Upgraded cottage is a Dalkey delight for €1.75m

Locations don't get much better than Sorrento Road in Dalkey. The village is a three-minute walk, Finnegan's (a lovely pub) is on the corner, the Dart is a step away. Then there's the sea, Coliemore Harbour and other great walks right on your doorstep. Back in the 1800s, Greenaun was a small single-storey cottage, set back from the road. You can still see the original front wall, which now guards handy off-street parking. But it has been all-change for the house itself.

First up was a second storey. This was done in keeping with the original, and in the Georgian style. Later a more modern extension was added to the rear, which opens up a bright kitchen/breakfast room fitted out by Dalkey Design. There is also a den area off this, making cooking a pleasant family affair. There is also a downstairs double bedroom with French windows to a sweet secluded patio. Upstairs there's a Hamptons-style sitting room on the mezzanine, which is light, bright and beautifully tranquil.

In the older part of the house an elegant drawing room runs front to back, so there is lots of light; in addition there’s a study, downstairs shower room, utility room with plenty of storage space (so you can pretend to be very tidy and organised), plus a dining room, and then it’s back through to the newer part. Upstairs are three more bedrooms, two of which are large doubles, and the third would be too if you took the built-in wardrobe out. All are en suite. The master has a fabulous shower, and a dressing room, while the second bedroom provides those lovely sea views.

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Features preserved

The flooring is a mix of American oak and cream Italian stone, and the original features have been preserved in the older areas, so there is nice detailing, open fireplaces and plenty of charm. The house is for sale at €1.75 million with Lisney, and the owners, who are downsizing, will be leaving with regret.

“It’s the perfect house, winter and summer,” the owner says, pointing out the cosier areas in the older part, and the brighter sunny spots, including the kitchen. “If you like entertaining, which we do, the kitchen is perfect. It’s also a really good family home for children. I know the village so well, and if you’re a walker you have everything you could want,” she says.

They’ve kept the house well over the years, so a buyer won’t have to do much more than move in.