SHANKILL €495,000CONSIDER SWAPPING apartment living for a two-bedroom cottage set in a pretty enclave in Shankill, which is for sale by private treaty through Gunne with a price of €495,000.

No 3, Guildford Terrace is off Lower Road which runs parallel to the main street of Shankill village and, while only a stone's throw from its conveniences, is a million miles away from the new developments that characterises the village.

Stepping off the main road is like stepping back in time. Guildford Terrace is a small cul-de-sac planted with flowers and greenery.

The owners, artist Padraig McCaul and his young family, have made great use of light, opening up the front of the cottage and adding a sun porch beyond, giving an entire glazed wall made private by the front garden. With a floor area of nearly 74sq m (800sq ft) the cottage is larger than many two-bedroom apartments, and has a bright and modern air, while retaining a lot of its period feel.

The livingroom is a big square room with a high ceiling. Clever touches, such as shelving for books above the folding doors and trailing ivies, as well as works by the artist painted in Achill, make this a soothing, peaceful space.

The kitchen, painted in sunny yellow, has built-in timber units and a Velux window.

A small vestibule off the sittingroom leads to the two bedrooms, which, while not large, are both doubles, with built-in wardrobes.

A staircase goes up to a bright bathroom,and there is extra storage in the attic.

Outside, the front garden is shielded from the pedestrian lane by well-grown flowering climbers. At the back, a small gravelled and planted patio has space enough for a table and chairs.

No 3, Guildford Terrace, Shankill 
Two-bedroom cottage located in a small cul-de-sac just off Shankill's main street Agent:Gunne