Blackrock €650,000: A two-bedroom apartment with views across gardens and out to sea, is in pristine condition, writes Kate McMorrow

If the perfect down-sizer exists, it will have a spare bedroom for guests, a good-sized sittingroom and a small garden, the easier to find time for golf/novel-writing/weekends away.

This is why there could be strong interest in 47 Castledawson, a two-bedroom own-door apartment in the Sion Hill complex off Rock Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Douglas Newman Good is quoting a private treaty price of €650,000 for the circa 68sq m (740sq ft) apartment, which is at ground floor level and has views across the gardens to the park and sea.

Number 47 is in pristine order, with pale carpets, blue and cream window cushions and cream curtains framing the view. The small front garden is crammed with geraniums, fuschia and summer begonias. The door opens to a small entrance lobby and onwards to the living area.

Mirrors are used to great effect here, on the deep window returns, between the two front windows and on the far wall. A marble fireplace with a slotted-in electric fire will revert to an open fireplace if required. Latticed radiator covers in cream offer an attractive finishing touch.

Off the sitting/diningroom is a compact kitchen which houses a full range of appliances including a nine-place dishwasher, all recently upgraded by the owner. A hallway leads to the rear of the apartment, where two double bedrooms and a large bathroom are located.

Black and gold tiles with a gold figurine integrated into the tiling create a decadent Roman look. There is a corner bath, separate shower and old-style fittings. The two double bedrooms each come with a bank of fitted wardrobes and deep carpets.

A sit-out verandah opening off the largest bedroom looks across to St Catherine's College of Education, which is part of the Sion Hill complex. Directly below the verandah is the flower-filled terrace of a studio apartment that is entered from the rear.

The gardens at Castledawson are colourful and well-kept, an aspect that has increased the desirability of this complex over the years.

Blackrock village is a short walk away, which involves crossing a busy road junction. Blackrock Park is opposite and the Blackrock Clinic is almost next door.