The distinctive landmarks of Montpelier Place and Montpelier Terrace in Monkstown are the earliest terraces in the south Co Dublin seaside suburb. Commenced in 1798, they were completed by the early 1800s. Back then they were constructed by developer Molesworth Greene as summer homes for the wealthy to escape to what was then the countryside for fresh air and saltwater swims.

“Montpelier Place has not been engulfed by modern development and retains a suburban character that is typical to this part of Dublin since the 18th century,” according to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Co Council’s Montpelier Place Architectural Conservation Area Character Appraisal.

Number 4 was purchased by its current owner in 2018 for €1.095 million, according to the Property Price Register. “It was in good enough shape, considering it is 200 years old,” says the owner of the 207sq m (2,228sq ft) double-fronted house.

However it did require some works, and the property now has a new inter-zonal heating system, a new boiler and a new roof. In addition, new insulation was put into the attic and a new kitchen was added to the two-bedroom apartment at garden level, which has also been rewired.

As it stands the property has three bedrooms on the top floor, so has five in total – as there are two bedrooms in the apartment at garden level. The apartment connects to the house by a central staircase, so can easily be opened to allow the entire property to be one fine five-bedroom residence – or as it currently is, where the apartment can attract a rental income in the region of €2,500 a month.

Two reception rooms, a drawing room and kitchen-cum-dining room, straddle the front hall, while a large family room with vaulted ceilings lies to the rear of the property in an extension that was constructed 15 years ago. It is currently used as a gym.

The Georgian house retains many of its period features, and this, and the proximity to Seapoint for swimming and the Dart, are what the owners love about their home.

Set back from the main road, it is well located within walking distance of the villages of Blackrock and Monkstown, where new owners will be spoilt for choice with the plethora of trendy eateries and boutiques. For watersports enthusiasts, there are four sailing clubs and a power boat club down the road in Dún Laoghaire, while swimming at the Forty Foot and Seapoint beach are close by.

What is also very handy is the fact that a branch of The Butler's Pantry is two doors down: "New owners will never go hungry," says Ronan O'Hara of Sherry FitzGerald, who is handling the sale, although the owner says, "It's a bit of a constant temptation," of the home catering service.

Number 4 Montpelier Place, which has a Ber of D2, is on the market through Sherry FitzGerald, seeking €1.4 million.