Top Staycation Features Buyers Love This Summer

Outdoor spaces remain high on the priority list. Whether it’s a sunny rear garden or a sheltered patio, buyers are placing real value on practical, well-kept outdoor areas. Even a modest patio with seating, a few plants, and decent orientation can help buyers picture themselves enjoying long summer evenings with friends or simply having a quiet moment outdoors. 

Homes like Cappagh House, Waterfall, Castletownbere, reflect this growing demand for outdoor living. This property sits on a generous 5.3-acre site, which has been landscaped to create privacy and beautiful views.  The property is enhanced by a patio area near the house — perfect for entertaining, dining, or simply relaxing outdoors with family while taking in the stunning coastal views.

Cappagh House, Waterfall, Castletownbere, Co Cork.

Spaces for entertaining — with BBQs, garden bars, or just a good layout for gatherings — are particularly appealing. Of course, in Ireland, we all know the weather doesn’t always cooperate. That’s why features like covered seating areas, retractable awnings, or pergolas are becoming increasingly popular. They help ensure outdoor spaces can still be enjoyed even when the weather turns. Heating is another plus — but buyers are becoming more conscious of sustainability. Electric patio heaters, solar-powered lighting, and low-emission fire pits are increasingly preferred over traditional gas-fuelled options.

Garden rooms and home offices are also in steady demand. What began as a remote working trend has evolved into a broader desire for flexible, comfortable spaces — somewhere to work, unwind, or even host visitors. A well-insulated garden studio that feels like part of the home — but with a bit of separation — is a definite draw.

A perfect example is Knockane, Drimoleague, where a contemporary garden room offers an ideal space for working from home or creative pursuits, in a beautiful, landscaped garden.

Knockane, Drimoleague, Co Cork.

And for those seeking something truly special, The White House, Castletownshend takes outdoor living to another level. Set within its own walled garden, The White House is a completely private enclave with a beautiful patio and landscaped gardens sitting behind an original stone wall in this unique and scenic West Cork village.

The White House, Main Street, Castletownshend, Co Cork.

And even the smallest of gardens or balconies can be transformed into something special. A café table and chairs, some thoughtful planting, or a bench in a sunny spot can help potential buyers imagine how they’d use the space.

In short, Irish buyers this summer are thinking beyond bricks and mortar. They want a home they can enjoy — one that feels like a place to live and switch off. If you’re considering selling, highlighting the outdoor features of your property — or making a few simple updates — could make a real difference.

For advice tailored to your property and your area, don’t hesitate to contact your local Sherry FitzGerald team. We’re here to help you make the most of your home this summer.

www.sherryfitzoneill.ie