CO DUBLIN: €3.25MA secluded airy extended house has a large garden with a pond, a hot tub on the patio and a separate studio

GURTEEN, A four-bderoom detached house hidden away behind high walls and electronic gates on Dalkey Avenue in Dalkey, Co Dublin, carries an AMV of €3.25 million prior ro auction through LIsney on May 28th.

The 215sq m (2,320sq ft) house, which has views across to Howth and a separate studio, is likely to appeal to affluent downsizers who like the idea of strolling down to the village for a pint or a bite to eat.

The space is laid out attractively, including a large hall with lovely Victorian- style wallpaper in coral tones, a carved oak staircase and plenty of room for a sofa.

The formal sittingroom is to the left with a white marble fireplace, walnut floor and pull-down video screen. The room has been opened at the back and extended to incorporate a wraparound sitting area with stone chimney breast and cast-iron stove. This is bathed in light from several sources, including doors to a paved area.

The kitchen on the other side of the hall is also extended, fitted with an Aga cooker and an extensive range of wall and floor units. There is a separate utility room and guest cloakroom.

The kitchen has a white travertine marble floor while the dining area is timber. Two sets of doors open from here to the side and back, and the effect is very sleek and modern.

There is a perfect square room to the front of the house, with two windows and an old timber carved fireplace, which would make a gorgeous cosy sittingroom or study.

The oak staircase winds up to four bedrooms, two en suite, and a good family bathroom. A nice feature is that both the en suites have windows. The main bedroom is a large room to the front with a cast-iron fireplace, while the other three are all doubles.

A key feature of the property is the garden, with views, planting and paving all designed to make the most of different rooms. Most of it is to the front with a gravelled parking area, covered car porch and raised lawn. To the side, a wooden bridge arches over a trickling pond leading to a cedar breakfast patio, while the back has been paved with Indian sandstone and cut-granite steps.

There is a hot tub under a cherry tree and lavender, bay, rosemary and olive trees fill the beds.