are still decreasing ever so slightly and not in all property types or in all areas. Overall, house prices are officially down about 50% from their peak values in 2007.

This translates into fully-finished recentlybuilt semi-detached homes in good city locations in Cork, for example, being available at exceptional value in

anyone’s language.

At the same time, rental values are holding and even increasing in the case of quality stock in convenient locations.

Simply put, under current market conditions, it makes more economic sense than ever to move from renting to owning your own home;

whether or not the values of your property increase or decrease, there is still an economic imperative to move from renting to purchasing.

“From what I can see, people seem to be realising that there is a bit of value there in the market at the moment,” says Hawkesworth.

“Prices have come back significantly and if you’re in a situation where you’re renting as opposed to buying, given the value that’s out there at the moment, you’re buying at a similar level to paying rent.”

You know a good deal when you see it, that’s Bridgefield, Curraheen As the Property market continues to correct itself, most people are undecided about when it’s all going to bottom out, and at which point prices will stabilise and perhaps, start to move up again.

This even confounds the property professionals, but there is a point where you can now actually purchase a house, at a price that you could not even build it for. This is the point, where it makes perfect

sense to purchase, and Bridgefield in Curraheen, offers a choice of two different house types, both 3 bedroom homes, where both offer good value for money, regardless of the current and ongoing

unpredictable nature of the property market.

AT €219,000, which is well below the industry ‘replacement cost’ benchmark, Bridgefield is hard to beat.

Time running out for MIR

By 2017, mortgage interest relief in Ireland will be a thing of the past

W

HICH brings us also to the question of Mortgage Interest Relief. There appears to be a certain degree of confusion out there in the market place about this. People aren’t sure if it’s still in operation, whether or not the IMF told us to get rid of it or whether it remains unchanged.

The good news is that Mortgage Interest Relief is still with us. The more unfortunate news is that it won’t be for much longer: As things stand, 25% of interest paid into a home loan is given back to you in income tax relief (a figure which decreases on a sliding scale over the next seven years). From the end of this year, however, this figure drops to 15% and then disappears altogether at the end of

2012. Combined with a drastic reduction in maximum level of interest relief allowed (from a maximum cap of €20,000/year down to €6,000/year for joint applicants), the net effect of drawing down a

mortgage before January 1st 2012 and after it is a sharp fall in the level of interest relief allowed.

Taking the example of a mortgage of €300,000 taken out by a couple at a rate of 3.95%, their interest relief nose-dives

from €246.67/month to €75/month. Mortgages taken out after the 31st of December 2012 will not qualify for any interest relief and, by 2017, mortgage interest relief in Ireland will be a thing of the past.

FIRSTTIMEBUYERS Excellent opportunity for first time buyers to purchase in Forest Hill, Carrigaline Due to its continued success, Astra Construction now has only 6 starter homes remaining in stock.

These consist of 2 & 3 bed houses and range in price from €145,000 to €205,000. Buying a home for €145,000 in this attractive development is incredible value especially when you consider the high specification and quality finishes involved. This is truly a unique offer, too good to miss out on!! Work continues at a steady pace on site and they are currently building new larger 3 Bedroom semis, approximately 1,250 sq ft, selling at €235,000, with booking

deposits already paid on three of these. There is also a new 4 bedroom semi, 1,450 sq ft, coming on stream shortly, priced at €265,000. They also have a range of 4 & 5 Bed detached homes available.

Whether you are in the market for a starter home or a larger family home, Forest Hill has definitely got a lot to offer and you are sure to find something to meet your needs. It is situated in an ideal location to take advantage of all the amenities that Carrigaline has to offer while being in close proximity to Cork City, Douglas, Ringaskiddy, Kinsale and Cork airport.

��� ���

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NEW SHOWHOUSE OPEN this Sunday 3pm to 5pm ����� ����������������������������� ��� ������� ���� � � ��������� �����������

10

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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TERAPROOF:User:timmyherlihyDate:13/10/2011Time:12:18:46Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:10

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

XP1 - V1

FIRST TIME BUYERS — COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MORTGAGEINTERESTRELIEF The rate of mortgage interest relief available to first time buyers is 25% in year 1 & 2. 22.5% in years 3, 4 & 5 & 20% for years 6 & 7. This is capped at a maximum interest of €10,000 for a single applicant or €20,000 for a joint applicant. This is provided the mortgage is drawn before the end of this year.

For example: A couple taking out a mortgage of €300,000 on a variable rate of 3.95%. Interest in year 1 = €11,850. (€300,000 x 3.95% = €11,850) €11,850 x 25% = €2962.50. (maximum allowance for year 1) €2962.50 ÷ 12 = €246.87 (amount due to the applicant in mortgage interest relief each month) From the 1st of January 2012 to the 31st of December 2012 any first time buyers taking out a mortgage will be entitled to mortgage interest relief at a reduced rate of 15%.

This is only applicable on the first €3,000 for single applicants or €6,000 for joint applicants.

For example: A couple taking out a mortgage of €300,000 on a variable rate of 3.95%. Interest in year 1 = €11,850. (€300,000 x 3.95% = €11,850) This is now capped at a maximum of €6,000. €6,000 by 15% = €900. (maximum allowance for year 1) €900 ÷ 12 = €75 (amount due to the applicant in mortgage interest relief each month) Mortgages taken out after the 31st of December 2012 will not qualify for mortgage interest relief.

Mortgage interest relief will be completely abolished at the end of 2017.

Information compiled by Hawkesworth & Co. Financial Services

FIRST TIME BUYERS — COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Perfect time to buy

P

urchasing in today’s market does present a lot of good value.

The statistics are showing average values of properties are still decreasing ever so slightly and not in all property types or in all areas. Overall, house prices are officially down about 50% from their peak values in 2007.

This translates into fully-finished recentlybuilt semi-detached homes in good city locations in Cork, for example, being available at exceptional value in

anyone’s language.

At the same time, rental values are holding and even increasing in the case of quality stock in convenient locations.

Simply put, under current market conditions, it makes more economic sense than ever to move from renting to owning your own home;

whether or not the values of your property increase or decrease, there is still an economic imperative to move from renting to purchasing.

“From what I can see, people seem to be realising that there is a bit of value there in the market at the moment,” says Hawkesworth.

“Prices have come back significantly and if you’re in a situation where you’re renting as opposed to buying, given the value that’s out there at the moment, you’re buying at a similar level to paying rent.”

You know a good deal when you see it, that’s Bridgefield, Curraheen As the Property market continues to correct itself, most people are undecided about when it’s all going to bottom out, and at which point prices will stabilise and perhaps, start to move up again.

This even confounds the property professionals, but there is a point where you can now actually purchase a house, at a price that you could not even build it for. This is the point, where it makes perfect

sense to purchase, and Bridgefield in Curraheen, offers a choice of two different house types, both 3 bedroom homes, where both offer good value for money, regardless of the current and ongoing

unpredictable nature of the property market.

AT €219,000, which is well below the industry ‘replacement cost’ benchmark, Bridgefield is hard to beat.

Time running out for MIR

By 2017, mortgage interest relief in Ireland will be a thing of the past

W

HICH brings us also to the question of Mortgage Interest Relief. There appears to be a certain degree of confusion out there in the market place about this. People aren’t sure if it’s still in operation, whether or not the IMF told us to get rid of it or whether it remains unchanged.

The good news is that Mortgage Interest Relief is still with us. The more unfortunate news is that it won’t be for much longer: As things stand, 25% of interest paid into a home loan is given back to you in income tax relief (a figure which decreases on a sliding scale over the next seven years). From the end of this year, however, this figure drops to 15% and then disappears altogether at the end of

2012. Combined with a drastic reduction in maximum level of interest relief allowed (from a maximum cap of €20,000/year down to €6,000/year for joint applicants), the net effect of drawing down a

mortgage before January 1st 2012 and after it is a sharp fall in the level of interest relief allowed.

Taking the example of a mortgage of €300,000 taken out by a couple at a rate of 3.95%, their interest relief nose-dives

from €246.67/month to €75/month. Mortgages taken out after the 31st of December 2012 will not qualify for any interest relief and, by 2017, mortgage interest relief in Ireland will be a thing of the past.

FIRSTTIMEBUYERS Excellent opportunity for first time buyers to purchase in Forest Hill, Carrigaline Due to its continued success, Astra Construction now has only 6 starter homes remaining in stock.

These consist of 2 & 3 bed houses and range in price from €145,000 to €205,000. Buying a home for €145,000 in this attractive development is incredible value especially when you consider the high specification and quality finishes involved. This is truly a unique offer, too good to miss out on!! Work continues at a steady pace on site and they are currently building new larger 3 Bedroom semis, approximately 1,250 sq ft, selling at €235,000, with booking

deposits already paid on three of these. There is also a new 4 bedroom semi, 1,450 sq ft, coming on stream shortly, priced at €265,000. They also have a range of 4 & 5 Bed detached homes available.

Whether you are in the market for a starter home or a larger family home, Forest Hill has definitely got a lot to offer and you are sure to find something to meet your needs. It is situated in an ideal location to take advantage of all the amenities that Carrigaline has to offer while being in close proximity to Cork City, Douglas, Ringaskiddy, Kinsale and Cork airport.

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NEW SHOWHOUSE OPEN this Sunday 3pm to 5pm ����� ����������������������������� ��� ������� ���� � � ��������� �����������

10

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

11

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:12:24:54Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:12

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

PROPERTY

First impressions make all the difference to buyers Home Staging boss Carmel Downing says a little interior investment will bring a big return when you sell your property, Tommy Barker reports

XP1 - V1

Comfort personified Park House is a reincarnation of the original 4,000 sq ft Kanturk country home, writes Tommy Barker

PROPERTY

Pictures: Denis Scannell

An example of a before and after shot to help sell your home. Right, Carmel Downey of Village Interiors of St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas, Cork.

H

OUSE hunters can make up their mind on whether or not a property is a ‘runner’ for them within the first 30 seconds of visiting it: first impressions can not only make or break a sale, they can make a difference of thousands or euro by getting a swift deal done.

Flying the flag for the benefits of ‘Home Staging’ is interior designer Carmel Downey who did dozens of show houses for Munster builders and developers during the boom, and now is bringing that expertise down to individual house sellers too.

“Isn’t it better to spend €100 making the right impression than reducing your asking price by €1,000, or

spending €1,000 to get an extra €5,000 in a sale?” says the long-experienced designer, and owner of the Mills Village Interiors in Douglas, Cork, who adds the key is setting to a ‘universal appeal’ that vendors often are immune to, or too close to their own property to appreciate “Home Staging isn’t papering over the cracks to hide the problems, it’s making it good to go’ for new owners and showing it at its best. If we were going out socially to find a mate you’d put effort into your appearance; it’s the same with homes. As the saying goes ‘Fine Feathers Make Fine Birds!’ With our houses we want to present our lifestyle with style and show off the

Ideal Way we’d like to live.”!

She reckons we do it when entertaining at home, setting a scene with candles, and mood setting “even if

by Monday we’re dropping the towels ont the floor, grabbing a slice of toast and running out the door.”

And, she has a clear point when it comes to setting up houses for sale: this supplement featured two houses earlier this summer not knowing she’d staged them for the vendors, and they brightened up these pages here, leapfrogging over other editorial worthies on the basis of looks alone.

Both found favour subsequently with viewers, and one in Bishopstown is

already sold via Sherry FitzGerald.

“With building at a standstill, property presentation is more important than ever before. Back in the boom, builders competed for buyers, now private sellers have to compete, and they need that extra edge,” Carmel Downey argues.

Her new business, Smarten Up, gives a range of options, from a call-out consultation and survey listing recommendations to One Day Turn Around, and on to organising teams of decorators, furniture rental and storage is also on the menu of options, and Carmel finds buyers often want to buy the staged house, as presented, bidding on furniture as well.

Tasmanian Angelo Hiras has had to reverse thinking for Irish market

O

BER energy assessor Angelo Hiras can help improve home’s rating. Tommy Barker reports

A

RCHITECT and BER energy assessor Angelo Hiras had to turn his professional training on its head when he came to Ireland — here, we want to keep the heat in, while in his Australian birthplace, efforts generally go into cooling homes and buildings.

Born in Tasmania, of Greek extraction, and now married to an Irishwoman, Hiras first worked in Ireland during the boom 2001 to 2003, went back to Australia for five years and returned to a very different Ireland in 2008: “The timing could not seem worse at the time. I remember being on the way to Ireland, and seeing the news highlights of ‘Lehman Brothers crash’ and ‘Irish bank guarantees’ been made...... I clearly recall wondering, ‘what have we just done?” he says.

However, keen to put down roots here, Angelo capitalised on his experience of sustainable and ecological design, having worked on projects with acclaimed Dublin architect John Dorman, and with the highly regarded John Morehead in Cork, the latter being

12

involved in several ‘passive energy’ house designs.

While with John Morehead, Angelo oversaw the regeneration of dozens of houses in the Knocknaheeny/Block D regeneration project with Cork City Council and O’Sheas Builders, bringing the older social housing stock up to date and standard, improving BER energy ratings from Gs to B3s, making a 70% saving in energy costs. The Knocknaheeny project was an excellent training ground, even if a bit different from some of his 200308 jobs back in Australia for the likes of Emporio Armani and the Sofitel Hotel group.

Combining his architectural training and energy efficiency skills, Angelo Hiras set up Berarch in 2008, marking himself out from other trained BER assessors by virtue of his architectural background and his experience of how individual homes perform (see www.berarch.com).

He uses that in his energy assessments for clients, helping to improve prospective ratings from lowly Fs and Gs to Bs (he’s so far

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

brought his own 1980s family home in Cork from a E2 to a B2 rating, and is still improving it) adding improving creature comforts, and slashing energy bills and carbon emissions in the process. “I’ve also had clients approach me with their new-build homes seeking advice on insulation, heating, solar, glazing, construction techniques etc,” Hiras adds, and his energy audits then can be used to maximise available SEAI grants for retrofitting. ” I always laugh to myself that the fact that coming from Down Under you have to reverse your thinking regarding house construction and performance, such as insulating your walls and roof to keep the heat in rather than out, controlling air flow into your house, rather than wanting cool air to blow through or closing the curtains/blinds and windows in the evening to keep the house warm, rather than closing them in the morning to stop the sun and heat getting in, as well as insulating and sealing your floor, rather than raising it off the ground so that air can circulate underneath to keep the house cool,” Hiras remarks.

Angelo Hiras....

NCE bitten twice shy — and that’s why Park Park House Mark 11 has kept faith, and some House should be safe as houses when it comes architectural salvage, with its predecessor, so the hall to fire precautions, alarms and security. This is graced by a reinstated Georgian internal fanlight, pretty opulent 4,000 sq ft north Cork home on the stairs is a faithful recreation of the original and 20 acres is a faithful reincarnation of the original three of the fireplaces are salvaged from the original period dwelling on this footprint — which was 1830 Park House. blighted by an unfortunate fire a decade ago.

Park House viewers will find quite an opulent home, But, thanks to comprehensive insurance (and it is on the sensible side of individual, with the requisite understood the owner subsequently had a recent range in the country kitchen, formal dining room, successful legal action against the makers of an ceilings have ornate cornicing, and the main electrical appliance) Park livingroom (one of House is back better probably three wood-floored Location: Kanturk, Cork than first time around, reception rooms) is 31’ Price: €810,000 mixing modern comforts and by 16’ with a sandstone exemplary build standards fireplace.

Size: 375 sq m (4,000 sq ft) with old-house feel, Park House’s master Bedrooms: 4 proportions and mature bedroom suite is large, surrounds. the run of one side of BER rating: Pending The current owner, lawyer the house, some 16’ and writer Gerard O’Keeffe, wide (with balcony Broadband: Yes had lived in the original since outside one window) Best feature: Space and Grace 1973, and enjoyed the encompassing a ‘improved’ recreated version dressing room and since the mid-2000s. He’s now trading down from this bathroom, with sauna/shower. edge-of-Kanturk country home a mile from the golf Two other bedrooms are also en suite, and there’s club, with five stables, outbuildings, and a guest an optional fourth bedrooms/library off the building now needing doing up. The extensive grounds landing. are in orchard, pasture, woods and parkland, dotted Selling agents Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan says with sculpture and surprises, while the main house is “Park House represents an unbeatable opportunity to comfort personified, down to an outdoor hot tub, and own a large magnificent family home,” but adds there an indoor sauna, as well as a first floor library, or may also be commercial/country house opportunity. optional bedroom four.

Estate agent Michael O’Donovan of Sherry VERDICT: Well built, and comfortably finished, Park FitzGerald O’Donovan in Mallow guides Park House at House yet has the attributes of period living, with €810,000, noting it had previously been bid well over none of he maintenance and upkeep worries. Twenty €1 million three years ago when briefly and initially acres is a real boon for those in search of space, on the market. too.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

13

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:12:24:54Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:12

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

PROPERTY

First impressions make all the difference to buyers Home Staging boss Carmel Downing says a little interior investment will bring a big return when you sell your property, Tommy Barker reports

XP1 - V1

Comfort personified Park House is a reincarnation of the original 4,000 sq ft Kanturk country home, writes Tommy Barker

PROPERTY

Pictures: Denis Scannell

An example of a before and after shot to help sell your home. Right, Carmel Downey of Village Interiors of St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas, Cork.

H

OUSE hunters can make up their mind on whether or not a property is a ‘runner’ for them within the first 30 seconds of visiting it: first impressions can not only make or break a sale, they can make a difference of thousands or euro by getting a swift deal done.

Flying the flag for the benefits of ‘Home Staging’ is interior designer Carmel Downey who did dozens of show houses for Munster builders and developers during the boom, and now is bringing that expertise down to individual house sellers too.

“Isn’t it better to spend €100 making the right impression than reducing your asking price by €1,000, or

spending €1,000 to get an extra €5,000 in a sale?” says the long-experienced designer, and owner of the Mills Village Interiors in Douglas, Cork, who adds the key is setting to a ‘universal appeal’ that vendors often are immune to, or too close to their own property to appreciate “Home Staging isn’t papering over the cracks to hide the problems, it’s making it good to go’ for new owners and showing it at its best. If we were going out socially to find a mate you’d put effort into your appearance; it’s the same with homes. As the saying goes ‘Fine Feathers Make Fine Birds!’ With our houses we want to present our lifestyle with style and show off the

Ideal Way we’d like to live.”!

She reckons we do it when entertaining at home, setting a scene with candles, and mood setting “even if

by Monday we’re dropping the towels ont the floor, grabbing a slice of toast and running out the door.”

And, she has a clear point when it comes to setting up houses for sale: this supplement featured two houses earlier this summer not knowing she’d staged them for the vendors, and they brightened up these pages here, leapfrogging over other editorial worthies on the basis of looks alone.

Both found favour subsequently with viewers, and one in Bishopstown is

already sold via Sherry FitzGerald.

“With building at a standstill, property presentation is more important than ever before. Back in the boom, builders competed for buyers, now private sellers have to compete, and they need that extra edge,” Carmel Downey argues.

Her new business, Smarten Up, gives a range of options, from a call-out consultation and survey listing recommendations to One Day Turn Around, and on to organising teams of decorators, furniture rental and storage is also on the menu of options, and Carmel finds buyers often want to buy the staged house, as presented, bidding on furniture as well.

Tasmanian Angelo Hiras has had to reverse thinking for Irish market

O

BER energy assessor Angelo Hiras can help improve home’s rating. Tommy Barker reports

A

RCHITECT and BER energy assessor Angelo Hiras had to turn his professional training on its head when he came to Ireland — here, we want to keep the heat in, while in his Australian birthplace, efforts generally go into cooling homes and buildings.

Born in Tasmania, of Greek extraction, and now married to an Irishwoman, Hiras first worked in Ireland during the boom 2001 to 2003, went back to Australia for five years and returned to a very different Ireland in 2008: “The timing could not seem worse at the time. I remember being on the way to Ireland, and seeing the news highlights of ‘Lehman Brothers crash’ and ‘Irish bank guarantees’ been made...... I clearly recall wondering, ‘what have we just done?” he says.

However, keen to put down roots here, Angelo capitalised on his experience of sustainable and ecological design, having worked on projects with acclaimed Dublin architect John Dorman, and with the highly regarded John Morehead in Cork, the latter being

12

involved in several ‘passive energy’ house designs.

While with John Morehead, Angelo oversaw the regeneration of dozens of houses in the Knocknaheeny/Block D regeneration project with Cork City Council and O’Sheas Builders, bringing the older social housing stock up to date and standard, improving BER energy ratings from Gs to B3s, making a 70% saving in energy costs. The Knocknaheeny project was an excellent training ground, even if a bit different from some of his 200308 jobs back in Australia for the likes of Emporio Armani and the Sofitel Hotel group.

Combining his architectural training and energy efficiency skills, Angelo Hiras set up Berarch in 2008, marking himself out from other trained BER assessors by virtue of his architectural background and his experience of how individual homes perform (see www.berarch.com).

He uses that in his energy assessments for clients, helping to improve prospective ratings from lowly Fs and Gs to Bs (he’s so far

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

brought his own 1980s family home in Cork from a E2 to a B2 rating, and is still improving it) adding improving creature comforts, and slashing energy bills and carbon emissions in the process. “I’ve also had clients approach me with their new-build homes seeking advice on insulation, heating, solar, glazing, construction techniques etc,” Hiras adds, and his energy audits then can be used to maximise available SEAI grants for retrofitting. ” I always laugh to myself that the fact that coming from Down Under you have to reverse your thinking regarding house construction and performance, such as insulating your walls and roof to keep the heat in rather than out, controlling air flow into your house, rather than wanting cool air to blow through or closing the curtains/blinds and windows in the evening to keep the house warm, rather than closing them in the morning to stop the sun and heat getting in, as well as insulating and sealing your floor, rather than raising it off the ground so that air can circulate underneath to keep the house cool,” Hiras remarks.

Angelo Hiras....

NCE bitten twice shy — and that’s why Park Park House Mark 11 has kept faith, and some House should be safe as houses when it comes architectural salvage, with its predecessor, so the hall to fire precautions, alarms and security. This is graced by a reinstated Georgian internal fanlight, pretty opulent 4,000 sq ft north Cork home on the stairs is a faithful recreation of the original and 20 acres is a faithful reincarnation of the original three of the fireplaces are salvaged from the original period dwelling on this footprint — which was 1830 Park House. blighted by an unfortunate fire a decade ago.

Park House viewers will find quite an opulent home, But, thanks to comprehensive insurance (and it is on the sensible side of individual, with the requisite understood the owner subsequently had a recent range in the country kitchen, formal dining room, successful legal action against the makers of an ceilings have ornate cornicing, and the main electrical appliance) Park livingroom (one of House is back better probably three wood-floored Location: Kanturk, Cork than first time around, reception rooms) is 31’ Price: €810,000 mixing modern comforts and by 16’ with a sandstone exemplary build standards fireplace.

Size: 375 sq m (4,000 sq ft) with old-house feel, Park House’s master Bedrooms: 4 proportions and mature bedroom suite is large, surrounds. the run of one side of BER rating: Pending The current owner, lawyer the house, some 16’ and writer Gerard O’Keeffe, wide (with balcony Broadband: Yes had lived in the original since outside one window) Best feature: Space and Grace 1973, and enjoyed the encompassing a ‘improved’ recreated version dressing room and since the mid-2000s. He’s now trading down from this bathroom, with sauna/shower. edge-of-Kanturk country home a mile from the golf Two other bedrooms are also en suite, and there’s club, with five stables, outbuildings, and a guest an optional fourth bedrooms/library off the building now needing doing up. The extensive grounds landing. are in orchard, pasture, woods and parkland, dotted Selling agents Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan says with sculpture and surprises, while the main house is “Park House represents an unbeatable opportunity to comfort personified, down to an outdoor hot tub, and own a large magnificent family home,” but adds there an indoor sauna, as well as a first floor library, or may also be commercial/country house opportunity. optional bedroom four.

Estate agent Michael O’Donovan of Sherry VERDICT: Well built, and comfortably finished, Park FitzGerald O’Donovan in Mallow guides Park House at House yet has the attributes of period living, with €810,000, noting it had previously been bid well over none of he maintenance and upkeep worries. Twenty €1 million three years ago when briefly and initially acres is a real boon for those in search of space, on the market. too.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

13

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:13:25:31Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:14

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PROPERTY

PROPERTY

Contemporary, clever and complete

Location: Price: Size: Bedrooms: BER rating: Best feature:

Douglas, Cork €425,000 164 sq m (1,750 sq ft) 3/4 Pending Style and location

Super accessible location and innovative ideas make Cabo de Vela a perfect purchase, Tommy Barker reports

T

HERE’S hardly a square foot of this early 1900s suburban semi-d that didn’t get altered or upgraded in some way when its owners decided on a major makeover four years ago.

Now that they’ve emigrated to Canada, and it comes up for sale, their innovation and ideas are finding early favour with home hunters who want something contemporary, clever — and complete.

The fact it is in a superaccessible location is, of course, a bonus.

Sharing a name with a famous beach beauty spot in Colombia, South America, Cabo de Vela’s Cork cousin is on the main Douglas Road, a few doors away from the Cross Douglas Road: this setting allows it both front and rear access, with car-parking options and a discrete rear entrance via a cul-desac behind Elegance Florists.

One of five similar homes in this stretch it’s pretty in front, and is even well above average for its front facade, with mellow red brick and dash, and an arched entrance porch with cut limestone trim: easy on the eye. It’s nicely enhanced by sympathetic new glazing, done by Rationel in painted timber frames, and the front walls have been drylined, whilst all other external walls are now new, and highly insulated.

From the front door in, the whole house has been re-worked, to the client’s wish-list, and drawn by Ballycotton-based architect John A McCarthy, supported by engineer Ray Keane. Sensibly a side/garage extension/replacement was the first obvious add-on, and then it seems like the back half of the house was opened up, and contemporised. And how.

It was pushed right back to create a super-sized family room, cradled by a gently curved, heavily glazed external back wall, embracing the kitchen/dining area, all flooded with light. The curve is matched also by a kitchen-screen wall in dark blue, suggesting the outline also of the crescent-shaped island with swisher-tap/hob worktop units, with stainless steel top above curved oiled olive-wood units- all very individual, bespoke, faux- commercial kitchen, and yes, it works. The owners give full credit to Pat O’Sullivan of House of Coolmore for the work and

14

Pictures: Denis Scannell attention to detail, as working with a curve could have driven some carpenters around the bend.

The floor is painted concrete, keeping with the industrial/ commercial theme, heating at ground level is mostly underfloor, and off behind the blue curved wall is a utility/pantry, and highefficiency gas boiler to one side, and a hot-press on the other, home to a huge hot water tank to absorb all those free calories of heated water from the roof-mounted solar panels.

The sheer impression of spaciousness in this back section is pretty impressive, and light floods in thanks to a roof light in the flatroof protrusion, as well as from the glazed door, from a tall side window, and from a three-metre wide pivoting door/window, made

by Wicklow Joinery in Arklow; it’s a contemporary insert which makes the decking outside so accessible for parties and other fine day inclusions.

Kitchen appliances are mostly from Miele, and the tiered-oven arrangement in the feature blue back wall is topped by a steam over, and tailed at the bottom by a warming oven. Back by the pantry/utility there’s a fairly impressive double fridge/freezer, stainless steel, with Liebherr stamped on it, again keeping with the industrial look.

Linking back between the

But, the big bedroom surprise is when you look up: the owners went straight up to the roof apex here for added height

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

kitchen and the side/garage conversion (with a door to each room) is a large guest WC, with disabled-access/wet room shower, and so this side room can make for a guest/fourth bedroom. Bathroom finishes and tiling are top notch, at both ground and upper levels, and bathrooms are tanked for waterproofed peace of mind.

Also here at ground level is a welcoming hall, with stained/ walnut parquet flooring and inlay, while the front reception room with its open cast iron fireplace and bay window is probably the house’s most traditional space, coved ceilings, small chandelier, duck-egg blue walls and dark-stain floorboards. Brightened up with paint, meanwhile, is the main stairs, with painted treads, and overhead are three bedrooms and main bathroom — in a distinctive configuration.

Most unusual is the master bedroom, now extended across the house’s full width in front, with dressing room and lots of shelved/ hanging storage in the space where a small bedroom might have been.

But, the big bedroom surprise is when you look up: the owners went straight up to the roof apex for added height and volume, managing to get in a mezzanine level over half of the room, reached by way of a spiral stairs. Factor in things like neat alcoves by the bed space, the decent bay window, the plush carpeting and the attention to detail in lighting, sockets and switches (kept consistently high in quality terms), and there’s a definite pampering air to this main bedroom, backed up by a quality en suite with wet-room style walk-in shower, with both wall-mounted and overhead rain-forest type shower heads.

The main family bathroom has separate shower and oval bath, and the two bedrooms behind have quality painted teak sash windows, overlooking the parapet/flat roof extension and skylight.

Now decades old, Cabo de Velo was bought by its owners in 2000, and done up top to bottom and front to back in 2008. It is new to market with auctioneer Dennis Guerin of Frank V Murphy Associates, and he guides it at €430,000.

VERDICT: The owners thought outside the box, and maximised the location, the site and the basic house itself for a dream home.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

15

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:13:25:31Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:14

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V2

XP1 - V2

PROPERTY

PROPERTY

Contemporary, clever and complete

Location: Price: Size: Bedrooms: BER rating: Best feature:

Douglas, Cork €425,000 164 sq m (1,750 sq ft) 3/4 Pending Style and location

Super accessible location and innovative ideas make Cabo de Vela a perfect purchase, Tommy Barker reports

T

HERE’S hardly a square foot of this early 1900s suburban semi-d that didn’t get altered or upgraded in some way when its owners decided on a major makeover four years ago.

Now that they’ve emigrated to Canada, and it comes up for sale, their innovation and ideas are finding early favour with home hunters who want something contemporary, clever — and complete.

The fact it is in a superaccessible location is, of course, a bonus.

Sharing a name with a famous beach beauty spot in Colombia, South America, Cabo de Vela’s Cork cousin is on the main Douglas Road, a few doors away from the Cross Douglas Road: this setting allows it both front and rear access, with car-parking options and a discrete rear entrance via a cul-desac behind Elegance Florists.

One of five similar homes in this stretch it’s pretty in front, and is even well above average for its front facade, with mellow red brick and dash, and an arched entrance porch with cut limestone trim: easy on the eye. It’s nicely enhanced by sympathetic new glazing, done by Rationel in painted timber frames, and the front walls have been drylined, whilst all other external walls are now new, and highly insulated.

From the front door in, the whole house has been re-worked, to the client’s wish-list, and drawn by Ballycotton-based architect John A McCarthy, supported by engineer Ray Keane. Sensibly a side/garage extension/replacement was the first obvious add-on, and then it seems like the back half of the house was opened up, and contemporised. And how.

It was pushed right back to create a super-sized family room, cradled by a gently curved, heavily glazed external back wall, embracing the kitchen/dining area, all flooded with light. The curve is matched also by a kitchen-screen wall in dark blue, suggesting the outline also of the crescent-shaped island with swisher-tap/hob worktop units, with stainless steel top above curved oiled olive-wood units- all very individual, bespoke, faux- commercial kitchen, and yes, it works. The owners give full credit to Pat O’Sullivan of House of Coolmore for the work and

14

Pictures: Denis Scannell attention to detail, as working with a curve could have driven some carpenters around the bend.

The floor is painted concrete, keeping with the industrial/ commercial theme, heating at ground level is mostly underfloor, and off behind the blue curved wall is a utility/pantry, and highefficiency gas boiler to one side, and a hot-press on the other, home to a huge hot water tank to absorb all those free calories of heated water from the roof-mounted solar panels.

The sheer impression of spaciousness in this back section is pretty impressive, and light floods in thanks to a roof light in the flatroof protrusion, as well as from the glazed door, from a tall side window, and from a three-metre wide pivoting door/window, made

by Wicklow Joinery in Arklow; it’s a contemporary insert which makes the decking outside so accessible for parties and other fine day inclusions.

Kitchen appliances are mostly from Miele, and the tiered-oven arrangement in the feature blue back wall is topped by a steam over, and tailed at the bottom by a warming oven. Back by the pantry/utility there’s a fairly impressive double fridge/freezer, stainless steel, with Liebherr stamped on it, again keeping with the industrial look.

Linking back between the

But, the big bedroom surprise is when you look up: the owners went straight up to the roof apex here for added height

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

kitchen and the side/garage conversion (with a door to each room) is a large guest WC, with disabled-access/wet room shower, and so this side room can make for a guest/fourth bedroom. Bathroom finishes and tiling are top notch, at both ground and upper levels, and bathrooms are tanked for waterproofed peace of mind.

Also here at ground level is a welcoming hall, with stained/ walnut parquet flooring and inlay, while the front reception room with its open cast iron fireplace and bay window is probably the house’s most traditional space, coved ceilings, small chandelier, duck-egg blue walls and dark-stain floorboards. Brightened up with paint, meanwhile, is the main stairs, with painted treads, and overhead are three bedrooms and main bathroom — in a distinctive configuration.

Most unusual is the master bedroom, now extended across the house’s full width in front, with dressing room and lots of shelved/ hanging storage in the space where a small bedroom might have been.

But, the big bedroom surprise is when you look up: the owners went straight up to the roof apex for added height and volume, managing to get in a mezzanine level over half of the room, reached by way of a spiral stairs. Factor in things like neat alcoves by the bed space, the decent bay window, the plush carpeting and the attention to detail in lighting, sockets and switches (kept consistently high in quality terms), and there’s a definite pampering air to this main bedroom, backed up by a quality en suite with wet-room style walk-in shower, with both wall-mounted and overhead rain-forest type shower heads.

The main family bathroom has separate shower and oval bath, and the two bedrooms behind have quality painted teak sash windows, overlooking the parapet/flat roof extension and skylight.

Now decades old, Cabo de Velo was bought by its owners in 2000, and done up top to bottom and front to back in 2008. It is new to market with auctioneer Dennis Guerin of Frank V Murphy Associates, and he guides it at €430,000.

VERDICT: The owners thought outside the box, and maximised the location, the site and the basic house itself for a dream home.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Downsizing not a problem in this city oasis A dazzling renovation and extension make this artisan cottage in an old part of Cork city a real work of art, writes Rose Martin

T

HERE’S something about going back to basics — downsizing to a little two-up, twodown on the rim of the city makes for baggage-free living.

It’s a bit Zen — a bit clean — a bit like flying without wings and without the burden of house-as-status.

It also provides a second life opportunity — time to live and enjoy all a city has to offer in a busy, but still anonymous environment.

There’s life on the streets and in the rows of newly renovated dwellings of this old quarter of town where good food and entertainment are just a five minute walk away.

And, what’s also surprising is that although it has been built up for at least two centuries, there’s still a lot of green space around this area of Cork city, enough to keep the air clear.

It’s because of these attributes that the owner of the little artisan cottage was waiting to pounce when the right house came up. He had not only picked his zone, but also the street and the orientation beforehand: the house hit the market on a Friday and was seized upon by the following Monday.

Title nightmares held up progress, (the tiny cottage is very old and had been part of a larger, estate holding) and the condition and layout of the house didn’t help either.

But, the purchaser saw through the problems to the end result. He knew what he wanted to achieve and also, the best person for the job.

Enter stage left, Pat O’Sullivan: the Kiosk Architects’ partner had worked on a number of the owner’s projects over the years and O’Sullivan’s own home, an inner city renovation and redesign, was the template for this renovation.

So the pair began a collaboration which has seen

16

Pictures: Denis Scannell

the little house move from a crumbling wreck to a bright, open plan living space.

The client is unstinting in his praise of his architect — even if it’s Cork praise: “I had worked with Pat previously on a number of projects and his own house is similar to what I wanted.

“He has this incredible ability to see exactly what you want and to put you through absolute torture to get it,” he adds with a wry smile.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

And while Pat won out on a number of items, he lost on underfloor heating, (too warm) and on the hot tub in the back garden. Client and architect are both pleased with the result.

The primary aim of the reconstruction was to be bright, open and childunfriendly house, the client says, so the house has been built just for him and to his specifications.

There’s only one bedroom and the front door doesn’t have

a door bell: “I’m not going to answer the door to anyone — not unless I know they’re going to call first — that’s why there’s no glass and no bell, and if I close the door from the lobby, then you can’t see into the rest of the house,” he says.

But he debunks his own cantankerousness by admitting that the builder was operating guided tours for old neighbours during construction, so the citadel was breached before he set foot inside. However, we bow to his privacy and won’t show a front image, either.

Then, there are the passers by: the tinted glass windows and contemporary look has drawn in the nosey-baas, he says, and much to his amusement they leave their mark on the glass, (“the nose print count is now nine,” he says) but walk away unrewarded.

He can see out, but they can’t see in, and he has a passing tableau for his amusement — plus a blind for night-time privacy.

The house is only one room wide in its original format, and the entrance lobby takes up quite a bit of that space, but at just four foot long its function is not only privacy, but as a ‘fundamental of heat retention’, says Pat O’Sullivan.

The architect has a bit of a bee in his bonnet about extensions — most people make the mistake of adding a new kitchen at the back, he says, creating a dark no-man’s land in between. The upshot is that all the living goes on at the back - and the central rooms are useless. Instead, he suggests, extensions should be built as living rooms, (privacy, light and distance from noise being the reasons) and in most cases, the kitchen should stay put.

Another element he pushes is the internal courtyard, a space between rooms that not only

breaks up the tunnel effect but also draws light into the interior, eliminating dark intermediate spaces.

In this case, O’Sullivan has placed the kitchen to the front of the old house and has extended the original footprint backwards to create a new dining space and an enclosed courtyard along with a bright, gallery space that connects to a large, rear living room.

Tons of soil were excavated to create the new space, which cleverly follows the roof level of the old, with a soaring, zinc roof which allows a panoramic back window which traps

south-facing light.

The Boogie Nights effect of the hot tub is grounded by the clever setting which includes a teak surround and high walls and planting, so that once bubbling inside there’s great privacy.

This house’s site allows a good patio space to the rear, finished in Tobermore brick against smooth rendered walls and with an integrated concrete bench, which is underlit and lends a great atmosphere at night. Steps up to the hot tub area have clean, steel rails.

The really clever bit is the

secluded storage/ utility area along one wall, where the water tank for the pressurised system and the gas boiler is secreted.

It’s for this and other reasons it makes sense to employ an architect.

And, then, there’s the decor, all very simple, and all down to a handful of elements.

The kitchen, a galley, but with two ovens, slips in on both sides of the small room to the front and is a Kube build in champagne, but which looks more mocha in the subtle lighting scheme.

Worktop is cream quartz, including the splashback and

in this part of the house, flooring is simple: just off-white square tiles and white walls.

The focal point of the kitchen/dining area has to be the staircase, (although the courtyard is a close second), because it’s such a dramatic, sculptural statement.

The turn of the stairs was difficult to fit in wood, so O’Sullivan used cast concrete instead but with a punchy aggregate. This was painstakingly cast and then polished so the red sandstone gravel shines through.

“The make up of the concrete steps in this instance is 10mm

sandstone aggregate with extra sand and the colouring of the concrete can be adjusted by varying the type and size of the stone in the aggregate and the type of cement.

“The construction of the form work is also critical to achieve a good end product, with high grade plywood used, and all joints addressed to ensure no leakage when the concrete is placed.

“After a period of curing it’s then ground to expose the stone chips in the aggregate and polished,” he says. So, quite easy then.

There’s an old >>>

the pair began a collaboration which has seen the house move from crumbling wreck to a bright, open plan living space

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

17

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:13:39:20Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:16

Zone:XP1

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Downsizing not a problem in this city oasis A dazzling renovation and extension make this artisan cottage in an old part of Cork city a real work of art, writes Rose Martin

T

HERE’S something about going back to basics — downsizing to a little two-up, twodown on the rim of the city makes for baggage-free living.

It’s a bit Zen — a bit clean — a bit like flying without wings and without the burden of house-as-status.

It also provides a second life opportunity — time to live and enjoy all a city has to offer in a busy, but still anonymous environment.

There’s life on the streets and in the rows of newly renovated dwellings of this old quarter of town where good food and entertainment are just a five minute walk away.

And, what’s also surprising is that although it has been built up for at least two centuries, there’s still a lot of green space around this area of Cork city, enough to keep the air clear.

It’s because of these attributes that the owner of the little artisan cottage was waiting to pounce when the right house came up. He had not only picked his zone, but also the street and the orientation beforehand: the house hit the market on a Friday and was seized upon by the following Monday.

Title nightmares held up progress, (the tiny cottage is very old and had been part of a larger, estate holding) and the condition and layout of the house didn’t help either.

But, the purchaser saw through the problems to the end result. He knew what he wanted to achieve and also, the best person for the job.

Enter stage left, Pat O’Sullivan: the Kiosk Architects’ partner had worked on a number of the owner’s projects over the years and O’Sullivan’s own home, an inner city renovation and redesign, was the template for this renovation.

So the pair began a collaboration which has seen

16

Pictures: Denis Scannell

the little house move from a crumbling wreck to a bright, open plan living space.

The client is unstinting in his praise of his architect — even if it’s Cork praise: “I had worked with Pat previously on a number of projects and his own house is similar to what I wanted.

“He has this incredible ability to see exactly what you want and to put you through absolute torture to get it,” he adds with a wry smile.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

And while Pat won out on a number of items, he lost on underfloor heating, (too warm) and on the hot tub in the back garden. Client and architect are both pleased with the result.

The primary aim of the reconstruction was to be bright, open and childunfriendly house, the client says, so the house has been built just for him and to his specifications.

There’s only one bedroom and the front door doesn’t have

a door bell: “I’m not going to answer the door to anyone — not unless I know they’re going to call first — that’s why there’s no glass and no bell, and if I close the door from the lobby, then you can’t see into the rest of the house,” he says.

But he debunks his own cantankerousness by admitting that the builder was operating guided tours for old neighbours during construction, so the citadel was breached before he set foot inside. However, we bow to his privacy and won’t show a front image, either.

Then, there are the passers by: the tinted glass windows and contemporary look has drawn in the nosey-baas, he says, and much to his amusement they leave their mark on the glass, (“the nose print count is now nine,” he says) but walk away unrewarded.

He can see out, but they can’t see in, and he has a passing tableau for his amusement — plus a blind for night-time privacy.

The house is only one room wide in its original format, and the entrance lobby takes up quite a bit of that space, but at just four foot long its function is not only privacy, but as a ‘fundamental of heat retention’, says Pat O’Sullivan.

The architect has a bit of a bee in his bonnet about extensions — most people make the mistake of adding a new kitchen at the back, he says, creating a dark no-man’s land in between. The upshot is that all the living goes on at the back - and the central rooms are useless. Instead, he suggests, extensions should be built as living rooms, (privacy, light and distance from noise being the reasons) and in most cases, the kitchen should stay put.

Another element he pushes is the internal courtyard, a space between rooms that not only

breaks up the tunnel effect but also draws light into the interior, eliminating dark intermediate spaces.

In this case, O’Sullivan has placed the kitchen to the front of the old house and has extended the original footprint backwards to create a new dining space and an enclosed courtyard along with a bright, gallery space that connects to a large, rear living room.

Tons of soil were excavated to create the new space, which cleverly follows the roof level of the old, with a soaring, zinc roof which allows a panoramic back window which traps

south-facing light.

The Boogie Nights effect of the hot tub is grounded by the clever setting which includes a teak surround and high walls and planting, so that once bubbling inside there’s great privacy.

This house’s site allows a good patio space to the rear, finished in Tobermore brick against smooth rendered walls and with an integrated concrete bench, which is underlit and lends a great atmosphere at night. Steps up to the hot tub area have clean, steel rails.

The really clever bit is the

secluded storage/ utility area along one wall, where the water tank for the pressurised system and the gas boiler is secreted.

It’s for this and other reasons it makes sense to employ an architect.

And, then, there’s the decor, all very simple, and all down to a handful of elements.

The kitchen, a galley, but with two ovens, slips in on both sides of the small room to the front and is a Kube build in champagne, but which looks more mocha in the subtle lighting scheme.

Worktop is cream quartz, including the splashback and

in this part of the house, flooring is simple: just off-white square tiles and white walls.

The focal point of the kitchen/dining area has to be the staircase, (although the courtyard is a close second), because it’s such a dramatic, sculptural statement.

The turn of the stairs was difficult to fit in wood, so O’Sullivan used cast concrete instead but with a punchy aggregate. This was painstakingly cast and then polished so the red sandstone gravel shines through.

“The make up of the concrete steps in this instance is 10mm

sandstone aggregate with extra sand and the colouring of the concrete can be adjusted by varying the type and size of the stone in the aggregate and the type of cement.

“The construction of the form work is also critical to achieve a good end product, with high grade plywood used, and all joints addressed to ensure no leakage when the concrete is placed.

“After a period of curing it’s then ground to expose the stone chips in the aggregate and polished,” he says. So, quite easy then.

There’s an old >>>

the pair began a collaboration which has seen the house move from crumbling wreck to a bright, open plan living space

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

17

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:13:27:21Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:18

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

XP1 - V1

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

GETTHELOOK

Some great ideas for you to use in your home and where to get them 1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Leather dining chair in lime: BERNHARD, Ikea €129.00 each

2 Circular dining table DOCKSTA: Ikea dining table, white €149.00

3 Chill Chair: Brown leather enveloping swivel chair — a classic. Casey’s Cork: €549

4 Original photograph made into a collage by Lorraine Mullins. www.turnerglass.com

5 Push pull units in grey: Designed by Kiosk and created by builder, Rolston these sleek floor and wall mounted units keep everything out of sight.

Add lighting underneath to create a mood.

6 Hot Tub: ‘second hand out of a box’. Find similar online.

SOURCEBOOK

>>> resonance from the stone, which lightens to steel and wood and you go upstairs. Oak is another of the recurring elements and in the main bedroom, the bed and units are finished in this material.

Looking out of the back window, you get to see the new layout clearly: two intersecting zinc roofs, with immaculate standing seams.

There’s that sychronicity again; the windows are grey; the roof is zinc and the fascia and downpipe are in zinc — neat, tidy and monochromatic.

The bedroom is just big enough for a lowslung bed and next door is the house’s only bathroom, but again, it shows restrained, and fairly masculine good taste.

No frills or frolls, just clean simple ceramics and a good quality, double shower. Tiles are flat rectangles of chocolate grey and the house’s accent colour, lime

18

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

green, is used on one wall which is also finished with an upright radiator. The only window is fitted with a deep seat and glass has an opaque finish, very private.

But it’s at the back where the citadel nature of the dwelling becomes apparent: it’s well away from the street and can be closed off from the main house, as well as from the garden, by simply pushing a button. Blinds drops down to close off the windows from outside and inside, (grey, of course) and the lime green pivot door closes shut. Voila, total isolation.

The courtyard sits in a pivotal position: it’s the heart and lungs of the house, acting as an internal light well and a fresh air inlet and it’s the single most important element of the build. Without it, this would be just another renovation with an extension. Now, well... it’s a work of art.

Architects: kiosk architects, Cork 021- 4552329. www.kioskarchitects.com ..................................................................................................

Consulting engineers: Lawrence Buckley consulting engineers 021- 4291334 ..................................................................................................

Main Contractors: Ralston Projects Ltd Cork noel@ralston.ie ..................................................................................................

Electrician: Chris Jermyn, Carr’s Hill, Douglas ..................................................................................................

Zinc roofs and fittings: Weatherseam, Cork 021-4830056 ..................................................................................................

Windows: Curran Aluminium, Limerick 061- 307100 ..................................................................................................

PRACTICE PROFILE

Formed in 2003, Kiosk Architects is a Cork City based, design-focused practice.

Their work embraces a wide variety of project types, building uses and

Kitchen: Kube Kitchens Turner’s Cross 021-4847642 ..................................................................................................

Bathroom fixtures and fittings: Irish International Trading, Cork 021- 4705800 ..................................................................................................

Tiles: Supreme Tiles, Cork 021-4311028 Lighting and Design: Kiosk Architects 021-4552329 ..................................................................................................

Fittings: Kellihers Electrical, Cork 021- 4704100 ..................................................................................................

Blinds: Blind Design, Cork 021- 4533633 ..................................................................................................

Furniture: Caseys, Cork 021 — 4270393; Ikea, Dublin www.ikea.ie ..................................................................................................

contract values in response to individual and challenging site locations. As a design group, they look to combine the values of space, light and views

while being sensitive to the site context and liaise closely with clients to ensure that opportunities are equally recognised and solutions jointly owned.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

19

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:13:27:21Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:18

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

XP1 - V1

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

GETTHELOOK

Some great ideas for you to use in your home and where to get them 1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Leather dining chair in lime: BERNHARD, Ikea €129.00 each

2 Circular dining table DOCKSTA: Ikea dining table, white €149.00

3 Chill Chair: Brown leather enveloping swivel chair — a classic. Casey’s Cork: €549

4 Original photograph made into a collage by Lorraine Mullins. www.turnerglass.com

5 Push pull units in grey: Designed by Kiosk and created by builder, Rolston these sleek floor and wall mounted units keep everything out of sight.

Add lighting underneath to create a mood.

6 Hot Tub: ‘second hand out of a box’. Find similar online.

SOURCEBOOK

>>> resonance from the stone, which lightens to steel and wood and you go upstairs. Oak is another of the recurring elements and in the main bedroom, the bed and units are finished in this material.

Looking out of the back window, you get to see the new layout clearly: two intersecting zinc roofs, with immaculate standing seams.

There’s that sychronicity again; the windows are grey; the roof is zinc and the fascia and downpipe are in zinc — neat, tidy and monochromatic.

The bedroom is just big enough for a lowslung bed and next door is the house’s only bathroom, but again, it shows restrained, and fairly masculine good taste.

No frills or frolls, just clean simple ceramics and a good quality, double shower. Tiles are flat rectangles of chocolate grey and the house’s accent colour, lime

18

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

green, is used on one wall which is also finished with an upright radiator. The only window is fitted with a deep seat and glass has an opaque finish, very private.

But it’s at the back where the citadel nature of the dwelling becomes apparent: it’s well away from the street and can be closed off from the main house, as well as from the garden, by simply pushing a button. Blinds drops down to close off the windows from outside and inside, (grey, of course) and the lime green pivot door closes shut. Voila, total isolation.

The courtyard sits in a pivotal position: it’s the heart and lungs of the house, acting as an internal light well and a fresh air inlet and it’s the single most important element of the build. Without it, this would be just another renovation with an extension. Now, well... it’s a work of art.

Architects: kiosk architects, Cork 021- 4552329. www.kioskarchitects.com ..................................................................................................

Consulting engineers: Lawrence Buckley consulting engineers 021- 4291334 ..................................................................................................

Main Contractors: Ralston Projects Ltd Cork noel@ralston.ie ..................................................................................................

Electrician: Chris Jermyn, Carr’s Hill, Douglas ..................................................................................................

Zinc roofs and fittings: Weatherseam, Cork 021-4830056 ..................................................................................................

Windows: Curran Aluminium, Limerick 061- 307100 ..................................................................................................

PRACTICE PROFILE

Formed in 2003, Kiosk Architects is a Cork City based, design-focused practice.

Their work embraces a wide variety of project types, building uses and

Kitchen: Kube Kitchens Turner’s Cross 021-4847642 ..................................................................................................

Bathroom fixtures and fittings: Irish International Trading, Cork 021- 4705800 ..................................................................................................

Tiles: Supreme Tiles, Cork 021-4311028 Lighting and Design: Kiosk Architects 021-4552329 ..................................................................................................

Fittings: Kellihers Electrical, Cork 021- 4704100 ..................................................................................................

Blinds: Blind Design, Cork 021- 4533633 ..................................................................................................

Furniture: Caseys, Cork 021 — 4270393; Ikea, Dublin www.ikea.ie ..................................................................................................

contract values in response to individual and challenging site locations. As a design group, they look to combine the values of space, light and views

while being sensitive to the site context and liaise closely with clients to ensure that opportunities are equally recognised and solutions jointly owned.

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

19

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:12:45:26Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:20

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

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INTERIORS

INTERIORS

We take a detailed look at one aspect of the home every week ...

Revamp

Carol O’Callaghan says blending something old with new styles can give your tired interior style a real lift Clockwise from left: Traditional style furniture in darker wood contrasts beautifully with contemporary minimalist wall prints, set against modern plain walls and bed linens (pieces from the Lille bedroom suite start at €259 at Casey’s Furniture).

SOMETHING OLD...

Get the look without breaking the bank ■ Thinking your doors need a update but don’t want to replace them? PORTAS can renovate, modernise and transform doors, entrances and staircases into attractive design features.

Customer friendly renovation is carried out with little to no disruption and the finished products are maintenance free.

A traditional shaped sofa is modernised with a neutral fabric and contemporary glass side tables This is a Hudson sofa priced at €800 from at Meadows & Byrne).

■ Visit the company website at www.portas.ie.

Mixing it up with style A few modern items can liven up a traditional interior style beautifully.

The faceted black finish and chrome trim of DeLonghi’s Brilliante electric kettle will bring an ultra modern touch to your kitchen (€72 at electrical retailers nationwide).

The traditional floral look of the Rio sofa fits into the blank canvas provided by an in-vogue grey background (price on application from Square Deal Interiors).

An old-style headboard can be contrasted with contemporary bed linens and decorative cushions, backed with in-vogue strong wall colour (Charlie headboard from Blanc d’Ivoire at Boulevard Interiors starts at €630, Maya quilt from €495, cushions start at €55, velvet eiderdown €335).

An vintage style chair is contemporised with a funky fabric and set against a modern wallpaper (Jasper Accent chair €765 from Casey's Furniture).

H

ave you ever revamped a room in the latest interiors style only to find a couple of years later you’re out of date?

We’ve all been seduced at some point into buying a look, tempted by the huge amount of choice available, a glut of television programmes teeming with ideas, and grand plans that we feel compelled to aspire to, and enticing shop window displays that are hard to walk past.

But if you’d like to consider something more timeless with an approach that will stand the test of time, consider blending contemporary and traditional styles.

Picture this: an antique table or sideboard with some contemporary art hung on the wall above it. That’s one

20

way to start, but we know not everyone has antiques or contemporary art, or the mind or budget to acquire such things, so let’s incorporate what you might already have with a few new purchases.

Take your cosy sofa that’s now 10 years old and you’re sick of the sight of, and consider putting a modern paper on the wall behind it. Paper is back with a vengeance and because there are so many variations available, and more continuing to come onto the market, it has not fallen victim to the fickleness of fashion. You can also try painting the wall white and hanging an outsize modern print, or a blown up favourite black and white photograph. Think too about teaming the sofa with some modern side tables or a coffee table

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

sparsely accessorised. Add some books on interiors or a pile of chic magazines for a new look. A beloved sofa or armchair that’s looking under the weather can be vamped up with new upholstery so you retain the traditional aspect of the chair’s shape while bringing it up to date with a new funky fabric.

In the bedroom where you may have older furniture or a new but traditionalstyle suite, accessorise with unfussy modern framed prints on the walls, and opt for clean white bed linen.

If you have an antique or vintage headboard, or one that you consider to be dated, adding funky bed-linen in strong and vibrant colourways can virtually reinvent the bed and make a dramatic change to the space.

In the dining room or kitchen an antique table can be off-set beautifully with modern chairs especially if they’re made from a contrasting material. So, for example, your antique polished wooden table can be teamed with metal framed chairs or leather high-backs.

A modern table works beautifully with old chairs and you don’t need a matching set. Opt for the eclectic look and mix and match your chair styles, including various colours and upholstery, but try to keep them more or less the same height so there’s some sense of continuity. It’s a fun look and one which will get your guests talking.

Next week we look at how to inject a little conversation-piece wit into your interiors look

Inject a little contemporary touch into your interiors with the Blue Paint Pot table lamp (from Aoki Interiors, Carrick-on-Suir €24.99).

The traditional silver tea service might be replaced by a set of ice bucket, water jug and cocktail-making equipment set on a serving tray (€25 at Dunnes Stores).

Ensure balance is right Add something traditional to the modern interior for a lovely balance of styles.

A French antique-style clock will help soften the austerity of a sleek modern kitchen (€10 at Heatons).

Granny’s China is a printed table runner by textile artist Jennifer Slattery. (From www.jenniferslatterytextiles.com, price on application).

A winged back chair might suggest the old world charm of a gentlemen’s club but when finished in purple velvet it’s given a modern twist (Elisabeth chair approx. €600 at M&S).

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

21

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:12:45:26Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:20

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

XP1 - V1

INTERIORS

INTERIORS

We take a detailed look at one aspect of the home every week ...

Revamp

Carol O’Callaghan says blending something old with new styles can give your tired interior style a real lift Clockwise from left: Traditional style furniture in darker wood contrasts beautifully with contemporary minimalist wall prints, set against modern plain walls and bed linens (pieces from the Lille bedroom suite start at €259 at Casey’s Furniture).

SOMETHING OLD...

Get the look without breaking the bank ■ Thinking your doors need a update but don’t want to replace them? PORTAS can renovate, modernise and transform doors, entrances and staircases into attractive design features.

Customer friendly renovation is carried out with little to no disruption and the finished products are maintenance free.

A traditional shaped sofa is modernised with a neutral fabric and contemporary glass side tables This is a Hudson sofa priced at €800 from at Meadows & Byrne).

■ Visit the company website at www.portas.ie.

Mixing it up with style A few modern items can liven up a traditional interior style beautifully.

The faceted black finish and chrome trim of DeLonghi’s Brilliante electric kettle will bring an ultra modern touch to your kitchen (€72 at electrical retailers nationwide).

The traditional floral look of the Rio sofa fits into the blank canvas provided by an in-vogue grey background (price on application from Square Deal Interiors).

An old-style headboard can be contrasted with contemporary bed linens and decorative cushions, backed with in-vogue strong wall colour (Charlie headboard from Blanc d’Ivoire at Boulevard Interiors starts at €630, Maya quilt from €495, cushions start at €55, velvet eiderdown €335).

An vintage style chair is contemporised with a funky fabric and set against a modern wallpaper (Jasper Accent chair €765 from Casey's Furniture).

H

ave you ever revamped a room in the latest interiors style only to find a couple of years later you’re out of date?

We’ve all been seduced at some point into buying a look, tempted by the huge amount of choice available, a glut of television programmes teeming with ideas, and grand plans that we feel compelled to aspire to, and enticing shop window displays that are hard to walk past.

But if you’d like to consider something more timeless with an approach that will stand the test of time, consider blending contemporary and traditional styles.

Picture this: an antique table or sideboard with some contemporary art hung on the wall above it. That’s one

20

way to start, but we know not everyone has antiques or contemporary art, or the mind or budget to acquire such things, so let’s incorporate what you might already have with a few new purchases.

Take your cosy sofa that’s now 10 years old and you’re sick of the sight of, and consider putting a modern paper on the wall behind it. Paper is back with a vengeance and because there are so many variations available, and more continuing to come onto the market, it has not fallen victim to the fickleness of fashion. You can also try painting the wall white and hanging an outsize modern print, or a blown up favourite black and white photograph. Think too about teaming the sofa with some modern side tables or a coffee table

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

sparsely accessorised. Add some books on interiors or a pile of chic magazines for a new look. A beloved sofa or armchair that’s looking under the weather can be vamped up with new upholstery so you retain the traditional aspect of the chair’s shape while bringing it up to date with a new funky fabric.

In the bedroom where you may have older furniture or a new but traditionalstyle suite, accessorise with unfussy modern framed prints on the walls, and opt for clean white bed linen.

If you have an antique or vintage headboard, or one that you consider to be dated, adding funky bed-linen in strong and vibrant colourways can virtually reinvent the bed and make a dramatic change to the space.

In the dining room or kitchen an antique table can be off-set beautifully with modern chairs especially if they’re made from a contrasting material. So, for example, your antique polished wooden table can be teamed with metal framed chairs or leather high-backs.

A modern table works beautifully with old chairs and you don’t need a matching set. Opt for the eclectic look and mix and match your chair styles, including various colours and upholstery, but try to keep them more or less the same height so there’s some sense of continuity. It’s a fun look and one which will get your guests talking.

Next week we look at how to inject a little conversation-piece wit into your interiors look

Inject a little contemporary touch into your interiors with the Blue Paint Pot table lamp (from Aoki Interiors, Carrick-on-Suir €24.99).

The traditional silver tea service might be replaced by a set of ice bucket, water jug and cocktail-making equipment set on a serving tray (€25 at Dunnes Stores).

Ensure balance is right Add something traditional to the modern interior for a lovely balance of styles.

A French antique-style clock will help soften the austerity of a sleek modern kitchen (€10 at Heatons).

Granny’s China is a printed table runner by textile artist Jennifer Slattery. (From www.jenniferslatterytextiles.com, price on application).

A winged back chair might suggest the old world charm of a gentlemen’s club but when finished in purple velvet it’s given a modern twist (Elisabeth chair approx. €600 at M&S).

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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WISH LIST Fancy a stress-free shopping expedition?

Carol O’Callaghan has done the leg-work to bring you some of the latest interior finds Feeding an army of cold, hungry souls this autumn?

Check out the Le Creuset casserole for slow-cooking stews and hot-pots (approx. €145 at department stores nationwide).

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Try a funky swivel chair like the Nuage, available in a choice of fabric or leather (from €1,688 at Roche Bobois).

Treat the little man in your life to a table and two stools for him and a friend to tackle serious colouring-in jobs (from Argos €22.99).

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���� ��� ���

�������������� Patterned towels are in-vogue in the bathroom — look like the Zig-Zag from M&S (approx €7.50).

22

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

Enjoy the treat of breakfast in bed complete with boiled egg and soldiers (breakfast set from Meadows & Byrne €19.99).

����� ���� �����

�� �� ��� ��� ������� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �������� �� �� ��� ��� ������ ������ ���� ������ ������� ���� ������ IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

23

TERAPROOF:User:noelcampionDate:13/10/2011Time:13:55:25Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:22

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

XP1 - V1

WISH LIST Fancy a stress-free shopping expedition?

Carol O’Callaghan has done the leg-work to bring you some of the latest interior finds Feeding an army of cold, hungry souls this autumn?

Check out the Le Creuset casserole for slow-cooking stews and hot-pots (approx. €145 at department stores nationwide).

������ � �������� �� �� ��� ��� ��� ������ ����������

Try a funky swivel chair like the Nuage, available in a choice of fabric or leather (from €1,688 at Roche Bobois).

Treat the little man in your life to a table and two stools for him and a friend to tackle serious colouring-in jobs (from Argos €22.99).

��� � ���� �������� ���� ����

���� ��� ���

�������������� Patterned towels are in-vogue in the bathroom — look like the Zig-Zag from M&S (approx €7.50).

22

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

Enjoy the treat of breakfast in bed complete with boiled egg and soldiers (breakfast set from Meadows & Byrne €19.99).

����� ���� �����

�� �� ��� ��� ������� ������ �� �� ��� ��� ������ �������� �� �� ��� ��� ������ ������ ���� ������ ������� ���� ������ IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

23

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:10:01:57Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:24

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DIY

DIY

10 THINGS TO DO WITH THAT LEFTOVER PAINT

DIYTIPS

Paint a Ghostly Headboard

A feature headboard can be painted directly onto the wall behind a bed. It’s all in the planning, so take your time getting the initial drawing work perfect. Rococo designs with indicated carving suggested in a lick of contrasting pale or gilt paint works well or try a bold, blank geometric for a colour block.

WHAT YOU NEED: ■ A pencil ■ Laser level or spirit level ■ Tape measure

Don’t just discard those old half-empty paint cans. They may brighten up some spots, Kya deLongchamps advises

E

very garage has them. A wide array of abandoned paint cans, many unopened as they were surplus at the end of some or other decorating job. Before the label fades and you fling it into the local authority Hazardous Substance bins, consider putting your prodigal palette to better use.

1. HARLEQUIN CHAIR LEGS Put a playful skip into a boring set of timber dining chairs and a pop of colour in a neutral scheme with contrasting leg colours. You can paint each leg a different colour (stick to the same scheme for all the chairs) or simply use one colour all around. A quick sand to give yourself a key and you’re ready.

Prime metal and use a spray for a sleek surface. Don’t be afraid to use a waterbased paint on wood, but seal with clear varnish for heavy duty.

2. COLOUR BLOCKING This is right on trend, easy to include, adapt and simple to get rid of when you’re tired of it. It introduces a limited punch of geometric colour in two or more choices in whatever scale you are comfortable with. Using paint, popular ideas include painting doors different colours, incorporating a feature wall or simply including rectangular and squares painted directly to the wall. To dial things down just use several shades of the same colour, or try black and white. Try our DIY headboard project for a dash of colour blocking. For some useful templates try www.paintingideas-techniques.com.

3. DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY You can, of course, paint an entire door with a reasonably small can of satinwood, eggshell or gloss, but a contained area may be enough to ring the changes. Consider colouring in the panels, picking out the frame, or even edging the door (hidden when closed) in a crisp white. Sloppy work will kill the finish so use low tack painters tape for a perfect line. Mind those hinge positions don’t get gummed during your adventures. A rub of petroleum jelly will help.

4. SUPERIOR BOOKCASE INTERIORS It was customary in the 18th century to paint, paper or cover the interior of bookcases and cabinets in fabric. The back of these open or glazed cabinets can be brought into vivid life with a bright colour. Deep reds or putty greens are traditional fare, but don’t be afraid

24

■ About 500ml in a shade of paint to contrast with your wall. Pale on dark, or dark on pale, even a metallic will work.

■ Background wall colour to correct mistakes

to try something that lifts a colour from other accessories around the room.

Paint a test area on a piece of cardboard or spare wallpaper and place it before committing. Shelf to shelf you can even change the colour if you’re brave enough and a bold deep black is very theatrical.

■ A good edging brush ■ A small roller ■ Contrasting or gilt paint for flourishes

5. MIX UP A NEW COLOUR Now you must mix like with like (gloss with gloss and emulsion only with emulsion) and use some common colour sense. Start with well stirred clean paint, add tiny increments of the darker colour to the lighter colour. It’s much harder to lighten dark paint than darken light paint. If you mix a matt shade with an eggshell it will be slightly shiny, so experiment before lashing litres into litres.

6. PAINT A STAIR RUNNER If you have a bare wood stair and don’t want or cannot afford a carpet runner, what a about painting one instead?

Wash the woodwork down with sugar soap, seal any cracks with a tube sealant, and give the entire stair a good coat of primer and top coat (the background colour) before laying your painted runner in a stunning eggshell of your choice. A two or three colour rhythm of different colours step to step can look stunning set on a white stair.

Alternating tones can run to banisters too, just try to keep the upstairs and downstairs flow intact. Bare wood treads can be slippery so don’t attempt to use a gloss for this project.

7. DOLL UP ACCESSORIES Wood, metal and even some plastics can be painted up to tie up a scheme distributed over the room. Left over spray paint is the ideal thing here as applied in repeated coats it creates a silky smooth finish. Look for redundant objects from flower pots to picture frames with a good profile at home and in your boot-sale travels. You may even be able to sell them on for a profit next week!

8. CREATE A WORK OF ART You have dribs and drabs of the colours you’ve used in the room. You may even have some tester pots a shade or two out. A stretched canvas, or just a piece of MDF and a repeating pattern, is all you need to create some gallery style.

Try a simple circle in square design using three colours in different combinations set in a simple grid. Use the paint you have most of for a base

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

Q&A coat. Try one or two blocks of one sheer colour, perhaps staged over a group of canvases (odd numbers sit well — try three). Seal your work under varnish.

Look at fabric swatches and simple abstract artwork for inspiration. Pare it back to a simple design and get started.

A. Environmental credentials include the degree of damage done while producing the paint (expressed in the carbon footprint) and the toxicity of major ingredients. Look out for VOC free water-based paints, including Crown Earthbalance (99% solvent free) and Dulux’s Ecosense (0% solvent ingredients). Both companies have committed to a lower carbon footprint for their new paint rangers of up to 50%.

9. FABULOUS FLOORCLOTHS Popular since the 1400s, a roll of painters canvas (try any good art supply outlet) and a dash of imagination delivers a floor covering utterly personal to you and the space. Use several coats of white latex acrylic paint (exterior masonry paint is ideal), followed by a light sanding, then 100% acrylic paint finally sealed under varnish. Martha Stewart the US decorating diva suggests stapling the work to an old hollow core door while you work and you can find her ambitious and beautiful DIY cloths at

MarthaStewart.com under Making Canvas Rugs.

10. KEEP IT If your creative juices are not yet flowing, store you paint until they are.

Daub some of the paint on a label to ensure you can identify it. Double seal the can by using a piece of plastic wrap inside the lid and then close tightly (tap a metal lid lightly all around). Turn the can upside down and store the paint out of extreme heat or cold.

■ Don’t put old paint of any kind down the drain, or sink or pour it out onto the ground. Your local recycling centre will take if for free and dispose of it correctly.

You can also advertise for free on community websites including Jumbletown.ie offering the paint for free if collected.

Q: Do I have to use a ceiling paint on the ceiling?

BEFORE AND AFTER: Two forgotten jugs and a pound shop clock licked into new life. Small items are ideal for a refresh to bring a scheme together. Choose the right paint for the material you’re dealing with. These colours are by Dulux.

With the bed in position, find the centre and mark the desired height and width of your headboard.

Make these first marks accurate to the millimetre on both sides of the bed.

Move the bed out of place and cover the floor.

Roughly sketch your headboard, using these first marks.

Consider any posts, cut-outs or flourishes you may want to add.

Pencil these in. Measure again for symmetry and correct mistakes.

Using your edging brush, outline your design in fluid strokes, each stroke ending inside your lines.

Fill in using your roller. Add a second coat when dry if needed.

Do you have a DIY question you would like answered?

Send it to interiors@examiner.ie

Q: How do I judge how ‘green’ the standard paint I’m buying really is?

A riot of colour lifts a room with colour blocking executed by every surface and accessory. Room by B&Q. www.diy.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

A. No. Ceiling paint does have a couple of advantages. First of all it’s less drippy, so less likely to spatter you while you work, and secondly, it features a high opacity, reducing the need for that back-breaking second coat. Any quality emulsion can be used on the ceiling.

Q: I love texture. Is there paint with a soft touch feel to it suitable for my kitchen?

A. There is a number of suede-like paints on the market with a degree of sensation under the fingers. Try Dulux Moda, a washable matt with a clay ingredient and a good depth of colour.

B&Qs Opulence range also has a fabriclike touch in a limited range. Apply these paints with a brush to add depth.

Q: What’s the easiest way to refresh old wicker work with a paint job?

A. Don’t even pick up a brush. Use spray paint instead to penetrate those intricate areas. Work in a well ventilated area, and prime your piece before starting. Practise on an inconspicuous area (turn a chair over) and be prepared to apply several coats. RustOleum do a fabulous range of colours, effects and finishes from about €9.99 per 250ml can.

■ Words by Kya deLongchamps

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

25

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DIY

DIY

10 THINGS TO DO WITH THAT LEFTOVER PAINT

DIYTIPS

Paint a Ghostly Headboard

A feature headboard can be painted directly onto the wall behind a bed. It’s all in the planning, so take your time getting the initial drawing work perfect. Rococo designs with indicated carving suggested in a lick of contrasting pale or gilt paint works well or try a bold, blank geometric for a colour block.

WHAT YOU NEED: ■ A pencil ■ Laser level or spirit level ■ Tape measure

Don’t just discard those old half-empty paint cans. They may brighten up some spots, Kya deLongchamps advises

E

very garage has them. A wide array of abandoned paint cans, many unopened as they were surplus at the end of some or other decorating job. Before the label fades and you fling it into the local authority Hazardous Substance bins, consider putting your prodigal palette to better use.

1. HARLEQUIN CHAIR LEGS Put a playful skip into a boring set of timber dining chairs and a pop of colour in a neutral scheme with contrasting leg colours. You can paint each leg a different colour (stick to the same scheme for all the chairs) or simply use one colour all around. A quick sand to give yourself a key and you’re ready.

Prime metal and use a spray for a sleek surface. Don’t be afraid to use a waterbased paint on wood, but seal with clear varnish for heavy duty.

2. COLOUR BLOCKING This is right on trend, easy to include, adapt and simple to get rid of when you’re tired of it. It introduces a limited punch of geometric colour in two or more choices in whatever scale you are comfortable with. Using paint, popular ideas include painting doors different colours, incorporating a feature wall or simply including rectangular and squares painted directly to the wall. To dial things down just use several shades of the same colour, or try black and white. Try our DIY headboard project for a dash of colour blocking. For some useful templates try www.paintingideas-techniques.com.

3. DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY You can, of course, paint an entire door with a reasonably small can of satinwood, eggshell or gloss, but a contained area may be enough to ring the changes. Consider colouring in the panels, picking out the frame, or even edging the door (hidden when closed) in a crisp white. Sloppy work will kill the finish so use low tack painters tape for a perfect line. Mind those hinge positions don’t get gummed during your adventures. A rub of petroleum jelly will help.

4. SUPERIOR BOOKCASE INTERIORS It was customary in the 18th century to paint, paper or cover the interior of bookcases and cabinets in fabric. The back of these open or glazed cabinets can be brought into vivid life with a bright colour. Deep reds or putty greens are traditional fare, but don’t be afraid

24

■ About 500ml in a shade of paint to contrast with your wall. Pale on dark, or dark on pale, even a metallic will work.

■ Background wall colour to correct mistakes

to try something that lifts a colour from other accessories around the room.

Paint a test area on a piece of cardboard or spare wallpaper and place it before committing. Shelf to shelf you can even change the colour if you’re brave enough and a bold deep black is very theatrical.

■ A good edging brush ■ A small roller ■ Contrasting or gilt paint for flourishes

5. MIX UP A NEW COLOUR Now you must mix like with like (gloss with gloss and emulsion only with emulsion) and use some common colour sense. Start with well stirred clean paint, add tiny increments of the darker colour to the lighter colour. It’s much harder to lighten dark paint than darken light paint. If you mix a matt shade with an eggshell it will be slightly shiny, so experiment before lashing litres into litres.

6. PAINT A STAIR RUNNER If you have a bare wood stair and don’t want or cannot afford a carpet runner, what a about painting one instead?

Wash the woodwork down with sugar soap, seal any cracks with a tube sealant, and give the entire stair a good coat of primer and top coat (the background colour) before laying your painted runner in a stunning eggshell of your choice. A two or three colour rhythm of different colours step to step can look stunning set on a white stair.

Alternating tones can run to banisters too, just try to keep the upstairs and downstairs flow intact. Bare wood treads can be slippery so don’t attempt to use a gloss for this project.

7. DOLL UP ACCESSORIES Wood, metal and even some plastics can be painted up to tie up a scheme distributed over the room. Left over spray paint is the ideal thing here as applied in repeated coats it creates a silky smooth finish. Look for redundant objects from flower pots to picture frames with a good profile at home and in your boot-sale travels. You may even be able to sell them on for a profit next week!

8. CREATE A WORK OF ART You have dribs and drabs of the colours you’ve used in the room. You may even have some tester pots a shade or two out. A stretched canvas, or just a piece of MDF and a repeating pattern, is all you need to create some gallery style.

Try a simple circle in square design using three colours in different combinations set in a simple grid. Use the paint you have most of for a base

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

Q&A coat. Try one or two blocks of one sheer colour, perhaps staged over a group of canvases (odd numbers sit well — try three). Seal your work under varnish.

Look at fabric swatches and simple abstract artwork for inspiration. Pare it back to a simple design and get started.

A. Environmental credentials include the degree of damage done while producing the paint (expressed in the carbon footprint) and the toxicity of major ingredients. Look out for VOC free water-based paints, including Crown Earthbalance (99% solvent free) and Dulux’s Ecosense (0% solvent ingredients). Both companies have committed to a lower carbon footprint for their new paint rangers of up to 50%.

9. FABULOUS FLOORCLOTHS Popular since the 1400s, a roll of painters canvas (try any good art supply outlet) and a dash of imagination delivers a floor covering utterly personal to you and the space. Use several coats of white latex acrylic paint (exterior masonry paint is ideal), followed by a light sanding, then 100% acrylic paint finally sealed under varnish. Martha Stewart the US decorating diva suggests stapling the work to an old hollow core door while you work and you can find her ambitious and beautiful DIY cloths at

MarthaStewart.com under Making Canvas Rugs.

10. KEEP IT If your creative juices are not yet flowing, store you paint until they are.

Daub some of the paint on a label to ensure you can identify it. Double seal the can by using a piece of plastic wrap inside the lid and then close tightly (tap a metal lid lightly all around). Turn the can upside down and store the paint out of extreme heat or cold.

■ Don’t put old paint of any kind down the drain, or sink or pour it out onto the ground. Your local recycling centre will take if for free and dispose of it correctly.

You can also advertise for free on community websites including Jumbletown.ie offering the paint for free if collected.

Q: Do I have to use a ceiling paint on the ceiling?

BEFORE AND AFTER: Two forgotten jugs and a pound shop clock licked into new life. Small items are ideal for a refresh to bring a scheme together. Choose the right paint for the material you’re dealing with. These colours are by Dulux.

With the bed in position, find the centre and mark the desired height and width of your headboard.

Make these first marks accurate to the millimetre on both sides of the bed.

Move the bed out of place and cover the floor.

Roughly sketch your headboard, using these first marks.

Consider any posts, cut-outs or flourishes you may want to add.

Pencil these in. Measure again for symmetry and correct mistakes.

Using your edging brush, outline your design in fluid strokes, each stroke ending inside your lines.

Fill in using your roller. Add a second coat when dry if needed.

Do you have a DIY question you would like answered?

Send it to interiors@examiner.ie

Q: How do I judge how ‘green’ the standard paint I’m buying really is?

A riot of colour lifts a room with colour blocking executed by every surface and accessory. Room by B&Q. www.diy.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

A. No. Ceiling paint does have a couple of advantages. First of all it’s less drippy, so less likely to spatter you while you work, and secondly, it features a high opacity, reducing the need for that back-breaking second coat. Any quality emulsion can be used on the ceiling.

Q: I love texture. Is there paint with a soft touch feel to it suitable for my kitchen?

A. There is a number of suede-like paints on the market with a degree of sensation under the fingers. Try Dulux Moda, a washable matt with a clay ingredient and a good depth of colour.

B&Qs Opulence range also has a fabriclike touch in a limited range. Apply these paints with a brush to add depth.

Q: What’s the easiest way to refresh old wicker work with a paint job?

A. Don’t even pick up a brush. Use spray paint instead to penetrate those intricate areas. Work in a well ventilated area, and prime your piece before starting. Practise on an inconspicuous area (turn a chair over) and be prepared to apply several coats. RustOleum do a fabulous range of colours, effects and finishes from about €9.99 per 250ml can.

■ Words by Kya deLongchamps

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

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HOME ECONOMICS

Out of the frying pan...

House fires devastate not only bricks, mortar and possessions, but also lives and families. Kya deLongchamps reports

Smoke Alarms: 10 tips for a fit

1

2 3 4 Fires do not always happen to other people and the next one could be in your home, but house fires are usually preventable.

E

VERY year, 46 people die in the horror of a home fire. Give yourself and your family every chance by detailing your home to prevent fire taking hold in the first place.

ELECTRICS We’re all quietly afraid of naked electrical power, and it’s that healthy respect that keeps that prime utility safe. Electrical equipment that’s not in use (that’s everything bar the fridge and freezer) can be turned off and unplugged at night. If you put your hand on a plug, and it’s hot, it needs checking. Don’t overload power-points and if you notice the circuitry acting strangely, for example something else “popping” when you turn something “on” or “off ”, call your electrician.

Leads and adaptors have amp limits and the right fuse must be place in the right appliance: ■ Appliances up to 700 watts, use a 3 amp fuse ■ Appliances between 700 and 1,000 watts, use a 5 amp fuse ■ Appliances more than 1,000 watts, use a 13 amp fuse Wiring and cables should be in perfect order with no wires showing or damaged. Don’t run wiring or cables under rugs where they could be scuffed or yanked and discreetly smoulder in an over-heated situation. During an annual service, your technician will check over the electrical components making heavy wattage demands such as dryers and washing machines.

26

CHIP PANS, AND OTHER POTENTIAL HORRORS There’s a reason every TV soapdrama fire starts with a chip pan.

Filled more than 1/3 with oil or left unattended over a hot stove, they are a culinary time-bomb. If you must use a traditional pot of oil rather than a thermostatically controlled counter-top pan, ensure it NEVER gets hot enough to smoke and don’t throw water at it if it does catch. A fire blanket and small extinguisher for the kitchen will cost no more than €50.

When buying an electric blanket make sure it conforms to the British Standard and carries the kite mark.

OPEN FIRE AND HEAT SOURCES Cigarettes and pipes are hand-held, contained, little fires, and set anywhere near combustible materials (that’s just about everything in the house) the results can be deadly.

Smoking in bed? We found my late grandmother’s sheets reduced to a doily, speared by hot cigarettes as she read. It’s simply not worth risking everyone in the household.

An open fire should be detailed with a spark-guard at all times, and if you have young children, a fire gate that keeps them completely away from the grate, secured to the wall is standard. A busy wood burning fire should have its serving chimney swept as many as four times a year. Examine the area around an open fire, blow heater or gas or electrical flame for anything that could accidentally catch.

Look for soot or odd stains collecting around the vents and pipes around boilers and fuel burning stoves. Not only could this inefficient burn prove a

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

5

potential fire hazard, but you may have a serious problem with odourless, colourless carbon monoxide in your indoor atmosphere.

PLAN TO LIVE A fire safety plan is something the whole family need to be aware of.

Where the exits are, doors that are accessible, windows that can be safely used as means of escape and where to assemble once everyone is out.

In the case of a fire that has taken hold, the simple advice to follow: Get out Ring the fire service (999 or 112).

Stay out The order these are in is critical.

Don’t linger on the house telephone frantically summoning the fire services, and once you are out, don’t go back for anything. You may love your pet, or treasure that painting, but putting anything ahead of your safety may rob your family of something infinitely more important — you.

■ Download a comprehensive PDF brochure on Fire Safety in the Home at www.hse.ie.

'We found my late grandmother’s sheets reduced to a doily, speared by hot cigarettes as she read'

6 7 8 9

Smoke alarms are just that — plural.

Place an alarm on each landing, stairwell and hall, one in any living room and one close to the kitchen.

Use the TEST button for an alarm on the landing with the bedroom door shut. Can you hear it?

Ionisation smoke alarms are the standard inexpensive alarms (€10 or less). They are highly sensitive to fast flame fires despite their modest price.

Ionisation/optical units cost around €40 but offer ultimate protection.

More expensive than ionisation models, an optical alarm will detect large particles of smoke emitted from a slow burning fire. They don’t go off at a hint of a hot grilling, and are sometimes referred to as ‘toastproof’, making them ideal for the kitchen alongside your CO alarm.

There is dead, languorous air in an area where the walls meet the ceiling. Place the smoke alarm 30cms from the wall if it’s on the ceiling, 30cms from the ceiling if mounted on the wall. In a roof with a peak, keep the alarm around a metre down from the highest point of the room.

Fluorescent lights have a pulse that can upset the alarm sensor. Keep the unit about 1.5 metres away from such fittings.

If you have a smoker who can’t be trusted not to smoke in bed, gift them their own alarm.

Check your alarms using the integral ‘TEST’ button at least twice a year, and change the batteries once a year, whether you think they need it or not. Mains back up and lithium ‘10year’ lithium units should be similarly checked for failing circuitry.

Rechargeable (NiCad) batteries are not suitable for smoke alarms as there’s no fall off in the power — it drops like a rock. For the hard of hearing a specialised flashing or vibrating unit may be needed.

10

A mains-powered alarm with strobe light and vibrating pad can sit under their pillow at night.

INTERIORS

SLIDE GLIDE

ASK THE

CLOSET DESIGN

DESIGNER

Sliding Robes & Walk in Closets

Interior designer Karen Hughes, director of Emerald Interior Design in Dublin (www.emeraldinteriordesign.ie), answers your questions. Email: interiors@examiner.ie

Q

With no windows, the entrance hallway of my apartment is dark and depressing. Have you any suggestions?

A. Mirrors are great for dark rooms as they help ‘bounce’ light around the space — try hanging one behind a table lamp for maximum effect. Alternatively, stand a large mirror on the floor, loft-style, to break up the wall space.

If you have the ceiling height, go for a chandelier. For lower ceilings, recessed spotlights are best. Finally, place a softlighting lamp on a console table inside the door to create a welcoming glow.

Willie Duggan Lighting Ltd in Kilkenny (www.williedugganlighting.com) has a great selection.

Q. We have a wooden floor and two mushroom-coloured sofas in our sitting room, but it’s very boring — what colours do you recommend using to liven it up?

A. Cerise, fuschia, lime green, burnt orange and cranberry are all back with a bang for winter. Then just add some scatter cushions, a rug and artwork in the various colours of your chosen fabric to bring the scheme together. Designers Guild (www.designersguild.com), Prestigious Textiles (www.prestigious.ie) and Zoffany (www.zoffany.com) have some fantastic colour collections this year.

Q. After living in a 92m² rented apartment for the past few years, I’ve just bought my own 76m² one.

SALE ENDS SOON

And though I already have all my own furniture, now it feels too big for the place — should I downsize?

A. Where space is tight, my advice is to go for light wood or reflective glass or mirrored furniture. Choose furniture that multi-tasks — like a coffee table with a lift-up lid — and take advantage of your walls for storage units instead.

If you can’t afford to replace your furniture, perhaps think about getting rid of one or two non-essential pieces.

Q. The back of my telly is a mess of cables and wires – do you have any tips for tidying it up?

A. Try JML’s Cable Tidy, which will also keep cables tucked safely away from children and pets (€5.99 from www.jmldirect.com).

Trevelyan fabric by Designers Guild — see www.designersguild.com

Organised, stylish & spacious We use the latest smooth running sliding track technology Built to maximise space Made-to-measure & custom designed to suit your needs We provide a full range of pull-out accessories, shoe racks, drawers & baskets A wide range of colours styles & designs available Limited promotion - limited stock

The Quality

WEB WATCH Every week Sue O’Connor picks her top three interiors sites. If you have a favourite you’d like to see featured, email: interiors@examiner.ie

1

Klickity

I am glad to see some momentum gathering behind this website. They are Irish-based and have unique contemporary designs that push the boundaries. Check out their amazing chessboard created from reclaimed counter top. And what about a lampshade fashioned from recycled 3D glasses from cinemas, see picture on right. Somehow it is just works and is something you would buy without hearing about the back story of the raw materials. The environment is never far from the design concept, they say, adding that they strive to balance creativity, innovation and sustainability in all their work. Another plus for the fans in the klickity camp.

■ www.klickity.ie

2

The Style

The Space

10 year Guaranteed Sliding Systems Irish Manufactured

Black and Blum

Function meets fun in this website.

Modern house needs are met with a smile and a nod to the sublime. Check out their high and dry disk rack which folds down to a flat sheet to tidy away when not in use. To drain or not to drain is also an easy choice with the flip up spout.

■ www.black-blum.com

SHOWROOMS • CORK • DUBLIN • KILKENNY • MALLOW • NENAGH

FREE BROCHURE & FREE QUOTATION RING 021 454 2255 OR VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN WILTON

Doughcloyne Ind. Est. Sarsfields Rd. Wilton Cork. (in past the driving test centre)

email: home@slideglide.ie or paul@slideglide.ie IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

27

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Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

XP1 - V1

HOME ECONOMICS

Out of the frying pan...

House fires devastate not only bricks, mortar and possessions, but also lives and families. Kya deLongchamps reports

Smoke Alarms: 10 tips for a fit

1

2 3 4 Fires do not always happen to other people and the next one could be in your home, but house fires are usually preventable.

E

VERY year, 46 people die in the horror of a home fire. Give yourself and your family every chance by detailing your home to prevent fire taking hold in the first place.

ELECTRICS We’re all quietly afraid of naked electrical power, and it’s that healthy respect that keeps that prime utility safe. Electrical equipment that’s not in use (that’s everything bar the fridge and freezer) can be turned off and unplugged at night. If you put your hand on a plug, and it’s hot, it needs checking. Don’t overload power-points and if you notice the circuitry acting strangely, for example something else “popping” when you turn something “on” or “off ”, call your electrician.

Leads and adaptors have amp limits and the right fuse must be place in the right appliance: ■ Appliances up to 700 watts, use a 3 amp fuse ■ Appliances between 700 and 1,000 watts, use a 5 amp fuse ■ Appliances more than 1,000 watts, use a 13 amp fuse Wiring and cables should be in perfect order with no wires showing or damaged. Don’t run wiring or cables under rugs where they could be scuffed or yanked and discreetly smoulder in an over-heated situation. During an annual service, your technician will check over the electrical components making heavy wattage demands such as dryers and washing machines.

26

CHIP PANS, AND OTHER POTENTIAL HORRORS There’s a reason every TV soapdrama fire starts with a chip pan.

Filled more than 1/3 with oil or left unattended over a hot stove, they are a culinary time-bomb. If you must use a traditional pot of oil rather than a thermostatically controlled counter-top pan, ensure it NEVER gets hot enough to smoke and don’t throw water at it if it does catch. A fire blanket and small extinguisher for the kitchen will cost no more than €50.

When buying an electric blanket make sure it conforms to the British Standard and carries the kite mark.

OPEN FIRE AND HEAT SOURCES Cigarettes and pipes are hand-held, contained, little fires, and set anywhere near combustible materials (that’s just about everything in the house) the results can be deadly.

Smoking in bed? We found my late grandmother’s sheets reduced to a doily, speared by hot cigarettes as she read. It’s simply not worth risking everyone in the household.

An open fire should be detailed with a spark-guard at all times, and if you have young children, a fire gate that keeps them completely away from the grate, secured to the wall is standard. A busy wood burning fire should have its serving chimney swept as many as four times a year. Examine the area around an open fire, blow heater or gas or electrical flame for anything that could accidentally catch.

Look for soot or odd stains collecting around the vents and pipes around boilers and fuel burning stoves. Not only could this inefficient burn prove a

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

5

potential fire hazard, but you may have a serious problem with odourless, colourless carbon monoxide in your indoor atmosphere.

PLAN TO LIVE A fire safety plan is something the whole family need to be aware of.

Where the exits are, doors that are accessible, windows that can be safely used as means of escape and where to assemble once everyone is out.

In the case of a fire that has taken hold, the simple advice to follow: Get out Ring the fire service (999 or 112).

Stay out The order these are in is critical.

Don’t linger on the house telephone frantically summoning the fire services, and once you are out, don’t go back for anything. You may love your pet, or treasure that painting, but putting anything ahead of your safety may rob your family of something infinitely more important — you.

■ Download a comprehensive PDF brochure on Fire Safety in the Home at www.hse.ie.

'We found my late grandmother’s sheets reduced to a doily, speared by hot cigarettes as she read'

6 7 8 9

Smoke alarms are just that — plural.

Place an alarm on each landing, stairwell and hall, one in any living room and one close to the kitchen.

Use the TEST button for an alarm on the landing with the bedroom door shut. Can you hear it?

Ionisation smoke alarms are the standard inexpensive alarms (€10 or less). They are highly sensitive to fast flame fires despite their modest price.

Ionisation/optical units cost around €40 but offer ultimate protection.

More expensive than ionisation models, an optical alarm will detect large particles of smoke emitted from a slow burning fire. They don’t go off at a hint of a hot grilling, and are sometimes referred to as ‘toastproof’, making them ideal for the kitchen alongside your CO alarm.

There is dead, languorous air in an area where the walls meet the ceiling. Place the smoke alarm 30cms from the wall if it’s on the ceiling, 30cms from the ceiling if mounted on the wall. In a roof with a peak, keep the alarm around a metre down from the highest point of the room.

Fluorescent lights have a pulse that can upset the alarm sensor. Keep the unit about 1.5 metres away from such fittings.

If you have a smoker who can’t be trusted not to smoke in bed, gift them their own alarm.

Check your alarms using the integral ‘TEST’ button at least twice a year, and change the batteries once a year, whether you think they need it or not. Mains back up and lithium ‘10year’ lithium units should be similarly checked for failing circuitry.

Rechargeable (NiCad) batteries are not suitable for smoke alarms as there’s no fall off in the power — it drops like a rock. For the hard of hearing a specialised flashing or vibrating unit may be needed.

10

A mains-powered alarm with strobe light and vibrating pad can sit under their pillow at night.

INTERIORS

SLIDE GLIDE

ASK THE

CLOSET DESIGN

DESIGNER

Sliding Robes & Walk in Closets

Interior designer Karen Hughes, director of Emerald Interior Design in Dublin (www.emeraldinteriordesign.ie), answers your questions. Email: interiors@examiner.ie

Q

With no windows, the entrance hallway of my apartment is dark and depressing. Have you any suggestions?

A. Mirrors are great for dark rooms as they help ‘bounce’ light around the space — try hanging one behind a table lamp for maximum effect. Alternatively, stand a large mirror on the floor, loft-style, to break up the wall space.

If you have the ceiling height, go for a chandelier. For lower ceilings, recessed spotlights are best. Finally, place a softlighting lamp on a console table inside the door to create a welcoming glow.

Willie Duggan Lighting Ltd in Kilkenny (www.williedugganlighting.com) has a great selection.

Q. We have a wooden floor and two mushroom-coloured sofas in our sitting room, but it’s very boring — what colours do you recommend using to liven it up?

A. Cerise, fuschia, lime green, burnt orange and cranberry are all back with a bang for winter. Then just add some scatter cushions, a rug and artwork in the various colours of your chosen fabric to bring the scheme together. Designers Guild (www.designersguild.com), Prestigious Textiles (www.prestigious.ie) and Zoffany (www.zoffany.com) have some fantastic colour collections this year.

Q. After living in a 92m² rented apartment for the past few years, I’ve just bought my own 76m² one.

SALE ENDS SOON

And though I already have all my own furniture, now it feels too big for the place — should I downsize?

A. Where space is tight, my advice is to go for light wood or reflective glass or mirrored furniture. Choose furniture that multi-tasks — like a coffee table with a lift-up lid — and take advantage of your walls for storage units instead.

If you can’t afford to replace your furniture, perhaps think about getting rid of one or two non-essential pieces.

Q. The back of my telly is a mess of cables and wires – do you have any tips for tidying it up?

A. Try JML’s Cable Tidy, which will also keep cables tucked safely away from children and pets (€5.99 from www.jmldirect.com).

Trevelyan fabric by Designers Guild — see www.designersguild.com

Organised, stylish & spacious We use the latest smooth running sliding track technology Built to maximise space Made-to-measure & custom designed to suit your needs We provide a full range of pull-out accessories, shoe racks, drawers & baskets A wide range of colours styles & designs available Limited promotion - limited stock

The Quality

WEB WATCH Every week Sue O’Connor picks her top three interiors sites. If you have a favourite you’d like to see featured, email: interiors@examiner.ie

1

Klickity

I am glad to see some momentum gathering behind this website. They are Irish-based and have unique contemporary designs that push the boundaries. Check out their amazing chessboard created from reclaimed counter top. And what about a lampshade fashioned from recycled 3D glasses from cinemas, see picture on right. Somehow it is just works and is something you would buy without hearing about the back story of the raw materials. The environment is never far from the design concept, they say, adding that they strive to balance creativity, innovation and sustainability in all their work. Another plus for the fans in the klickity camp.

■ www.klickity.ie

2

The Style

The Space

10 year Guaranteed Sliding Systems Irish Manufactured

Black and Blum

Function meets fun in this website.

Modern house needs are met with a smile and a nod to the sublime. Check out their high and dry disk rack which folds down to a flat sheet to tidy away when not in use. To drain or not to drain is also an easy choice with the flip up spout.

■ www.black-blum.com

SHOWROOMS • CORK • DUBLIN • KILKENNY • MALLOW • NENAGH

FREE BROCHURE & FREE QUOTATION RING 021 454 2255 OR VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN WILTON

Doughcloyne Ind. Est. Sarsfields Rd. Wilton Cork. (in past the driving test centre)

email: home@slideglide.ie or paul@slideglide.ie IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

27

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:12:45:52Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:28

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK

by Charlie Wilkins

SHOWY HIPS; As the leaves begin to fall away, the glistening hips of roses are revealed in all their glory. Not all roses produce hips of course but some are well worth considering as they can provide a very showy display. For a bushy plant with a reliable display of hips try Rosa rugosa and most of its varieties. They produce large clusters of smooth, spherical fruits in shades of deep orange. The taller shrubby roses have the advantage that their hips cascade down from the branches. One of the most spectacular (which I highly recommend) is Rosa moyesii ‘Geranium’ but R. glauca also makes a fine display.

BEDDING; What is to become of all those expensive plants, already tarnished by autumn weather, now due for removal out of tubs, urns and window boxes? Can any be kept for another year? Although the greenfingered often achieve miracles of improvisation, success really depends on having a greenhouse and whether or not you heat it. Bushy fuchsias, (but not standards) are easy. You can cut these to the knuckle, pack them together in a box and leave them covered with corrugated cardboard in a shed, offering them a dribble of water when you remember. Petunias by contrast together with lobelia, marigolds and the silvery helichrysum are good only for the compost heap. In fact, all soft summer bedding are best composted soon. If, however, you have begonia semperflorens, these can be potted up and brought into a bright kitchen windowsill to flower away all winter! In theory, geraniums will grow and flower throughout the year though they become scraggy and drawn in the poor light conditions. Mine look terrible now, so they will be cut back hard then put together in slightly damp compost in the greenhouse. Air circulation must be kept a top priority for mildew will flourish when the light is poor and temperatures are low. A dank atmosphere should be avoided at all costs.

DOOR FEATURE; Before the days get too cold and short why not brighten your front door with an attractive pot feature? For instance, you could use heavy-duty clay or terracotta pots filled with any brand of seed and potting compost. Half fill one of these to begin, then place a layer of short, multi-head daffodils (Tete-a-Tete) on this. Cover If you have begonia semperflorens, these can be potted up and brought into a bright with an inch or two of compost then add a layer of late tulips. Add more compost, kitchen windowsill to flower away all winter. then a layer of crocus. Finally, plant two taken this advice and reported or three small-flowered violas (or small look at the choice of bulbs we back. ivies) on top and await one surprise gardeners have! after another before winter melts into BULBS; Continue to plant all bulb spring.

WILDLIFE and birds will benefit varieties. Winter kicks off with greatly from flower and grass yellow aconites, before drifting into TOADSTOOLS; Circles of toadstools or seed-heads left standing for winter snowdrops in February and March. fairy rings may appear in lawns during rather than being cut and composted.

Iris reticulate, Crocus, and daffodils autumn especially following wet If you have been growing sunflowers start to appear next, running into weather. There are several species of (for instance) then hang the faded soil-inhabiting fungi that might be carpets of low-growing scillas, heads upside-down as a food source. responsible but whether or which there chionodoxa and muscari. Dwarf As well, pop a few wind-fall apples on is no chemical cure. Best advice I can narcissus such as jonquils, will bring to the bird table. Dried poppy heads give is to wet these areas with a solution perfume to the garden in April and and hollow stems also provide of Jeyes Fluid, an egg-cup of fluid to a May to be followed in turn by tulips excellent protection for overwatering can (two gallons). This works a and camassia and alliums. Later wintering insects such as ladybirds treat according to readers who have again the lilies appear. Would you and beetles.

28

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

GARDENNOTES

■ Lough Flower and Garden Club holds its annual dinner for members and friends on October 25 at 8pm in the Rochestown Park Hotel. All welcome. Tickets from Peg at 021-4966068

■ Blarney and District Flower and Garden Club present The Gardens of Blarney Castle by Adam Whitbourn, head gardener Blarney Castle on October 27. Includes a club competition.

■ Ladysbridge and District Flower and Garden Club meets on Monday at 8pm in the Garryvoe Hotel. Guest speaker Michael Woulfe, East Cork Beekeepers Association on how to encourage bees into your garden. A plant sale in aid of WAFA World Show will be held so bring plants and seeds.

■ Advice on winter hardy hedging at The Secret Garden, Newmarket tomorrow at 3pm. Call 029 60084 or visit www.thesecretgardener.com.

■ Boherbue Flower and Garden Club has John Hosford speaking on Successful Houseplants at the Boherbue Educare Centre at 8pm on Wednesday. Non-members €5.

■ The10th Annual Mushroom Hunt at Longueville House Mallow Co Cork takes place tomorrow from 9.30am onwards (repeated Sunday 30th).

Tel: 022-47156 for full details.

■ Cork Flower Club has a work night with Maureen O’Keeffe on Tuesday next in the Canon Packham Hall Douglas at 8pm. All welcome.

■ Bandon Flower Club is hosting a Flower Festival called Jubilate in St Patrick’s Church, this weekend to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the church. Viewing today to 6pm and tomorrow from 10am to 5pm.

Closing ceremony at 5pm with guest Alice Taylor. Admission including refreshments is €10. in aid of church organ restoration.

■ Sunday’s Well Flower and Garden Club hosts a talk entitled Laughter Yoga by Ena Howell on Wednesday at 8pm in St Vincent’s Parish Centre.

■ Liam Griffin speaks on Gardening through Autumn at The Village Inn in Coachford on Wednesday at 8pm hosted by Coachford Flower and Garden Club.

■ The Spiro Singers are in concert at Hosfords of Enniskeane on October 30 at 2pm, followed by The Dandelion Puppet Theatre at 3pm.

Admission free.

■ Choosing the Right Trees for Your Garden, is the title of a free talk followed by a gourmet lunch at Griffins, Dripsey (all-in price of €10) on Tuesday and Thursday next at noon. Info: 021 7334286 ■ Kells Bay Gardens has 4-star selfcatering apartments available year round at the gardens. See www. kellsgardens.ie/accommodation ■ The recent Open Garden Charity Day at Larry and Bernadette O’Leary’s step-a-side garden, Ballinascarthy, raised €1,720 in aid of Early Cancer Detection research at Mercy Hospital Cork. Thanks to all who supported.

XP1 - V1

IN THE GARDEN

Glory of the rose in bloom

by Charlie Wilkins

T

he garden continues to falter, but it does this gracefully rather than disgracefully. But either way, in faltering light and diminishing temperatures, the job of clearing leaves and debris must be attended to along with the planting of spring bulbs and other autumnal chores.

There are of course, those among us who advocate leaving visible signs of decay but I would rather have my thwarted spirits purged by tidying up and clearing away than having to look out on mess and chaos for the next three months!

Looking back in these pinched days, summer seemed a riotous time, a permanent garden party, irrespective of the disappointing weather.

I recall its many glories; the raging blue of Salvia patens, the unbelievable purity, like white skin, of Regale lilies and the deep, dark purple of Dahlia ‘Moor Place’. But these provoke admiration, not rapture.

For rapture you have to turn to roses, especially the multi-petalled and quartered forms which have a perfume capable of lifting the deepest elegiac moods.

The best varieties remind me of crocheted and hand-sewn yarn, drawn together to create a ruffled work of art.

And what can never be described, or recalled, or preserved of these roses is their powerful scent. It sets them apart and if you have a single plant or two (or you can beg a cutting), now is the ideal time to increase them!

As the leaves of your chosen favourite fall in late autumn, bear in mind that they can be easily and successfully rooted in the open garden. What you need are shoots of the current season’s growth, all of which should be firm, ripe, and at least as thick as a pencil.

Cut to a growth bud at the tip and base of the cutting, to end up with sections at least six inches and anything up 10 inches in length. If the bottom cut is made horizontally and the top made slanted you will have no problem in remembering which way is uppermost!

Remove the leaves then coat the bottom two inches of the cutting into decanted rooting hormone powder.

Next, make a small V-shaped trench in open, well-drained soil (that has sharp gritty sand added at the base) in a warm and sheltered part of the garden.

Push the cuttings in (up to half their length) leaving an inch or two between each, or bundle three or four together and similarly push these into the prepared site.

The cuttings will start to grow in

An excellent choice where a ground-covering, domed bush is required is Bonica 82, as distinct from plain Bonica. Propagate as outlined.

spring but leave them undisturbed for up to a year before transplanting them to their flowering beds and borders.

They may grow more slowly than grafted plants to start with, but before long you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Most roses may be propagated using this technique, even though it is mainly used for species such as Rosa rugosa, R glauce and vigorous climber such as R filipes Kiftsgate.

This method has been supplanted by grafting on to rootstocks, or taking softwood cuttings earlier in the summer but it is a cheap and easy for amateur

I

n a bid to work with local companies, Griffin Garden Centre in Dripsey Co Cork have joined forces with The Toy Solider Factory in Macroom. Every Sunday between 2pm and 6pm the staff from The Toy Soldier Factory will be holding a workshop in Griffins Garden Centre. With no experience required, people of all ages can enjoy painting Right: A staff member from the Toy Soldier Factory in a workshop at Griffin’s Garden Centre in Dripsey, Co Cork.

gardeners to increase stocks.

■ Back indoors I am ploughing my way through a book written by Jennifer Potter called The Rose. I say ploughing for this is a tome vividly written and lavishly illustrated which challenges many cherished beliefs about the rose.

It looks set to establish itself as the definitive history of the Queen of Flowers and whilst the amateur will find it a trifle heavy going, no rosarian worth his or her salt will find it anything but captivating. Jennifer begins her story as she travels across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the miniatures.

Pieces come in a range of styles and sizes to suit all ages and interests. The workshops include casting your piece, choosing your colours, painting and then you can bring your new toy home. This will give parents some time to browse the new display gardens, get advice from the staff in Griffins Garden Centre, or sit back and relax in the garden restaurant.

For the Halloween Bank Holiday Griffins are holding a scarecrow and pumpkin face competition. Make a

Americas to unravel the rose’s evolution from a simple briar of the northern hemisphere to the height of cultivated perfection found in rose gardens today. Whether laying bare the flower’s long association with sexuality and secret societies, questioning the Crusaders’ role in bringing roses back from the Holy Land, or hunting for its elusive blooms in the gardens of the Empress Josephine at Malmaison, Jennifer Potter reveals why this flower, above all others, has provoked such fascination. ● The Rose is published by Atlantic Books and priced at £30 (€34). scarecrow or carve a scary pumpkin and bring it along to Griffin’s before 6pm on Saturday, October 29 and you could scoop one of the prizes.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, October 30.

Meanwhile, a Facebook Photography competition Capture Autumn Colour continues with people encouraged to send autumnal pictures to the Griffins Garden Centre Facebook page. Winners will receive a €50 voucher. ● For more information see www.griffinsgardencentre.ie

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

29

TERAPROOF:User:sueoconnorDate:13/10/2011Time:12:45:52Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:28

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK

by Charlie Wilkins

SHOWY HIPS; As the leaves begin to fall away, the glistening hips of roses are revealed in all their glory. Not all roses produce hips of course but some are well worth considering as they can provide a very showy display. For a bushy plant with a reliable display of hips try Rosa rugosa and most of its varieties. They produce large clusters of smooth, spherical fruits in shades of deep orange. The taller shrubby roses have the advantage that their hips cascade down from the branches. One of the most spectacular (which I highly recommend) is Rosa moyesii ‘Geranium’ but R. glauca also makes a fine display.

BEDDING; What is to become of all those expensive plants, already tarnished by autumn weather, now due for removal out of tubs, urns and window boxes? Can any be kept for another year? Although the greenfingered often achieve miracles of improvisation, success really depends on having a greenhouse and whether or not you heat it. Bushy fuchsias, (but not standards) are easy. You can cut these to the knuckle, pack them together in a box and leave them covered with corrugated cardboard in a shed, offering them a dribble of water when you remember. Petunias by contrast together with lobelia, marigolds and the silvery helichrysum are good only for the compost heap. In fact, all soft summer bedding are best composted soon. If, however, you have begonia semperflorens, these can be potted up and brought into a bright kitchen windowsill to flower away all winter! In theory, geraniums will grow and flower throughout the year though they become scraggy and drawn in the poor light conditions. Mine look terrible now, so they will be cut back hard then put together in slightly damp compost in the greenhouse. Air circulation must be kept a top priority for mildew will flourish when the light is poor and temperatures are low. A dank atmosphere should be avoided at all costs.

DOOR FEATURE; Before the days get too cold and short why not brighten your front door with an attractive pot feature? For instance, you could use heavy-duty clay or terracotta pots filled with any brand of seed and potting compost. Half fill one of these to begin, then place a layer of short, multi-head daffodils (Tete-a-Tete) on this. Cover If you have begonia semperflorens, these can be potted up and brought into a bright with an inch or two of compost then add a layer of late tulips. Add more compost, kitchen windowsill to flower away all winter. then a layer of crocus. Finally, plant two taken this advice and reported or three small-flowered violas (or small look at the choice of bulbs we back. ivies) on top and await one surprise gardeners have! after another before winter melts into BULBS; Continue to plant all bulb spring.

WILDLIFE and birds will benefit varieties. Winter kicks off with greatly from flower and grass yellow aconites, before drifting into TOADSTOOLS; Circles of toadstools or seed-heads left standing for winter snowdrops in February and March. fairy rings may appear in lawns during rather than being cut and composted.

Iris reticulate, Crocus, and daffodils autumn especially following wet If you have been growing sunflowers start to appear next, running into weather. There are several species of (for instance) then hang the faded soil-inhabiting fungi that might be carpets of low-growing scillas, heads upside-down as a food source. responsible but whether or which there chionodoxa and muscari. Dwarf As well, pop a few wind-fall apples on is no chemical cure. Best advice I can narcissus such as jonquils, will bring to the bird table. Dried poppy heads give is to wet these areas with a solution perfume to the garden in April and and hollow stems also provide of Jeyes Fluid, an egg-cup of fluid to a May to be followed in turn by tulips excellent protection for overwatering can (two gallons). This works a and camassia and alliums. Later wintering insects such as ladybirds treat according to readers who have again the lilies appear. Would you and beetles.

28

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

GARDENNOTES

■ Lough Flower and Garden Club holds its annual dinner for members and friends on October 25 at 8pm in the Rochestown Park Hotel. All welcome. Tickets from Peg at 021-4966068

■ Blarney and District Flower and Garden Club present The Gardens of Blarney Castle by Adam Whitbourn, head gardener Blarney Castle on October 27. Includes a club competition.

■ Ladysbridge and District Flower and Garden Club meets on Monday at 8pm in the Garryvoe Hotel. Guest speaker Michael Woulfe, East Cork Beekeepers Association on how to encourage bees into your garden. A plant sale in aid of WAFA World Show will be held so bring plants and seeds.

■ Advice on winter hardy hedging at The Secret Garden, Newmarket tomorrow at 3pm. Call 029 60084 or visit www.thesecretgardener.com.

■ Boherbue Flower and Garden Club has John Hosford speaking on Successful Houseplants at the Boherbue Educare Centre at 8pm on Wednesday. Non-members €5.

■ The10th Annual Mushroom Hunt at Longueville House Mallow Co Cork takes place tomorrow from 9.30am onwards (repeated Sunday 30th).

Tel: 022-47156 for full details.

■ Cork Flower Club has a work night with Maureen O’Keeffe on Tuesday next in the Canon Packham Hall Douglas at 8pm. All welcome.

■ Bandon Flower Club is hosting a Flower Festival called Jubilate in St Patrick’s Church, this weekend to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the church. Viewing today to 6pm and tomorrow from 10am to 5pm.

Closing ceremony at 5pm with guest Alice Taylor. Admission including refreshments is €10. in aid of church organ restoration.

■ Sunday’s Well Flower and Garden Club hosts a talk entitled Laughter Yoga by Ena Howell on Wednesday at 8pm in St Vincent’s Parish Centre.

■ Liam Griffin speaks on Gardening through Autumn at The Village Inn in Coachford on Wednesday at 8pm hosted by Coachford Flower and Garden Club.

■ The Spiro Singers are in concert at Hosfords of Enniskeane on October 30 at 2pm, followed by The Dandelion Puppet Theatre at 3pm.

Admission free.

■ Choosing the Right Trees for Your Garden, is the title of a free talk followed by a gourmet lunch at Griffins, Dripsey (all-in price of €10) on Tuesday and Thursday next at noon. Info: 021 7334286 ■ Kells Bay Gardens has 4-star selfcatering apartments available year round at the gardens. See www. kellsgardens.ie/accommodation ■ The recent Open Garden Charity Day at Larry and Bernadette O’Leary’s step-a-side garden, Ballinascarthy, raised €1,720 in aid of Early Cancer Detection research at Mercy Hospital Cork. Thanks to all who supported.

XP1 - V1

IN THE GARDEN

Glory of the rose in bloom

by Charlie Wilkins

T

he garden continues to falter, but it does this gracefully rather than disgracefully. But either way, in faltering light and diminishing temperatures, the job of clearing leaves and debris must be attended to along with the planting of spring bulbs and other autumnal chores.

There are of course, those among us who advocate leaving visible signs of decay but I would rather have my thwarted spirits purged by tidying up and clearing away than having to look out on mess and chaos for the next three months!

Looking back in these pinched days, summer seemed a riotous time, a permanent garden party, irrespective of the disappointing weather.

I recall its many glories; the raging blue of Salvia patens, the unbelievable purity, like white skin, of Regale lilies and the deep, dark purple of Dahlia ‘Moor Place’. But these provoke admiration, not rapture.

For rapture you have to turn to roses, especially the multi-petalled and quartered forms which have a perfume capable of lifting the deepest elegiac moods.

The best varieties remind me of crocheted and hand-sewn yarn, drawn together to create a ruffled work of art.

And what can never be described, or recalled, or preserved of these roses is their powerful scent. It sets them apart and if you have a single plant or two (or you can beg a cutting), now is the ideal time to increase them!

As the leaves of your chosen favourite fall in late autumn, bear in mind that they can be easily and successfully rooted in the open garden. What you need are shoots of the current season’s growth, all of which should be firm, ripe, and at least as thick as a pencil.

Cut to a growth bud at the tip and base of the cutting, to end up with sections at least six inches and anything up 10 inches in length. If the bottom cut is made horizontally and the top made slanted you will have no problem in remembering which way is uppermost!

Remove the leaves then coat the bottom two inches of the cutting into decanted rooting hormone powder.

Next, make a small V-shaped trench in open, well-drained soil (that has sharp gritty sand added at the base) in a warm and sheltered part of the garden.

Push the cuttings in (up to half their length) leaving an inch or two between each, or bundle three or four together and similarly push these into the prepared site.

The cuttings will start to grow in

An excellent choice where a ground-covering, domed bush is required is Bonica 82, as distinct from plain Bonica. Propagate as outlined.

spring but leave them undisturbed for up to a year before transplanting them to their flowering beds and borders.

They may grow more slowly than grafted plants to start with, but before long you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Most roses may be propagated using this technique, even though it is mainly used for species such as Rosa rugosa, R glauce and vigorous climber such as R filipes Kiftsgate.

This method has been supplanted by grafting on to rootstocks, or taking softwood cuttings earlier in the summer but it is a cheap and easy for amateur

I

n a bid to work with local companies, Griffin Garden Centre in Dripsey Co Cork have joined forces with The Toy Solider Factory in Macroom. Every Sunday between 2pm and 6pm the staff from The Toy Soldier Factory will be holding a workshop in Griffins Garden Centre. With no experience required, people of all ages can enjoy painting Right: A staff member from the Toy Soldier Factory in a workshop at Griffin’s Garden Centre in Dripsey, Co Cork.

gardeners to increase stocks.

■ Back indoors I am ploughing my way through a book written by Jennifer Potter called The Rose. I say ploughing for this is a tome vividly written and lavishly illustrated which challenges many cherished beliefs about the rose.

It looks set to establish itself as the definitive history of the Queen of Flowers and whilst the amateur will find it a trifle heavy going, no rosarian worth his or her salt will find it anything but captivating. Jennifer begins her story as she travels across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the miniatures.

Pieces come in a range of styles and sizes to suit all ages and interests. The workshops include casting your piece, choosing your colours, painting and then you can bring your new toy home. This will give parents some time to browse the new display gardens, get advice from the staff in Griffins Garden Centre, or sit back and relax in the garden restaurant.

For the Halloween Bank Holiday Griffins are holding a scarecrow and pumpkin face competition. Make a

Americas to unravel the rose’s evolution from a simple briar of the northern hemisphere to the height of cultivated perfection found in rose gardens today. Whether laying bare the flower’s long association with sexuality and secret societies, questioning the Crusaders’ role in bringing roses back from the Holy Land, or hunting for its elusive blooms in the gardens of the Empress Josephine at Malmaison, Jennifer Potter reveals why this flower, above all others, has provoked such fascination. ● The Rose is published by Atlantic Books and priced at £30 (€34). scarecrow or carve a scary pumpkin and bring it along to Griffin’s before 6pm on Saturday, October 29 and you could scoop one of the prizes.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, October 30.

Meanwhile, a Facebook Photography competition Capture Autumn Colour continues with people encouraged to send autumnal pictures to the Griffins Garden Centre Facebook page. Winners will receive a €50 voucher. ● For more information see www.griffinsgardencentre.ie

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

29

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

XP1 - V1

ANTIQUES & FINE ART

ADVERTISING

Comprehensive art auction of Irish talent

DIARY

Something offered for all tastes, writes Des O’Sullivan

T

HE Irish art sale

by Morgan O’Driscoll at the Radisson Hotel, Little Island, Cork on Monday at 6.30pm goes on view from noon tomorrow. There is something to appeal to a broad range of tastes in the artwork on offer, which ranges from a William Scott Still Life

with Pears estimated at €2,000-2,500 to a 1929 poster featuring “Irish Free State Bacon” designed by Sean Keating estimated at €600-900.

Estimates are from €150 up and there is plenty to interest collectors in an auction of 285 lots of abstracts, landscapes, still life, portraits and seascapes in a wide

variety of media.

Viewing is from noon to 10pm tomorrow and from 10am to 6pm on Monday.

Hibernian Antique Fairs are at Morans Silver Springs Hotel in Cork tomorrow (Oct 16) from 11am to 6pm. This event is popular and will feature everything from art and furniture to silver and jewellery.

Georgian dining table has €2,200 estimate

A

NTIQUE furniture on offer at Woodwards in Cork next Wednesday at 6pm includes a Georgian circular dining table (€1,000-€2,000), a Regency sofa table (€1,000-€1,500), a Sheraton sideboard (€700-€1,000), a Georgian linen press (€700-€1,000) and a set of

six Georgian dining chairs (€500-€1,000).

Other furniture lots include a Georgian peat bucket (€300-€500), a pair of hall chairs (€300-€500), a Georgian bowfronted chest of drawers (€500€700), an Edwardian revolving bookcase (€400€800), a circular Georgian occasional table (€300€600), a Georgian foldover card table (€500-

€800) and an Edwardian display cabinet (€400€600). Art includes work

by Maurice Desmond, Kenneth Webb, Arthur Maderson, and Marshall Hutson. Collectibles include Meissen and other porcelain and Waterford crystal.

Auction viewing 2pm to 5pm today (sat and 10am to 5pm on Monday to Wednesday.

Still Life — Jug and Fruit by Peter Collis, from the Morgan O’Driscoll art auction in Cork on Monday, estimated at €2,000€3,000. “Abstract” by Denis Orme Shaw at Morgan O’Driscoll’s Irish art auction, estimated at €450-€650.

AUCTION OF FURNITURE, ANTIQUES, FINE ART

IRISH ART SALE Monday 17th October 2011 at 6.30pm Auction Venue: Radisson Blu & Spa Little Island Cork City Viewing: Sun 16th Oct: 12noon - 10pm Mon 17th Oct: 10am - 6pm Over 280 lots Erskine Nicol

On the instructions of executors of an estate on Blackrock Road, and from a residence in Ballinhassig

WEDNESDAY NEXT, OCTOBER 19th AT 6PM Georgian mahogany circular dining table,

Georgian mahogany sideboard, Georgian mahogany peat bucket, Georgian bowfronted chest of drawers, Georgian Mahogany linen press, Regency rosewood sofa table, Pair of Georgian mahogany hall chairs Georgian mahogany bow-fronted chest of drawers, Sheraton inlaid mahogany sideboard, Set of 6 Georgian dining chairs, Pair of gilt armchairs Edwardian mahogany revolving bookcase, Georgian circular occasional table, Georgian mahogany grandfather clock Sheraton domed mantle clock, Victorian mahogany coal box, Brass fender and rests Inlaid set of dining chairs, Edwardian mahogany display cabinet 3 pillar D-end dining table Indian carved coffer Pembroke dropleaf table Gilt framed overmantle Parquetry inlaid occasional table

Victorian mahogany dining table Georgian mahogany fold-over tea or card table Victorian mahogany chest of drawers Stationery boxes, fishing rods & reel, clocks, etc Selection of Waterford and other crystal, Meissen, Masons, Wedgwood, Doulton ware, etc Many more – details at www.woodward.ie IRISH SILVER & ART AUCTION November 9th Late entries now invited

FREE BIDDING SERVICE IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AUCTION

ARTISTS INCLUDE: Mildred Anne Butler, Frank Egginton, John Shinnors, Maurice Desmond, Kenneth Webb, John Morris, Mary Duffy, Dea Trier Morch, Marshall Hutson, etc.

Gladys MacCabe Mark O’Neill F u l l c a t a l o gu e c a n b e v i e w ed o n w w w . m o r g a n o d r i s c o l l . c o m online, absentee and telephone bidding available.

Ilen Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork; Tel: 028 22338 · Mob: 086 2472425 email: info@morganodriscoll.com

30

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

On view: Saturday & Sunday 2pm - 5pm, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10am - 5pm

JOSEPH

WOODWARD & SONS LTD “Successful service since 1883”

26 COOK STREET, CORK.tel 021-4273327 fax 021-4272891 email antiques@woodward.ie . web www.woodward.ie

Top: A diamond and sapphire ring at O’Reilly’s, Dublin next Wednesday. It is estimated at €1,800-€2,200.

Above: Weldon’s will feature this antique Irish silver spoon at the antique fair at Moran’s Silver Springs Hotel Cork tomorrow.

The auction of 488 lots at Limerick Auction Rooms, Ballysimon Road at 2.30pm today features an Old IRA War of Independence Medal, and artwork by John Shinnors. .........................................................

An Art Deco diamond solitaire ring is among the highlights at O’Reilly’s of Francis St., Dublin next Wednesday at 1pm. .........................................................

Hegarty’s next sale in Bandon on Sunday week at 4pm features around 400 lots including furniture, silver, art and collectibles. .........................................................

Sotheby’s say that the four day sale of Safra Collections at Sotheby’s in New York next week offers remarkable opportunities to collectors around the world, starting on Tuesday. .........................................................

Jack Yeats’ Rescue Men was the top lot (€100,000) at Whyte’s. .........................................................

The 157th exhibition of the Water Colour Society of Ireland is at Dun Laoghaire Co. Hall until Saturday, October 22. .........................................................

Milton Academy, the feeder school for Harvard in Massachusetts attended by Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, is to benefit from a sale of Irish silver at Bonhams in London on November 23. The collection, which has an upper estimate of £140,000, was exhibited as part of the Eire Society of Silver display at the Boston Museum of Fine Art in 1963. .........................................................

In London the Frieze Art Fair, which continues this weekend at Regent’s Park, features 175 exhibitors from 33 countries.

THE MUNSTER ANTIQUE FAIR MORANS SILVER SPRINGS HOTEL

THIS SUNDAY 16th OCTOBER 21st Year Twice Yearly Over 30 Stands Including Weldons Dublin, Greens Furniture Galleries, Leitrim And Many More

11am - 6pm This Is A Hibernian Antique Fair And A Sister Event To The Fota And Actons Kinsale Antique Fairs

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL Ger Duggan Tel: 021-4802192 email: interiorads@examiner.ie Interior Doors, from old to new!

Showroom: Colomane, Bantry.

After Before

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31

Zone:XP1

XP1 - V1

XP1 - V1

ANTIQUES & FINE ART

ADVERTISING

Comprehensive art auction of Irish talent

DIARY

Something offered for all tastes, writes Des O’Sullivan

T

HE Irish art sale

by Morgan O’Driscoll at the Radisson Hotel, Little Island, Cork on Monday at 6.30pm goes on view from noon tomorrow. There is something to appeal to a broad range of tastes in the artwork on offer, which ranges from a William Scott Still Life

with Pears estimated at €2,000-2,500 to a 1929 poster featuring “Irish Free State Bacon” designed by Sean Keating estimated at €600-900.

Estimates are from €150 up and there is plenty to interest collectors in an auction of 285 lots of abstracts, landscapes, still life, portraits and seascapes in a wide

variety of media.

Viewing is from noon to 10pm tomorrow and from 10am to 6pm on Monday.

Hibernian Antique Fairs are at Morans Silver Springs Hotel in Cork tomorrow (Oct 16) from 11am to 6pm. This event is popular and will feature everything from art and furniture to silver and jewellery.

Georgian dining table has €2,200 estimate

A

NTIQUE furniture on offer at Woodwards in Cork next Wednesday at 6pm includes a Georgian circular dining table (€1,000-€2,000), a Regency sofa table (€1,000-€1,500), a Sheraton sideboard (€700-€1,000), a Georgian linen press (€700-€1,000) and a set of

six Georgian dining chairs (€500-€1,000).

Other furniture lots include a Georgian peat bucket (€300-€500), a pair of hall chairs (€300-€500), a Georgian bowfronted chest of drawers (€500€700), an Edwardian revolving bookcase (€400€800), a circular Georgian occasional table (€300€600), a Georgian foldover card table (€500-

€800) and an Edwardian display cabinet (€400€600). Art includes work

by Maurice Desmond, Kenneth Webb, Arthur Maderson, and Marshall Hutson. Collectibles include Meissen and other porcelain and Waterford crystal.

Auction viewing 2pm to 5pm today (sat and 10am to 5pm on Monday to Wednesday.

Still Life — Jug and Fruit by Peter Collis, from the Morgan O’Driscoll art auction in Cork on Monday, estimated at €2,000€3,000. “Abstract” by Denis Orme Shaw at Morgan O’Driscoll’s Irish art auction, estimated at €450-€650.

AUCTION OF FURNITURE, ANTIQUES, FINE ART

IRISH ART SALE Monday 17th October 2011 at 6.30pm Auction Venue: Radisson Blu & Spa Little Island Cork City Viewing: Sun 16th Oct: 12noon - 10pm Mon 17th Oct: 10am - 6pm Over 280 lots Erskine Nicol

On the instructions of executors of an estate on Blackrock Road, and from a residence in Ballinhassig

WEDNESDAY NEXT, OCTOBER 19th AT 6PM Georgian mahogany circular dining table,

Georgian mahogany sideboard, Georgian mahogany peat bucket, Georgian bowfronted chest of drawers, Georgian Mahogany linen press, Regency rosewood sofa table, Pair of Georgian mahogany hall chairs Georgian mahogany bow-fronted chest of drawers, Sheraton inlaid mahogany sideboard, Set of 6 Georgian dining chairs, Pair of gilt armchairs Edwardian mahogany revolving bookcase, Georgian circular occasional table, Georgian mahogany grandfather clock Sheraton domed mantle clock, Victorian mahogany coal box, Brass fender and rests Inlaid set of dining chairs, Edwardian mahogany display cabinet 3 pillar D-end dining table Indian carved coffer Pembroke dropleaf table Gilt framed overmantle Parquetry inlaid occasional table

Victorian mahogany dining table Georgian mahogany fold-over tea or card table Victorian mahogany chest of drawers Stationery boxes, fishing rods & reel, clocks, etc Selection of Waterford and other crystal, Meissen, Masons, Wedgwood, Doulton ware, etc Many more – details at www.woodward.ie IRISH SILVER & ART AUCTION November 9th Late entries now invited

FREE BIDDING SERVICE IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AUCTION

ARTISTS INCLUDE: Mildred Anne Butler, Frank Egginton, John Shinnors, Maurice Desmond, Kenneth Webb, John Morris, Mary Duffy, Dea Trier Morch, Marshall Hutson, etc.

Gladys MacCabe Mark O’Neill F u l l c a t a l o gu e c a n b e v i e w ed o n w w w . m o r g a n o d r i s c o l l . c o m online, absentee and telephone bidding available.

Ilen Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork; Tel: 028 22338 · Mob: 086 2472425 email: info@morganodriscoll.com

30

IRISH EXAMINER Property&Interiors | 15.10.2011

On view: Saturday & Sunday 2pm - 5pm, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10am - 5pm

JOSEPH

WOODWARD & SONS LTD “Successful service since 1883”

26 COOK STREET, CORK.tel 021-4273327 fax 021-4272891 email antiques@woodward.ie . web www.woodward.ie

Top: A diamond and sapphire ring at O’Reilly’s, Dublin next Wednesday. It is estimated at €1,800-€2,200.

Above: Weldon’s will feature this antique Irish silver spoon at the antique fair at Moran’s Silver Springs Hotel Cork tomorrow.

The auction of 488 lots at Limerick Auction Rooms, Ballysimon Road at 2.30pm today features an Old IRA War of Independence Medal, and artwork by John Shinnors. .........................................................

An Art Deco diamond solitaire ring is among the highlights at O’Reilly’s of Francis St., Dublin next Wednesday at 1pm. .........................................................

Hegarty’s next sale in Bandon on Sunday week at 4pm features around 400 lots including furniture, silver, art and collectibles. .........................................................

Sotheby’s say that the four day sale of Safra Collections at Sotheby’s in New York next week offers remarkable opportunities to collectors around the world, starting on Tuesday. .........................................................

Jack Yeats’ Rescue Men was the top lot (€100,000) at Whyte’s. .........................................................

The 157th exhibition of the Water Colour Society of Ireland is at Dun Laoghaire Co. Hall until Saturday, October 22. .........................................................

Milton Academy, the feeder school for Harvard in Massachusetts attended by Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, is to benefit from a sale of Irish silver at Bonhams in London on November 23. The collection, which has an upper estimate of £140,000, was exhibited as part of the Eire Society of Silver display at the Boston Museum of Fine Art in 1963. .........................................................

In London the Frieze Art Fair, which continues this weekend at Regent’s Park, features 175 exhibitors from 33 countries.

THE MUNSTER ANTIQUE FAIR MORANS SILVER SPRINGS HOTEL

THIS SUNDAY 16th OCTOBER 21st Year Twice Yearly Over 30 Stands Including Weldons Dublin, Greens Furniture Galleries, Leitrim And Many More

11am - 6pm This Is A Hibernian Antique Fair And A Sister Event To The Fota And Actons Kinsale Antique Fairs

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL Ger Duggan Tel: 021-4802192 email: interiorads@examiner.ie Interior Doors, from old to new!

Showroom: Colomane, Bantry.

After Before

���������� ������� � �����������

www.portas.ie

TERAPROOF:User:noelcampionDate:13/10/2011Time:14:01:15Edition:15/10/2011PropertyXP1510Page:30

������ ����� �������� �����

(approx 6miles outside Bantry, next to Willie Pa’s Rest.)

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We renovate & modernise your existing: Interior Doors, Entrance Doors & Staircases

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