Auctioneers recount their most memorable sales of 2024
Denis Memorable Coomekane, Sale Was Petey Peters, 2024 Of Most Harrington's Glengarriff
One particular sale left a very favourable memory during the year, Petey Peters at Coomekane Valley near Glengarriff.
In the Spring, Irish Examiner Property & Home featured an editorial on Petey Peters, a 1,200 sq ft traditional dwelling with shepherd’s hut on about eight acres.
The location was stunning, adjacent to Twelve Cow Lake at the mountain pass along the Beara Way, which connects Glengarriff with Adrigole and the western peninsula.
The UK vendors wanted a quick sale and ideally a family that would add to the small valley community in a beneficial and meaningful way.
Furthermore they had a unique request: to be able to close the sale as soon as possible and then rent the dwelling back for a further three months to enable the vendors stay on with their beloved dogs and purchase their next home.
The resulting sale was perfect in that a Dutch family who were in long term rental, with two young daughters attending the local national school, emerged as the best bidders after a healthy bidding battle.
The sale price comfortably exceeded the €440,000 guide and a great relationship developed between both parties to allow for a smooth transaction.
The best was yet to come though!
During the bidding process, another family of Dutch/Irish mix flew in from the United Arab Emirates to view Petey Peters, they were also greatly taken by the stunning setting.
As events unfolded, they bowed out of the bidding contest gracefully, but did request to be put in contact with the successful party once they had picked up on the advanced bidding process.
At the appropriate time these two parties met and developed a healthy friendship and when the next similar style property came to the market near Bantry, then the family from UAE also purchased.
Having grown up in Glengarriff and known the late Petey Peter to be an extremely kind and humble man, it is a glowing tribute to him that his property at the mountain pass would help welcome some new families to enjoy all the beautiful aspects of West Cork living.
Every so often, a property comes to the market that captures both the imagination and the heart. Brohogue House, located in the tranquil village of Guileen in East Cork, was one such property for me this year.
Originally built in 1908 as a thatched cottage, Brohogue House was thoughtfully renovated to offer a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.
Nestled on an elevated site overlooking Guileen Cove, it boasts breath-taking views of the sea. From its stepped accommodation to its unique setting just a stone’s throw from the water, this home is a rare one in East Cork.
Brohogue House is named after the Brohogue rock in the bay and features split-level accommodation designed to maximise its stunning surroundings.
Measuring 1,205 sq ft, it includes an upstairs light-filled open-plan living/ dining area, complete with triangular dormer windows and timber-clad vaulted ceilings that frame those spectacular sea views.
But what truly makes Brohogue House stand out is its setting. Guileen is a hidden gem, a quiet coastal village with a pub, a cliff walk, and a slipway leading directly to the water. Properties here are rare to the market, and this one, with its extra front garden and artist’s studio, felt particularly special.
When this property came to market, it carried a guide price of €550,000. However, its unique features and prime location sparked intense interest, leading to multiple viewings and a final sale price of €630,000—the highest yet recorded in Guileen.
The success of Brohogue House reflects the enduring appeal of coastal properties and the specific charm of Guileen, where homes rarely change hands. Its setting, paired with its combination of history and modern comfort, made it unforgettable — not just for the buyers, but also for me as the auctioneer.
Selling Brohogue House was a privilege, not only because of its character but also because of its history and its ties to this picturesque village It’s a property that embodies the spirit of East Cork and serves as a reminder of the beauty and potential that our local communities have to offer.
One of the more unique properties we placed on the market this year was No 8 Thomond Square in early June.
It was a bittersweet listing. The former owner, Brian Looney, was deceased, a most likeable gentleman known to myself socially and coincidentally had purchased this property through our office when it was up for sale with us back in July ’97.
It was a nice one to get again for sure, especially with listings so scarce for all auctioneers over the last year.
Thomond Square is a special place. Over the years, I’ve heard so many say “I would like to have a house in there”. I could relate to this having lived in Thomond Square previously myself. Hardly surprising then that there was significant immediate interest when Number 8 of 19 in this Victorian era garrison estate, constructed between 1830 and 1840 and built on the edge of the city centre, was launched on the market in early June. The Irish Examiner was delighted to feature it in Home & Property as the late Mr Looney was a former Irish Examiner editor. It piqued substantial online interest and online hits were well into the thousands.
Viewings were constant with a varying profile of buyers ranging from first timers, to trade downers and those that always wanted “one of those homes”.
The reaction was superb – viewers enjoyed an element of surprise as this apparent single storey cottage-style property opened up internally as a two-storey house, with accommodation extending to c 120 sq m, albeit with just two bedrooms.
A home with charm and character in abundance, the B3 energy rating was a huge bonus, not to mention the car parking space outside the house, with an easy stroll into town. Credit too to the residents of Thomond Square who take pride in its upkeep and have kept it looking so well, in particular the gentleman we used to meet at viewings who seemed to be permanently mowing the green, with a retriever to keep him company. A friendly dog, he vetted those viewing and would have observed about 50 parties coming to take a look.
It’s such a unique home that I’m certain if it was still for sale, we’d still be inundated with potential buyers.
No surprise then that the initial AMV of €340,000 climbed steadily to a final figure of €443,000 — probably the highest figure achieved to date in the square, but certainly in the future, I’m quite sure it will rise again, because they just don’t build Thomond Squares any more.
If you were to ask me what my most challenging yet fascinating sale of 2024 was, it would have to be The Pillars. Selling this remarkable property in the heart of historic Cobh reminded me of my experience selling the Martello Tower in Belvelly, Cobh last year — a rare opportunity to work with a landmark steeped in history.
Built-in 1873, The Pillars was originally a Methodist church in what was then Queenstown. It’s a striking, freestanding, three-story structure with incredible architectural detail. It’s hard to imagine what the good churchgoers of the 1870s would have thought if they’d known their elegant church would later become a pub before embarking on its current journey of transformation.
The Methodist Church closed in the 1950s, and in 1958, it was sold for just £800. Over the years, it evolved into a pub, and today, it’s in the process of renovation. Spanning 6,000sq ft, the space is mostly open-plan, making it a dream project for the right person. But buildings like this come with challenges — they demand vision, passion, and a willingness to invest heavily in their restoration.
Finding the right buyer was no easy task. It took time, countless viewings, and plenty of creative thinking to market this property and inspire potential buyers. I knew the eventual buyer would be someone who not only loved old buildings but also understood their value as pieces of living history. Properties like The Pillars aren’t just homes or commercial spaces — they’re landmarks. Owning one means becoming a custodian of its story, ensuring it continues to inspire for generations to come.
The building attracted interest from all corners—historians, artists, architects, and even international buyers. I’m thrilled that The Pillars has found someone who I believe will do it justice.
When reflecting on some of our standout property sales of 2024, No 2 Lake Lawn, Well Road, in Douglas springs to mind.
This extended three-bedroom, semi-detached home exceeded expectations in every possible way — leaving a lasting impression not only because of its final sale price but also due to the interest it garnered from prospective buyers across Cork.
Guiding at €525,000, the property was priced in line with the market conditions and recent comparable sales in the area. However, it ultimately sold for €711,500 — a result that surprised and delighted both the sellers and our team here at ERA Downey McCarthy.
While Douglas is undoubtedly a desirable location, this property’s final sale price underscored the particular allure of Lake Lawn and the qualities this home had to offer.
2 Lake Lawn appealed to potential buyers for a number of reasons. Firstly, as they say, location, location, location! Situated close to Douglas village, this property benefitted from being within walking distance of all essential and recreational amenities, offering everything from top tier schools to bustling cafes, shops, supermarkets and excellent public transport links. For families and professionals alike, the convenience of this location made it a prime target for house hunters in Cork.
Secondly, the house was a testament to the care and dedication of its previous owners. Immaculately maintained and extended to the rear, it offered an abundance of living accommodation and modern décor, offering a home that was move-in ready. The light-filled living spaces, spacious bedrooms, and beautifully kept rear garden provided an ideal setup for a family home.
Third, a key aspect of this property was the beautiful and private south-west facing rear garden. A south or west facing aspect is a highly sought-after feature when buying a home.
For properties like 2 Lake Lawn, the rear garden was a standout feature, offering the perfect setting for outdoor dining and entertaining while benefiting from extended evening sunlight - a key selling point that significantly enhances appeal and value in the current market.
Due to the combination of these three factors, from the moment we launched the property to the market we were inundated with inquiries. We completed over 50 viewings within the first two weeks, and it quickly became clear that this property was going to ignite a competitive bidding process. Six active bidders from across Cork and beyond - ranging from young professionals to downsizers - recognised its ideal combination of location, condition, and potential.
No 2 Lake Lawn, Well Road will remain a highlight of the year for myself and our team at ERA Downey McCarthy, not just for the extraordinary result but for the journey it took to get there.
2024 brought a steady stream of enquiries from clients living in houses no longer suitable for their needs.
Our clients sell their homes for many reasons but in the main, the two reasons would be as follows — their family has grown hence they require a much larger home or alternatively their children have flown the nest and they require a smaller home in a convenient location which in turn is more efficient to keep and run.
For many, the biggest worry is the uncertainty of selling their home without having secured another. This concern, coupled with a shortage of properties and strong competition among buyers, can make the process feel overwhelming.
I met with many families in the Ballincollig area this year who were caught in the upsize/downsize dilemma. Take, for example, Niamh and Damien, owners of 20 The Brambles in Classes Lake.
Their beautifully upgraded four-bedroom, 1,300 sq ft. detached home no longer provided enough space for their growing family. Around the same time, Tina and Colum, also living in Classes Lake, were selling their property at 13 Chestnut Lawn.
They were ready to downsize and move to a smaller home. Although putting their home on the market without having another secured was a leap of faith for Niamh and Damien, they were thrilled in the end to secure 13 Chestnut Lawn, while Tina and Colum moved on to a property that perfectly suited their needs.
Thanks to careful planning and collaboration, both families are now settled in homes that fit their lifestyles perfectly.
Now all that’s left to worry about is that Santa makes it down the right chimney this Christmas!!!