3 Fairy Hill, Strand Road, Monkstown, CorkT12FN5C
€420,000
7 Bed~3 Bath~223 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Historic period character: Built in 1850, the residence retains wonderful architectural features including high ceilings and large bay windows that offer a grand foundation for restoration enthusiasts.
- Generous floor area: Spanning an impressive 223 square metres, the substantial layout provides ample room to reconfigure and create an expansive modern family home.
- Captivating water views: Elevated sightlines overlooking Cork Harbour deliver a serene coastal backdrop that enhances daily living and long-term property appeal.
- Expansive reception spaces: Large rooms with traditional fireplaces offer incredible potential for designing stylish entertaining zones suited for modern lifestyles.
- Seven spacious bedrooms: Multiple sleeping quarters across upper levels give large families immense flexibility for guest rooms, home offices, or hobby spaces.
- Prime coastal location: Situated in sought-after Monkstown, residents enjoy a charming village atmosphere paired with convenient proximity to local amenities.
- Proximity to Cork city: Located just ten kilometres from the urban centre, buyers gain a peaceful suburban retreat without sacrificing city accessibility.
- Outdoor recreational hubs: Nearby tennis, sailing, and golf clubs provide fantastic lifestyle options for active buyers valuing outdoor sports.
- Substantial private gardens: Set on nearly half an acre, the mature grounds offer gorgeous green spaces for landscaping, gardening, and outdoor relaxation.
- Literary and cultural heritage: Once home to noted historical figures, the property carries a unique local provenance that adds charm and conversational value.
- Derelict coach house: An outbuilding at the rear presents a phenomenal opportunity for redevelopment into a studio, workspace, or guest annex.
- Off-street parking: Having designated parking space at the rear is a rare and valuable commodity in established coastal village settings.
- Natural spring well: A historic water feature at the rear adds a touch of rural authenticity and historical interest to the property grounds.
- Direct garden pathways: Remnants of private historic steps linking toward local landmarks provide a fascinating connection to the village heritage.
- Abundant natural light: Large windows oriented toward the water flood the main living areas with bright, cheerful illumination throughout the day.
- Flexible layout potential: The division of rooms across multiple floors allows for creative zoning, multi-generational living, or potential rental configurations.
- Strong local community: Quaint neighbourhood streets featuring welcoming local cafés and pubs foster an engaged, community-focused lifestyle for residents.
- Scenic walking routes: Proximity to the waterfront and scenic harbour paths encourages a healthy outdoor lifestyle right from your doorstep.
- Established neighbourhood stability: The surrounding area features a desirable mix of traditional and modern homes within a firmly established coastal enclave.
- Rare market opportunity: Properties with this level of historical architecture and waterfront positioning rarely become available, offering high upside upon successful renovation.
But keep in mind:
- Abysmal BER rating: The property holds an inefficient G energy rating, indicating severe thermal leakage and requiring an extensive, costly energy retrofit.
- Total modernization required: Having been occupied by the same owners since 1962, the entire interior needs a complete, capital-intensive overhaul to meet modern standards.
- Kerosene AGA dependency: The kitchen relies on an outdated kerosene heating and cooking appliance that will likely require removal or expensive servicing.
- Outdated bathroom facilities: Existing bathrooms feature dated lino flooring and older sanitary ware that necessitate immediate plumbing upgrades and remodeling.
- Potential structural defects: Given its 1850 construction date, buyers should budget for professional structural surveys to check for damp, timber rot, or foundation issues.
- Coach house decay: The rear coach house is described as derelict, meaning substantial investment and likely planning permissions are needed to make it usable.
- Roof and insulation check: Historic properties of this vintage often lack proper roof insulation and may require complete re-roofing to prevent heat loss.
- Wiring and plumbing overhaul: Original electrical and plumbing systems are likely obsolete and must be entirely replaced to comply with modern safety codes.
- Substantial renovation budget: Transforming this grand fixer-upper will demand a significant financial contingency fund far beyond the initial purchase price.
- Window restoration needs: Large historic windows may be drafty or single-glazed, requiring careful restoration or costly replacement to improve energy efficiency.
- Potential damp issues: Proximity to the waterfront and age-related factors mean buyers must thoroughly investigate potential rising or penetrating damp.
- Restricted front access: The listing notes pedestrian-only access to the front, which could complicate heavy deliveries or landscaping work during renovations.
- Protected structure status check: Buyers must verify if the property is a protected structure, which would legally restrict certain external and internal alterations.
- Complex heating upgrades: Replacing the current oil-fired central heating with a modern, eco-friendly system will require careful engineering in a historic envelope.
- Worn interior finishes: Extensive carpet flooring throughout hides subfloors that may need repair, leveling, or pest damage remediation before new flooring is laid.
- Uncertain boundary lines: Large mature gardens spanning nearly half an acre require careful legal verification of boundaries and title deeds.
- Planning permission hurdles: Securing approval for modern extensions or coach house conversions can be challenging when dealing with older historic properties.
- Disposal of old systems: Removing outdated heating oil tanks, old wiring, and obsolete bathroom suites will add demolition and waste removal costs.
- Temporary accommodation costs: Due to the extensive nature of the required works, buyers will likely need to rent elsewhere during the heavy renovation phases.
- Contractor availability risks: Sourcing skilled craftspeople experienced in restoring 19th-century period homes in the Cork region may prove difficult and costly.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price initially appears remarkably attractive given the substantial floor area and historical waterfront positioning, suggesting strong underlying value for a buyer willing to undertake extensive refurbishment.
- Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the very poor energy efficiency rating and the immense capital expenditure required to bring a large period residence up to modern habitation standards.
- Market support for this pricing level stems from scarce historical homes with magnificent views in sought-after coastal villages, while major renovation costs and structural uncertainties could easily undermine overall investment appeal.
- Relevant considerations include the presence of a derelict coach house offering additional potential, alongside historically recorded transactions on the same road showing considerable variance based on property size and condition.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a historic detached home built around 1850 spanning approximately 223 square metres (2,508 sq. ft.) across multiple levels, featuring period elements such as high ceilings, large bay windows, and traditional fireplaces.
- Given its age (mid-19th century), a buyer should investigate the structural integrity of the main building, roof condition, damp ingress, and the state of original timber sash windows and internal finishes.
- The listing notes a derelict coach house at the rear, which will require a full structural assessment and potential planning investigations regarding its future use or redevelopment potential.
- The heating system relies on oil-fired central heating and a kerosene AGA, which will likely need a complete modern upgrade to meet contemporary energy efficiency standards.
- Services such as the private spring well mentioned in the historical notes or older plumbing and electrical wiring systems must be thoroughly inspected by professionals for compliance and safety.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property holds a G BER rating, indicating an extremely poor energy efficiency level characteristic of uninsulated mid-19th-century buildings.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit for a 223 square metre historic home of this scale typically ranges from €100,000 to €150,000 or more.
- Costs will include external or internal wall insulation (while being mindful of preserving historic fabric), roof insulation, window upgrades or restoration, installation of a modern heat pump or efficient heating system, and extensive ventilation improvements.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €3,500 to €5,000.
- Explanation: Given the very poor G BER rating, the large 223 square metre floor area, and oil-fired central heating requirements, the property will have high energy demands and poor heat retention, necessitating a thorough energy upgrade.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
IVY COTTAGE, STRAND RD, MONKSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €262,000.00
ALBERT COTTAGE, STRAND RD, MONKSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €395,000.00
STRAND RD, MONKSTOWN, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €200,000.00
STRAND ROAD, MONKSTOWN, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €535,000.00
BAYVIEW, STRAND RD, MONKSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €358,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Monkstown area
NAZARETH COTTAGE, SCOTSMANS RD, MONKSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €380,000.00
DRUMGURRIHY, UPPER RAFFEEN, MONKSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €505,000.00
10 LEE VIEW PLACE, MONKSTOWN, CO CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €277,500.00
SYDENHAM COTTAGE, SYDENHAM TERRACE, MONKSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €580,000.00
8 RAFFEEN VILLAGE, MONKSTOWN, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €215,000.00
Source: Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Residential Property Price Register (PPR).
Matching uses address information published by the PPR rather than measured map distance. It may omit nearby properties on differently named streets.
Last Sale
A confidently matched previous PPR transaction for this property
No confidently matched previous sale was found in the Property Price Register.
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Stamp duty: approximately €4,200 to €8,400 based on the asking price of €420,000 depending on the tiered rates.
- Solicitor legal fees: roughly €1,500 to €3,000 plus outlays and VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately €600 to €800 depending on the value and property type.
- Property valuation fees: around €150 to €300.
- Surveyor fees: approximately €600 to €1,200 given the large historic 223 square metre property size.
- Annual home insurance: approximately €600 to €1,200 per year, which should be verified due to the property's age and coastal location.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents frequently discuss the picturesque coastal lifestyle and scenic walking routes along the harbour in Monkstown.
- Local community groups often highlight the active sailing, tennis, and golf clubs as major perks of living in the area.
- Traffic management and parking availability in the village centre are common topics of discussion among locals.
- There is ongoing community interest in the preservation of historic homes and local landmarks around Monkstown.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The home offers spacious grounds and gardens for young children to play, but the property's historic nature and need for significant modernization require careful child-proofing.
- Teenagers8/10
Seven bedrooms provide ample space for teenagers, and the coastal location near Cork offers great outdoor activities and independence.
- Multi-generational Living8/10
With 223 square metres of floor space and seven bedrooms, there is plenty of room to accommodate multiple generations under one roof.
- Single Buyers3/10
A 7-bedroom historic home requiring extensive modernization is likely too large and resource-intensive for a single buyer.
- Couples5/10
Couples looking for a grand project with stunning water views will find appeal, though maintaining seven bedrooms might be excessive.
- Empty Nesters5/10
The picturesque village and water views are attractive for empty nesters, but the sheer size and renovation workload are substantial.
- Retirees5/10
Monkstown offers a peaceful village atmosphere ideal for retirement, but the multi-story layout and renovation requirements may pose challenges over time.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working8/10
Large rooms provide ample space to set up multiple home offices, though buyers should verify broadband connectivity.
- Hybrid Commuting7/10
Easy access to Cork city roughly 10 kilometres away makes hybrid commuting manageable.
- Retired7/10
A peaceful village lifestyle suits retirement well, though upkeep of a historic property requires consideration.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
A multi-story historic layout spanning three levels without an elevator makes ageing in place challenging without modifications.
- Low Maintenance1/10
Built in 1850 with a G energy rating and needing total modernization, this property demands substantial ongoing maintenance and investment.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
Features off-street parking and pedestrian access, but dedicated secure gated entry is not explicitly detailed.
- Minimalist Design2/10
Characterized by grand period features, high ceilings, large bay windows, and traditional architectural details rather than minimalism.
- Flexible Floor Plans8/10
Generous living spaces and seven bedrooms offer immense flexibility for reimagining layouts during modernization.
- Heritage Home10/10
A true historic home built in 1850 with period character, once owned by poet Denny Lane, featuring original fireplaces and architectural details.
- Ecological Setup2/10
Carrying a G BER rating and utilizing oil-fired central heating with an old kerosene AGA, the property requires significant eco-upgrades.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Includes lawned front gardens, a derelict coach house with potential, and just under half an acre of scenic outdoor space.
Interests
9 areas- Gym4/10
There is no dedicated home gym facility mentioned, requiring travel to nearby amenities for fitness centers.
- Gardening9/10
Set on just under half an acre with picturesque gardens, offering wonderful potential for keen gardeners.
- Walking9/10
The coastal location and scenic surroundings provide fantastic opportunities for walking and exploring the area.
- Cycling7/10
The scenic local roads and village surroundings offer pleasant cycling routes, though hilly terrain is present.
- Golf9/10
Monkstown Golf Club is nearby, offering a popular course with scenic views over the harbour.
- Fishing8/10
Proximity to Cork Harbour provides great opportunities for maritime activities, including fishing.
- Horse Riding5/10
While rural pockets exist nearby, dedicated equestrian facilities would require travel outside the immediate village.
- Water Sports10/10
Located right on the coast with a local sailing club and access to Cork Harbour for sailing and water sports.
- Entertaining9/10
Expansive reception areas, a sunroom, and large gardens make this historic house fantastic for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Situated in a charming village with a peaceful atmosphere, providing a serene backdrop away from heavy urban congestion.
- Rural Living4/10
While picturesque, the property is located in a suburban village setting near Cork city rather than a secluded rural environment.
- Village Living9/10
Located in Monkstown village, featuring local cafés, pubs, and a welcoming, community-focused vibe right on your doorstep.
- Coastal Living10/10
Features magnificent, captivating direct views over Cork Harbour and is ideal for those who enjoy coastal life and sailing.
- Urban Living6/10
Provides a quieter suburban setting while maintaining easy access to Cork city amenities just 10 kilometres away.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
Monkstown features a welcoming, community-focused vibe with local clubs and societies.
- Café Culture7/10
The village features quaint streets with local cafés and pubs contributing to a relaxed social scene.
- Nightlife4/10
Offering a peaceful village atmosphere, extensive nightlife is limited locally and would require heading into Cork city.
- Health/Wellness groups6/10
Local tennis and sailing clubs support an active lifestyle, though specialized wellness groups may require local inquiry.
- Networking Opportunities5/10
Primarily a residential village, meaning professional networking will mostly lean toward nearby Cork city.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity5/10
Proximity to Cork provides access to regional tech hubs, but high-speed digital infrastructure should be verified for the historic structure.
Listing information
- Agent
- Barry Auctioneers & Valuers
- Phone
- 021 427 9677
- Published on HouseDelve
- 10 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-800323HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.