Blackrock, Cork, Ireland

Sunnyside House, 1 Barrington's Avenue, Blackrock Road, Cork, T12 R1X9

It is easy to see how Sunnyside House got its name, it reflects both inside and out all of the positives its name conjures up. Bought by the current owners in 1999 it was a smaller property fairly derelict and needed much work to bring it back to its sunny disposition. The original house built over the years from the late eighteenth century was part of the old Lindville Estate. Having been successful at auction in 1999 the current owners sought planning permission to demolish and build the new house as it now stands. They engaged John Morehead of Wain Morehead as the principal architect for the design and Michael Twomey and Sons Ltd. from Crosshaven as the builder both of whom are specialist in delivering passive homes. You can clearly see the blend of the owners own thoughts taken from living in different parts of the world over time, working well with the architect as well as the builder at the time of constructions to create something very special. This home now presents as a wonderful five/ six bedroomed detached property extending to 3,550 sq. ft. of space sitting on C. 0.3 acres of gardens alongside its traditional Coach House giving a further 560 sq. ft of accommodation.
A number of different build types were investigated at the time from steel frame to insulated concrete form however both were seen to be a bit ahead of their time , The traditional format was agreed upon of block walls and concrete Ducon slab between floors. Using Ducon slabs at first floor allows for easy laying of underfloor heating ensuring a cosy warm constant temperature and keeps noise transfer between floors to an absolute minimum. The level of insulation used at the time of construction was well ahead of its time and is the reason behind it B2 energy rating. To ensure the next home would stand the test of time the new Sunnyside House was built with raft foundation and reinforced steel concrete during 2000 with the completed property ready for occupation in December 2001. It stands tall boasting cream coloured render finish broken by the use of deep stained teak in the doors and balconies and racing green windows giving it a very attractive look. The racing green is picked up in the door colours on the independent original Coach House which offers would be purchaser a myriad of options of what to use this space for.
The joy of building back then was that the owners were able to have a hands on approach and carried out almost daily visits to the site while construction was ongoing. While the external of the property was set out from the beginning, how the internal layout would flow was of paramount importance to the owners. As a result window styles could be adapted to ensure mullions were not in the wrong place. Well ahead of their time they took a more Broken-plan approach to the internal layout. Broken-plan living is all about curating an open-plan layout to create distinctive pockets or 'zones' throughout the home without losing all the benefits of an open-plan space. While broken-plan living is not a total departure from open-plan layouts it does gently break up open-plan spaces with subtle barriers or zone-defining details that distinguish various areas from each other. This style is evidenced in the extensive main room home to the kitchen, dining and living room.
The accommodation overall offers an inviting entrance, welcoming reception hall, extensive kitchen cum dining cum living room, lounge, formal dining room, utility room, guest wc and cloaks, bedroom 5 with its own en-suite all at entry level. The staircase leading to the first floor is a feature all of its own passing a curved wall of glass on the way. The first floor accommodation is home to the main bedroom suite complete with dressing room and en-suite, four three additional double bedrooms all with fitted robes, family bathroom. The bedrooms combine with two further rooms at first floor level one which is beautifully fitted out as a home office but one which could with ease be changed to another bedroom and the second room at this level is the most peaceful relaxing living room looking west via double doors that lead to its own balcony.
This home does not fall short on modernity. The main gate as well as the pedestrian gate are remotely controlled and have intercom fitted. The underfloor heating throughout is fitted with individual digital thermostats in each room. While it has a pressurised system since the city council installed a new mains on Barrington's Avenue in 2022 the natural pressure is fantastic. This home has CAT 5 cable connections throughout and all services are laid underground through various ducts. There are even spare ducts available if any additional services are needed in the future. There are a number of external sockets around the gardens as well as additional ducts for lighting. An alarm system is fitted which extends to the Coach House as well.
As the electric gate opens you are instantly hit by the maturity of this site with its old world two storey Coach House standing tall softened with its creeping jasmine. The gardens surrounding Sunnyside House are beautiful and have an oriental theme that instils a sense of peace, calm and tranquillity. By using a wide variation of shrubs, trees and plants placing them strategically around the house it is easy to get lost in its outside space. While Brian Cross drew up the initial plan it was the green fingered owners who brought it to fruition and whom over time have moved things strategically around the garden to ensure that there is something interesting and new to view out through the myriad of windows at ground floor level. The idea of a pond surrounding the house did exactly what it was supposed to in that it reflects light back through the house and creates an ambience of calm with its dancing reflections and creative shadows enjoyed throughout the ground floor rooms and upper landing.
The owners of this home have loved living here. Set with Cork Harbour as its backdrop along with Pairc Ui Chaoimh, The Atlantic Pond and The Marina this home has easy connection onto the Cork Greenway Blackrock Castle 8K loop walk along the old rail line that serviced Crosshaven. Living on the Blackrock Road is positively atmospheric, there is always something happening. Renowned for its different festivals and activities it allows you to enjoy the benefits they bring within the privacy and tranquillity of the walled gardens of Sunnyside House. The area has and is undergoing tremendous uplifts. The whole of the Marina from Blackrock Village through to Centre Park Road is well used and many peoples favourite ways to pass the time. Just 2.5 km from the city centre this location is the anchor for the development of all of Corks Docklands. The long-term goal is that the completed park around the Marina area will be six times larger than Fitzgerald's Park and equivalent in size to Dublin Zoo. The first phase of the park 14 acres was officially opened in June 2022. This next and final phase of Marina Park will extend from The Atlantic Pond to Church Avenue and will accommodate picnic areas, adventure play areas, new paths, a preserved marshland zone and the restoration of several architectural heritage sites. One of these heritage sites not widely known is Barrington's Folly currently under renovation. This building was once the HQ of the infamous Ballintemple Corporation which various accounts say operated in the late 1700s and the early 1800s. As a location Blackrock has it all and Sunnyside House offers would be buyers the chance to become part of it.
Viewing highly recommended and strictly by appointment

Accommodation
Entrance Porch
Open entrance porch with cantilevered balcony finished in teak overhead to give shelter. Finished with Indian sandstone patio flags and wall light the entrance to this home is welcoming. A mature Cordyline palm stands tall in greeting.
Reception Hall
Accessed through a wide teak front door with side glazing this is a lovely reception hall. Finished in neutral tones the hallway is lovely and wide and flooded with natural light from the two storey curved window as well as two sets of double glazed doors. Reflections from the pond outside give a beautiful ambiance and allows for bold colours to be used to differentiate the spaces and movement throughout the reception hall.
Kitchen cum dining room cum family room
The use of a broken-plan layout makes this room interesting. Its clever design allows for all of family life activities to take place here but gives a cosiness and privacy to each section. The kitchen needless to say is the star of the show. Fitted by Celtic kitchen this is a wonderful space to work in. It is kept interesting and works exceptionally well with the use of different levels in the placement of units and counter top spaces for the different functions showing all do not need to be at the one height. A centred island unit is home to the gas hob with extractor overhead and allows the chef to engage with all around them rather than turning their back. An overhang on the island gives space for casual dining and the island itself offers plenty of storage cupboards and drawers. Finished with granite, the island and all counter tops are treated to the same finish. The kitchen itself is shaker in style and hand painted in a pebble colour. It was carefully configured by the owner to ensure there were pull out larder presses, double opening units with plenty of storage and spice racks on the back of doors. Appliances are all accommodated within the different sections of the kitchen from a double oven, tall fridge, dishwasher at hip height easy for loading. A corner sink unit set within the counter top space. The floor tiles were painstakingly laid out in full before being laid to ensure the pattern and border sat perfectly in the space. Just outside the kitchen door is an Indian sandstone patio. This patio is completely covered giving it tremendous shelter and captures all of the morning sunshine and allows the kitchen door to stay open almost year round.
A kick out in this room is home to a wraparound of glazing at hip height just in line with the raised flowering beds outside. This is given over for dining purposes and gives an outside feel to dining while being indoors.
An arch is used to hide away what is a spacious family room with a measurement of 20 ft. x 17 ft. all of its own. This room is triple aspect with a wall of glazing and double doors leading out to the gardens and pond on one side. A beautiful window looks onto planted raised beds and the very clever placement of three picture windows look out on the shrubbery with flowering white hydrangeas. With lights fitted in each one of these windows you would be forgiven for thinking they were works of art. This room is finished with Swedish maple flooring. A corner freestanding gas stove stands proudly and enhances the cosiness of this room.
Sitting Room
The space, size and calmness of this room cannot be overstated. With its triple aspect the natural light bounces around it throughout the day. Finished in restful colour tones it again enjoys the dancing light of the pond outside. A corner fireplace in cream and black marble is fitted with built in cassette stove which adds to the ambiance of this room. Cornicing and neutral carpets complete.
Dining Room
Located just inside the front door is a wonderful more formal dining room. This room is dual aspect with windows looking out over the front of the property while double doors can be opened out into the rear gardens. Finished with Swedish maple floor and cornicing. A warm tone is used in the colour pallet allowing this room to change is use should the new owner wish.
Guest WC
Accessed off the reception hall the guest bathroom enjoys two piece bathroom suite with WC and pedestal sink. Vanity mirror sits within bold colours used on the wall. A walk through cloaks press gives plenty of cupboard and hanging space to take care of any storage needs.
Utility
A perfectly sized utility room with a host of units arranged in a U shape to take care of all storage needs. Plumbed for washing machine and vented for tumble dryer. Single drainer sink unit, fully tiled floor and tiled over countertop. A gable window lets in lots of natural light and a Sheila maid makes light work of drying laundry out of sight.
Stairs and Landing
A beautiful open thread teak staircase turns at the curved two storey window leading to the first floor. This staircase is custom made and installed by Jim Barry. It appears to be floating and the clever inclusion of an additional bar on each thread gives an extra dimension. It is not enclosed, is set back from the window and as the stairs rise it gives a lovely seating area beneath to look out and enjoy the tranquillity pool. Spindles and balustrade are finished in the same wood allowing this staircase to read as one complete piece.
Home office / Study
Located at first floor level this home office is in a perfect location away from the workings of the house itself. With concrete floors between levels it allows for a magnificent space to work away quietly. This room has been fitted out by House of Coolmore with bespoke presses and bookshelves. Natural light is brought through from two gable windows.
Living Room
The living room at first floor level is located off the landing and is a space not to be under rated. It is furnished with welcoming couches arranged looking out double doors that lead out onto a balcony. The streetscape from this room is something special as you look down the Blackrock Road and its character filled terrace of homes fronting out onto it. Finished with carpet and painted in neutral tones.
Main Bedroom Suite
The main bedroom of Sunnyside House is a fantastic size. It is dual aspect and arranged so that the dressing room and en-suite flow off to the side. The room itself is finished with carpet. An eastern gable window captures the best of the morning sunlight while double glazed doors take the rest of the available natural light into this room. The double doors lead out onto what could become a wonderful roof terrace.
Dressing Room
With its own window the dressing room is lovely and bright. Fitted with a host of hanging rails, open shelves, pull out drawers and show racks. Finished with carpet for extra comfort.

En-suite
The main en-suite of this home boasts a four piece white bathroom suite designed by Imago Design using units from the Duravit range . A deep bathtub stands all on its own with a fully tiled wall behind. A clever addition of a little recess complete with lights sets the tone of relaxation. An independent shower is enclosed again tiled with a sister lit recess. One large continuous washbasin is wall hung with double taps allowing everyone to get ready at the one time. It is supported with a related vanity unit beneath. Overhead is a recess with built in extensive vanity mirror and recess with light for easy placement of the essentials. Heated towel rail combines with underfloor heating to give the cosiness you want in a bathroom.
Bedroom 2
A lovely dual aspect double bedroom with windows looking out over the front and rear gardens. This room has robes fitted in the return of the room giving a host of storage space. Finished with Swedish maple floor and painted in tones of blue with blinds from the Laura Ashley range.
Bedroom 3
Another fine double bedroom looking out over the front garden. This room again offers wall to wall robes, corner open display shelving and a fitted pelmet with lights. Swedish maple wood floor and painted in pleasing tones
Bedroom 4
A lovely cosy room. This room has the beauty of dual aspect with a window looking out over the tranquil pond and double glazed door looking south and accessing a balcony off. Fitted wall to wall robes. Finished with the same wood floor as that of its sister bedrooms.
Family bathroom
Shared by the three double bedrooms of 2, 3, and 4 the family bathroom is finished in tones of blue and white. Double vanity sinks are arranged beneath an extensive vanity mirror with overhead pelmet and lights. Close couple WC is joined by walk in shower cubicle to complete the suite. Storage is catered for beneath the vanity as well as alongside.
Bedroom 5
A lovely bright double bedroom located at ground floor level. The room looks out over the rear garden and was designed with robed fitted by House of Coolmore to give a recess for the bed with robes either side and a pelmet of lighting overhead.
En-Suite
A fine wet room off the ground floor bedroom. This en-suite is tastefully tiled in white to dado height with punch out border tile. Fully tiled floor. The suite includes close couple WC, pedestal sink and walk in shower enclosed with glazed panel. Vanity mirror with light fitted over sink.
Coach House
A wonderful addition to the home that dates it in time is the original Coach House. The Coach House spreads its accommodation over two levels and is in excellent condition throughout. It enjoys a floor to ceiling height of 2.5m at ground floor level and 3m to the pitch at first floor. Evidence of the old stone structure can be seen inside and it offers the opportunity to the next owner to take on a myriad of uses. It has serviced this family well varying from a kids hang out zone to storage of dingys and sails, golf clubs, sports equipment and it currently takes care of all gardening equipment.
Outside
The enclosed and private lawn is the most perfect colour of green this agent has seen in a while and offers plenty of kick about space for children play activities whatever they be. The planted borders surrounding the lawn have both lower and upper level shrubs and trees. A mature Acer planted when the owners moved in stands tall and commanding in the southern corner and is kept company by a beautiful white magnolia tree. There are a number of other Acers in different colours and sizes around the grounds. To ensure continuous burst of colour as the seasons change, plants, to include tall Dahlias, Agapanthus, wild grasses, Montbretia and sturdy hydrangeas were used in strategic locations. A mature vibrant pink Camelia has over its lifetime successfully moved home three times and is now well established and give a wonderful backdrop when in flower to those dining within.
There are patio spaces adjacent and removed from the house to sit and enjoy outdoor dining. The main patio sits beneath a spreading Acer giving shade and shelter when required. The is a relaxation seating area constantly used alongside the pond for those reflective times of the day. Just outside the kitchen door is an Indian sandstone patio. This patio is completely covered giving it tremendous shelter and captures all of the morning sunshine and allows the kitchen door to stay open almost year round.
The pond is surrounded by hand-picked stones from north cork and laid perfectly almost as if they were naturally created from the excavation of the site first day. This oasis has its own planting plan with bamboo, rushes, reeds and iris that all combine to dance in tune with the breeze. The pond is lined with industrial pond liner (Tank Linings Wexford) used in mining and oil industry for tailings ponds and fire reservoirs. It can be emptied with ease within an hour and the space could be transformed into an alternative layout where a number of reception rooms and reception hall could all connect. It is currently well stocked with various species of gold fish that keep it well populated.

Features
* 5 /6 bedroomed detached family home
* 3,550 Sq. Ft of space
* Coach House of approx. 550 sq. ft.
* 0.3 acres of an oasis of gardens
* B2 energy rating with underfloor heating at both levels
* Fitted robes and dressing room
* Quality tiling throughout
* Incredible location in the heart of Blackrock