One of the most unusual properties to come on the market this year, a period nursing home, The Grove, at Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Co Dublin, is expected to make in excess of £2 million when it is auctioned by Lisney on June 16th.

Whoever buys The Grove may well continue to use it as a nursing home or may choose to operate it as a guesthouse or convert it into a private home.

The house is approached by a long, winding driveway and stands on two acres of outstanding gardens with superb views along Killiney Bay.

The grounds include a detached coachhouse.

The Grove dates from 1840 and the first owner is reputed to have been a Mr Waterman, inventor of the fountain pen. The building was subsequently used as a monastery until it was bought for a nursing home. The nursing home has 32 bedrooms which accommodate 46 beds and a fine drawingroom with two hand-carved oak fireplaces. There is a lift serving all three floors.