While some househunters may balk at the idea of a house in disrepair, others see potential. It is worth looking at the previous brochure details for 9 Library Road in Dún Laoghaire to see the transformation of a down-at-heel redbrick to a brand-new, light-filled ergonomic layout.
The current owners purchased the 79sq m property in 2015 for €210,000, and engaged draftsman Liam Keane to redesign the interior. The only tell-tale sign that this is the same property is the exterior – now minus the weeds growing in the walls – and the address.
![9 Library Road, Dún Laoghaire: has a brand-new, light-filled ergonomic layout.](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/P2IZGASXRARGELO4JOMSOQTWVA.jpg?auth=e92eed925e1f9227c793069eaa07bae536d008c5e604fca116d7ff525a68e1a6&width=800&height=450)
The new design has achieved a remarkable layout with clean, simple lines, lots of storage and an incredible amount of light – thanks to double glass doors in the kitchen and a large Velux upstairs.
Open-plan downstairs
Downstairs is completely open-plan with a living area to the front, running into a dining-cum-kitchen space. This opens out on to a maintenance-free small garden laid out with Indian sandstone and planters.
![9 Library Road, Dún Laoghaire: has a brand-new, light-filled ergonomic layout.](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/O5JVDLRG3AMCPIRDKSL56WC7CI.jpg?auth=08095a212fe71977d7c5bec100d1520b95f457adcc84c0d5a909d5404e9760a2&width=800&height=450)
Upstairs are two fine bedrooms and a very generous bathroom – with a double shower and bath. The BER rating is B3 – achieved with good insulation, double-glazed windows and a stove which sits flush into the wall.
A wall of storage under the stairs allows the room to be clutter-free, as does a small walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom.
Given its location, 9 Library Place would make a super first home or a very good alternative to a two-bedroom apartment – with the added bonus of a small garden.
![The bathroom at 9 Library Road has a bath and double shower.](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/I272BDBUHDPFAH7EUVTAVM5R5M.jpg?auth=38e38475b871763173953f5c69dfcf7efef7c17df2bf6d6afe61a59a7fedb5fb&width=800&height=449)
Quillsen is seeking €415,000 for 9 Harbour Court (71sq m), and Sherry FitzGerald €375,000 for Adelphi Manor apartments (74sq m). Though slightly larger at 93sq m, 12 Marine Court is seeking €525,000 through Colliers and Savills lists 7 The Pavilion II (95sq m) at €400,000.
![9 Library Road, Dún Laoghaire: has a brand-new, light-filled ergonomic layout.](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3D6HCQRUEIDBZIMWGBTD2YED7Q.jpg?auth=14beaa2bc55c77a57d6dda534ae2bbf052c9dda5ee415e2ff5de8f134100cfe1&width=800&height=450)
![9 Library Road, Dún Laoghaire: has a brand-new, light-filled ergonomic layout.](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/W32O3YS3H3GTKWRC5R7XCISEGQ.jpg?auth=6a9a081077e3b1e508a5335db05385376fa7403a640de3f5583183cb7d5fba67&width=800&height=450)
Lisney is seeking €445,000 for this period house in turnkey condition – located just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Dún Laoghaire.