When Cathal Comerford, a software engineer, ran into Niall Callan, a teacher, at PantiBar on Dublin's Capel Street, Cupid's arrow struck, and now the newly engaged couple are getting ready to settle down. Both property owners, they are selling up their bachelor pads and looking for a new middle ground where they can set up home together.
Comerford had bought 10a Kingscourt, a light-filled, top-floor apartment on Aughrim Street in Stoneybatter, paying €245,000 for it in June 2015. The dormer property is on the third floor and it was its light and space that drew him in.
The Stoneybatter apartment won’t suit traders down as it has no lift and is accessed via a half set of steps, with another set of steps leading from its front door up to the lounge level.
But its size will have appeal, stretching to 105sq m/1,130sq ft. Parts of the roof slope are so low at the edges that taller househunters may be deterred, but this layout provides an additional 10sq m of space for bookshelves, in addition to the already sizeable under-eaves storage. The vented utility room, where there is room for a washer and separate dryer, as well as a clothes horse, to stand, will be particularly welcome.
The open-plan kitchen/living space spans the width of the floor and has large, dormer-style windows to the front, framing views of Stoneybatter rooftops while looking south to the Dublin Mountains.
The space has a Parisian feel and plenty of room for a large L-shaped sofa, as well as a good-sized kitchen set around a curved counter with room for bar stools on both sides.
There’s more deep storage in the hall, with the bedrooms located on the other side of the passage, giving the property a really good sense of balance. The main bedroom spans the width of the residence and has a shower en suite, with roof light, as well as good under-eaves wardrobe storage.
Under current building regulations the second bedroom would be classified as a study as the roof has a steep slope, and while charming to look at, it could once again be hazardous for taller occupants. But the property, built in 1993, predates these regulations.
The apartment comes with electric heating and is seeking €350,000 through agent Owen Reilly.
