Despite a howling wind bellowing through the fragile windows of Amalfi on Sorrento Road in Dalkey, the views of stormy seas on Killiney Bay are superb.
The property’s history is a tale of two parts; one side was constructed in the 1930s with a latter addition in the 1960s. Situated on an elevated site at the end of a narrow drive directly opposite the entrance to the Monte Alverno compound of luxury homes, this property extends to 319sq m, and has three selling points: its location – within a short stroll to the village of Dalkey; its mature gardens which extend almost half an acre, and most importantly – superb sea views.
Its current layout does not do justice to the views on offer, and new owners will more than likely knock the 1960s wing which consists of a jaded sunroom, kitchen and bedrooms.
What Amalfi needs is a good architect to completely rejig the property to maximise what buyers always pay a huge premium for on Sorrento Road – the views.
The best room in the house is the principal bedroom on the top floor. It has a sun terrace that would be difficult to leave in sunny weather, and also has a patio – one of many around the property – off the dressing room.
Three reception rooms – a study, diningroom and living space overlooking the bay – would benefit from being amalgamated, with the addition of large picture windows to replace the current ones. While views are good, they are not captured to their full extent. One could imagine a huge roaring fire here to counteract the stormy weather.
The property also includes a small studio which has further potential. Whether the property is knocked and a new structure erected or the current house completely gutted and renovated will depend on planning and the pocket depth of its new owners.
A number of neighbouring houses are on the market, all of which are in turnkey condition with sea views. Across the road, the 789sq m Monte Alverno on 1.2 acres (0.49 hectares) is seeking €7.5 million, and its contemporary neighbour Mount Alverno, at 665sq m on one acre is seeking €8.5 million. Around the corner on Vico Road, Strawberry Hill, on a 0.75-acre site measuring 702sq m is asking €5.75 million. Amalfi, which offers lots of potential, is on the market through Colliers with an asking price of €2.4 million.
