Stringer semi has space to spare

Terenure village has become a real hub with a collection of thriving artisan shops and cafes. Though it is situated on a busy crossroads it retains an old-fashioned village feel.

Number 45 Rathfarnham Road is a fine five-bedroom Stringer-built Edwardian property that is within sneezing distance of the village.

While it is situated on a busy thoroughfare, at the intersection of Bushy Park Road, it is set far enough back for the noise pollution not to overly interfere with living there. It isn’t particularly audible in the property’s old-fashioned back garden.

The house has a lovely Edwardian sense of space with 2.7 metre- (9ft-) high ceilings throughout and simple period features. It has a roomy hall, big enough to take a substantial piece of furniture. The livingroom, to the front, has a large bay window and a fine mantelpiece. To the rear is a formal diningroom with a door outside to the garden which at 27 metres (90ft) is big enough to kick a ball around. It is a very private space that isn’t overlooked.

The 224sq metre (2,414sq ft) house has an AMV of €900,000 through agents DNG. It is an executor sale and is in original condition. The house is big enough as is for most families but needs some modernisation. The kitchen, for example, is small when compared to the size of the formal rooms. Knocking through the dividing wall between it and the diningroom would provide an open-plan large hub without the expense of building on a large extension. The garage hasn't been touched and, subject to planning, could be turned into another livingroom.

Upstairs there are five bedrooms, three doubles, two of which have old-fashioned shower en-suite bathrooms. There is no built-in wardrobe storage. It might make more sense to remove one of the en suites and use that space as a wardrobe in the master bedroom.

The house has an E2 BER. The PVC windows, while not original, help keep draughts out and are a feature that the next owner could live with for a few years before upgrading them.

There is a side entrance and ample off-street parking. While the house needs work the smart buyer could consider moving in and living there for a while before undertaking any significant renovations.

Auction indication

Recent sales in the area include 63 Rathdown Park, a property of a similar size in a quieter location that made just under its €1.25 million asking price. Others achieved far in excess of their asking prices. Number 188 Rathfarnham Road, a 172sq m (1,850sq ft) three-bed dormer semi situated further from the village across the bridge sold for €870,000. It was asking €720,000. A more modern build, 6 Butterfield Court in Rathfarnham, a four- to five-bedroom yellow brick house sold for €920,000. It was asking €750,000. Number 7 Willbrook Road, Rathfarnham, a 195sq m 2,098sq ft) house of a similar vintage sold for €905,000 from an asking price of €850,000.

The auction result will give a good indication of what house buyers can expect this season. The auction takes place on September 24th.