On the hunt for a rare gem?

If you’re looking for a property with personality, there are plenty to be had in Cork at the moment, provided you’re ready and willing to think outside the box.

If a three-bed semi in a trendy estate isn’t for you, perhaps a retro apartment building might excite your inner interior decorator… or how about a thatched cottage in the country, or a beautiful bungalow with beach access?

Here are five Cork properties with something unique to offer… 

1. ASHTON PARK, BLACKROCK

Asking price: €205,000 

Set in a quiet cul-de-sac accessed from the city end of the posh Blackrock Road, this two-bedroom, one-bath apartment has a lot going for it. The building is a cheery pink shade, the rooms are bright and French doors lead to a private balcony.

The property is very well maintained so some small decor updates would go a long way in netting you a cosy home in one of Cork’s more affluent neighbourhoods.

2. DROMIG, SKIBBEREEN

Asking price: €275,000

There’s a fairytale feel about this quirky farmhouse, discretely located three miles north of Skibbereen town. With three bedrooms, an open plan kitchen and living room, sitting room and sunroom, every part of the property is packed with rustic charm.

The wooden floors and ceilings, exposed beams, Belfast sink and open fireplace will excite house hunters seeking old-timey features and there’s even an 800 sq ft stone two-storey building out back, just asking to be used as a yoga room or art studio. The panoramic countryside views are another bonus.

3. BIG MOON COTTAGE, CASTLETOWNSEND 

Asking price: €350,000

With a name as enchanting as its Wild Atlantic Way setting, this restored and extended traditional cottage is a 20 minute stroll to the beach and an eight-minute spin to Skibbereen.

There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with panoramic countryside views and a sea view (on a clear day). A wealth of lovely old features have been carefully preserved, from the original latch doors to the exposed stone walls and solid wood floors.

Outside, the half-acre organic paddock is perfect for a kitchen garden. If you’re looking for a hideaway where remote working is an option, the fourth bedroom would make a good office and there’s high-speed broadband aplenty.

4. COOLAGOWN, FERMOY

Asking price: €445,000

With its adorable thatched roof and picture-postcard windows, this six-bed, three-bathroom home is oozing with character. The original cottage is to the rear and to the front is the four-bedroom new extension. It could be used as one large house or divided into two completely separate houses, with rental or guest potential.

Inside the wooden floors are pristine, with feature doors to a sunroom at the front of the property. A beautiful patio makes the most of the gardens.

There’s high-speed broadband too and plenty of room for remote offices.

5. THE BUNGALOW, 2 CARRIGALOE, COBH

Asking price: €255,000

There aren’t many homes that offer a sea view from the kitchen or living room, but this three-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow offers both, along with a picturesque waterside deck where you watch the ships pass by.

Located 5km from the centre of Cobh town (and a stone’s throw from the Carrigaloe train station, giving you a direct route to Cork City) the property boasts a bright light-filled kitchen, a cosy living room, three light-filled bedrooms and a bathroom.

There’s parking for two cars to the front of the property and access to the beach from the rear with the option to moor a boat if you fancy.