Photograph 1 of 69 of Coole Lodge, 9 Barnstead Drive, Blackrock, Cork City
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Coole Lodge, 9 Barnstead Drive, Blackrock, Cork CityT12C7W4

€975,000

4 Bed~4 Bath~231 m²~BER D

What you'll like:

  • Detached family home: This spacious four bedroom detached property offers buyers excellent privacy and standalone structure benefits within a mature residential setting.
  • Prime Blackrock location: Situated just off the prestigious Blackrock Road, residents enjoy incredible proximity to local amenities and scenic coastal walks.
  • Generous site size: The substantial property sits on an expansive quarter acre plot, providing rare outdoor space in this sought after urban neighborhood.
  • Private gated driveway: A large gravel driveway comfortably accommodates up to four vehicles and is bordered by mature hedging for enhanced street privacy.
  • Substantial floor area: Spanning two hundred thirty one square meters, the residence delivers exceptionally large living proportions for growing family needs.
  • South East orientation: The expansive rear garden captures favorable sunlight throughout the morning and early afternoon, ideal for outdoor leisure and entertaining.
  • Outdoor swimming pool: The rear grounds feature an outdoor swimming pool, presenting a unique lifestyle amenity for summer enjoyment and recreational activities.
  • Extended front sitting room: A bright and light filled front sitting room was added via previous extensions, creating an additional welcoming social gathering space.
  • Cul-de-sac positioning: Located within a quiet and private cul-de-sac constructed in the nineteen sixties, offering minimal through traffic and enhanced neighborhood safety.
  • Turnkey interior condition: The property interior is tastefully decorated throughout with warm hardwood flooring and neutral color schemes ready for immediate occupation.
  • Modern kitchen design: A dual L shaped kitchen features quality slate countertops and flows naturally into the adjacent dining space with underfloor heating.
  • Dedicated utility room: A separate utility and laundry room provides extensive storage cabinetry and keeps noisy appliances out of the main living areas.
  • Multiple reception rooms: Various living spaces include a main living room with a wood burning stove and scenic garden views, plus a cosy family room.
  • Accessible downstairs bathroom: A partially tiled ground floor accessibility bathroom featuring a three piece suite adds practical convenience for visitors and residents.
  • Principal bedroom ensuite: The spacious main bedroom includes fitted floor to ceiling wardrobes and a private ensuite bathroom for ultimate household comfort.
  • Multiple ensuite bedrooms: Additional bedrooms feature private ensuite facilities, reducing morning queues and providing excellent convenience for older children or guests.
  • Floored attic storage: A pull down ladder grants access to a floored attic space with recessed storage solutions for seasonal items and luggage.
  • Walkable neighborhood amenities: Residents can easily walk to St Michaels Tennis Club, Marina Park, local medical centres, and Blackrock Hurling Club.
  • Architectural heritage: Originally designed by architect Denis Higgins and built by O Connor Builders, the estate carries a strong reputation for quality construction.
  • Natural light abundance: Large double glazed windows and PVC double French doors throughout ensure interiors remain bright and sunlit all day long.

But keep in mind:

  • Mediocre BER rating: The property holds a D energy rating, which means buyers should budget for significant insulation and heating upgrades to improve efficiency.
  • Swimming pool maintenance: An outdoor swimming pool requires ongoing chemical balancing, safety compliance, and potentially high operational or decommissioning costs for the new owner.
  • Nineteen sixties construction: Built in the sixties, the structure may feature aging electrical, plumbing, or drainage systems requiring thorough specialist engineering inspection.
  • High asking price: At nine hundred seventy five thousand euros, buyers must carefully evaluate local market values to ensure the pricing aligns with required energy retrofits.
  • Dated window glazing: While some areas feature double glazing, buyers should verify the age and thermal performance of all windows and exterior doors.
  • Potential pool liability: An open outdoor pool presents severe safety risks for families with young children or pets, necessitating costly fencing upgrades.
  • Extension compliance: Buyers must verify that all historical extensions, including the front sitting room, received proper planning permission and building control sign off.
  • Heating efficiency costs: The presence of a D energy rating indicates older heating systems that could result in high monthly utility bills during winter months.
  • Roof insulation review: The attic space should be professionally inspected to confirm current insulation depths meet modern standards and prevent heat loss.
  • Drainage system age: Original underground drainage pipes from the nineteen sixties may be prone to root intrusion or cracking, requiring a CCTV drain survey.
  • Asbestos due diligence: Properties from this era can occasionally contain asbestos materials in old floor tiles or insulation, requiring cautious professional testing.
  • Garden landscaping upkeep: Maintaining a quarter acre plot and mature boundary hedging will demand significant ongoing physical effort or professional landscaping expenses.
  • Ventilation and damp: Older extended properties can suffer from condensation issues, so buyers should check extractor fans and sub floor ventilation thoroughly.
  • Electrical safety check: The fuse board and wiring should be evaluated by a qualified electrician to ensure compliance with current safety regulations.
  • Boundary verification: Legal advisors should meticulously check title deeds to confirm exact boundary lines for the extensive quarter acre site.
  • Chimney integrity test: The modern wood burning stove and associated chimney flue require a professional sweep and safety test before active seasonal use.
  • Underfloor heating check: The kitchen underfloor heating system should be tested thoroughly to ensure operational reliability and freedom from hidden leaks.
  • Traffic and parking: Although in a cul-de-sac, proximity to Blackrock Road amenities can lead to local congestion during peak school and weekend hours.
  • Flooring wear and tear: While tastefully decorated, buyers should inspect natural timber floors for potential scratching, warping, or moisture damage over time.
  • Future retrofitting disruption: Bringing a D rated home up to modern comfort standards will likely cause internal disruption and require substantial capital investment.

Price positioning

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This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.
The asking price looks slightly overvalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price of €975,000 for this detached Blackrock property appears slightly elevated relative to recent localized transaction figures, reflecting its unique features and prime cul-de-sac positioning.
  • Valuation signals show robust support from a substantial 0.25-acre private site and an impressive 231 square meters of internal floor space, though a D energy rating introduces efficiency upgrading considerations.
  • Support for this price point is underpinned by the extensive South East facing rear garden and outdoor swimming pool, while potential underperformance could stem from high future retrofit costs to improve the BER rating.
  • Additional relevant factors include the mature, highly desirable neighborhood setting close to local amenities, private multi-vehicle parking, and flexible multi-room family accommodation which significantly enhances overall market appeal.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a detached house constructed in the 1960s by O'Connor Builders and designed by architect Denis Higgins, featuring a subsequent front extension.
  • Given its 1960s origin, a buyer should investigate potential presence of original insulation standards, electrical wiring condition, and plumbing infrastructure typical of that era.
  • The presence of an outdoor swimming pool in the rear garden requires a thorough inspection by a specialist regarding its structural integrity, operational equipment, safety compliance, and ongoing maintenance costs.
  • A buyer should verify planning permission and building compliance records for the front extension and any internal alterations made over time.
  • The floored attic accessed via a pull-down ladder should be inspected to ensure adequate ventilation, insulation, and compliance if used for storage.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property has a BER rating of D, indicating that the energy performance falls short of modern standards.
  • A deep retrofit to bring the house to a high energy efficiency rating (such as an A-rating) typically involves external wall insulation, upgraded double or triple-glazed windows and doors, attic insulation, heat pump installation, and solar panels.
  • For a 231 m² detached home, a comprehensive deep-retrofit could cost approximately €70,000 to €110,000 or more, depending on the scope of works and contractor pricing, though some costs may be offset by available government SEAI grants.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €3,200.
  • Explanation: Given the 231 m² floor area and a D BER rating, the property has higher energy efficiency demands compared to modern builds, leading to increased heating requirements during colder months.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The location appears largely free from heavy industrial pollution concerns, being situated within a mature residential suburb.
  • Buyers should independently verify local records to confirm the historical absence of nearby legacy industrial sites or landfills.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is situated in an established residential area away from major coastal or river flood zones, though localized pooling during extreme weather events should be checked.
  • Prospective purchasers are advised to consult official local authority flood maps and carry out a comprehensive environmental risk assessment.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • 3 BARNSTEAD DRIVE, CHURCH RD, BLACKROCK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €615,000.00
  • 8 BARNSTEAD DRIVE, CHURCH RD, BLACKROCK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €907,500.00

Recent sales in the wider Blackrock area

  • 20 WILLOWBANK, CHURCH RD, BLACKROCK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €535,000.00
  • 77 SKEHARD RD, BLACKROCK, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €465,000.00
  • 2 SUNNYSIDE, BARRINGTONS AVENUE, BLACKROCK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €350,000.00
  • 13 LAKELANDS AVE, MAHON, BLACKROCK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €370,000.00
  • 7 CLOVER LAWN, SKEHARD RD, BLACKROCK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €477,000.00

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 1% to 2% of the purchase price (around €9,750 to €19,500 for a property at this price point)
  • Solicitor legal fees: roughly €1,500 to €3,000 plus outlay and VAT
  • Land registration fees: approximately €600 to €800 depending on the property value and registration type
  • Property valuation fees: around €150 to €300
  • Surveyor fees: approximately €600 to €1,200 for a structural survey of a home of this size
  • Annual home insurance: roughly €600 to €1,200 depending on the level of cover and property features

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Residents frequently discuss the desirable and mature nature of the Blackrock Road area, highlighting its peaceful cul-de-sacs and community feel.
  • Local forums often mention the convenience of amenities such as Marina Park, local sports clubs, and the scenic walking trails along the nearby railway greenway.
  • Traffic management and peak-time commuting along access routes into Cork City are common topics of conversation among locals.
  • Community groups often share updates on local infrastructural improvements and neighbourhood watch initiatives in the Blackrock district.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property offers an expansive 0.25-acre rear garden and an outdoor swimming pool, providing ample space for young children to play safely within a private cul-de-sac.

    8/10
  • Teenagers

    With four bedrooms, multiple living spaces including a family room and sitting room, and a generous garden, teenagers will have plenty of independence and personal space.

    8/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The 231 m² floor area and flexible reception rooms allow for versatile living arrangements, though specific self-contained multi-generational adaptations may require review.

    7/10
  • Single Buyers

    A 4-bedroom detached home with an extensive site and pool might offer more maintenance and space than typically required by a single buyer.

    5/10
  • Couples

    Couples looking for a spacious home with great entertaining areas and a private setting will find much to love, though upkeep of the large grounds should be considered.

    7/10
  • Empty Nesters

    The single-level elements and accessibility bathroom on the ground floor suit ageing in place well, though the overall size and garden maintenance are substantial.

    7/10
  • Retirees

    A private, mature cul-de-sac location in Blackrock with a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom option supports comfortable retirement, though gardening demands are notable.

    7/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The generous 231 m² floor area with multiple reception rooms and quiet bedrooms makes setting up one or more home offices very straightforward.

    9/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Good positioning in Blackrock with a graveled driveway for up to four vehicles and reasonable access routes into Cork City for hybrid workers.

    8/10
  • Retired

    A mature, private cul-de-sac setting with convenient local medical and social amenities makes this a comfortable option for retirees.

    8/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    Benefits from a ground-floor accessibility bathroom and flexible living spaces on the entry level, supporting long-term mobility.

    8/10
  • Low Maintenance

    The large 0.25-acre garden, extensive driveway, and private outdoor swimming pool require ongoing, active maintenance.

    5/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Features two large stone pillars framing the entrance and a private graveled driveway, though gates could be added for heightened security.

    6/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The property showcases traditional 1960s architectural roots combined with extensions, warm wood tones, and conventional room layouts rather than stark minimalism.

    4/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    With 231 m² of space, multiple reception rooms, and a floored attic, the layout offers excellent flexibility for changing family needs.

    8/10
  • Heritage Home

    Originally constructed in the 1960s by O’Connor Builders and designed by architect Denis Higgins, retaining mid-century architectural character.

    7/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The property holds a BER rating of D, indicating that a buyer may wish to investigate energy efficiency upgrades to improve environmental performance.

    5/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Outstanding outdoor setup featuring a 0.25-acre private South East-facing garden, an outdoor swimming pool, and a large graveled driveway accommodating up to 4 vehicles.

    10/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    Features an extensive South East-facing back garden extending to approximately 0.25 of an acre, offering fantastic potential for keen gardeners.

    9/10
  • Walking

    Proximity to Marina Park and local amenities makes walking very accessible and enjoyable directly from the doorstep.

    8/10
  • Gym

    There is ample interior space to set up a home gym, though local commercial fitness centres would need to be accessed in the wider area.

    6/10
  • Cycling

    The Blackrock area offers good cycling routes towards the city and along the nearby marina greenways.

    7/10
  • Golf

    Cork features several golf courses within a reasonable driving distance, though none are immediately adjacent.

    6/10
  • Fishing

    Proximity to coastal and river environments provides reasonable opportunities for local fishing enthusiasts.

    6/10
  • Horse Riding

    Equestrian facilities are limited in this suburban setting and would require travel to rural stables.

    4/10
  • Water Sports

    Enhanced by the private outdoor swimming pool on-site, as well as proximity to the marina and coastal waters.

    8/10
  • Entertaining

    Exceptional entertaining capabilities with dual L-shaped kitchen and dining spaces opening onto the patio, large reception rooms, and a pool-equipped rear garden.

    10/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated in a highly sought-after, mature, and private cul-de-sac just off the Blackrock Road, offering a very peaceful residential environment.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    While the property features a generous 0.25-acre plot and mature hedging, it is firmly located in the heart of Blackrock within a suburban residential estate.

    4/10
  • Village Living

    Blackrock offers a distinct community feel with local amenities, clubs, and parks within walking distance, mirroring a desirable village atmosphere.

    8/10
  • Coastal Living

    Located in Blackrock, close to marine amenities like Marina Park, offering great proximity to the water and coastal walks.

    8/10
  • Urban Living

    Provides convenient access to Cork City amenities while maintaining a secluded suburban sanctuary feel within a mature estate.

    7/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Active local clubs like St Michael’s Tennis Club and Blackrock Hurling Club foster a strong sense of community engagement.

    8/10
  • Café Culture

    Blackrock and surrounding areas offer pleasant local dining and café options within easy reach.

    7/10
  • Nightlife

    The immediate residential setting is quiet and private, meaning vibrant nightlife options will require travel into Cork City centre.

    5/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Proximity to local medical centres, tennis clubs, and wellness groups supports an active and healthy lifestyle.

    8/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Primarily a residential suburb, so formal networking hubs are more readily accessed in the nearby city centre.

    6/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Good general connectivity to Cork's business and tech centers via established transport routes.

    7/10

Listing information

Agent
Casey & Kingston, Auctioneers
Phone
021 427 1127
Published on HouseDelve
4 October 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-6AB005HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland

Report checks

Sources used: Public marketplace, Property Price Register, and grounded web research where available.

Automated quality checks: Passed

Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.