There are sea vistas from the wrap-around veranda of a period home in Dalkey, while a modern house above Rathfarnham has views of country and city
THE views from many of the houses on Knocknacree Road in Dalkey, Co Dublin, are lovely. Perched high on the hill above the village, the houses look down over the roof tops and out to sea, taking in a great sweep of the coast.
Lismore, a fine period house on Knocknacree Road, was built more than 100 years ago to make the most of these views and not just from the rooms – one of its most appealing exterior features is the veranda that wraps around the granite front of the detached house. Lismore is also very large at 464sq m (4994sq ft), with seven bedrooms and sitting on a half-an- acre garden. It’s for sale by Lisney for €3.25 million.
It last changed hands eight years ago and has been a corporate let to the same tenant for the past six years. It’s been redecorated since they left and is now being viewed unfurnished.
The main entrance is through a conservatory and the wide, bright hallway features period details such as decorative plasterwork.
There are three spacious reception rooms – one that runs the width of the house at the front, with picture windows looking out to sea and opening directly out onto the veranda. It has herringbone oak parquet and a marble fireplace and even unfurnished is a stunning room. There is another living room at the side and a large family room at the back of the house which opens directly into the eat-in kitchen.
Local company Dalkey Design installed the kitchen and it’s their signature look – a luxury country style with painted wood units topped with granite.
Top-end extras include a wine fridge and integrated coffee maker and it has a large central island with integrated appliances. There is a separate, fully fitted pantry off the kitchen and a large utility room off the hall.
All the bedrooms are doubles and most have en suites and there is also a family bathroom and a guest bathroom. One bedroom is downstairs – probably occupied by an au pair or, this having been a high-end corporate let, by staff, and the rest are upstairs over two floors. Many are dual aspect to maximise the light and sea views and the two bedrooms at the top of the house are particularly atmospheric with charming dormer windows fitted with windows seats to enjoy the spectacular views.
The gardens around the house are on a mostly sloping site so there is no grand lawn but they are colourful, mature and have an appealing, old-fashioned feel; the areas with the best views and sun have been paved for outdoor seating. There is a double garage and Lismore is quite private behind its tall, original, iron gates.
