Village suburb next door to the city

IN...SANDYMOUNT:With its secluded streets, village green and strand walks, Sandymount is an area many people would like to live in, writes Paul O'Doherty

A LITTLE OFF the beaten track and so close to the city centre, Sandymount is one of those places you're unlikely to pass through unless you're visiting. Which really means traffic, aside from the build up at the Merrion Gates, rarely unsettles the peaceful existence that offers time-out on or around the village green and within walking distance of the more refreshing sea-space.

Uniquely popular with its secluded streets and quiet backwaters, and amenities that few Irish villages could ever dream of having, it's an area many people would like to live in; its twin borders of sea and Dart line giving it the luxury and promise that major development will never happen. And, while its beach will always be remembered for Joyce's Ulysses, the baths on the beach look like the top of an 16th century ruin - although, to be fair, graffiti wasn't such a phenomenon in those days - and the sewage problem nearby needs addressing.

How's the market?

Like everywhere else it's at the buyer's discretion but, given its prominence in Dublin 4, there is activity - and viewings are still popular among the mews, townhouse or family set.

However, what might have sold in six weeks 18 months ago is now down 20 per cent and taking six months to do the same. One-bed apartments, like the top-floor one on St John's Road just off the strand, is looking for €420,000, while there's an architect-designed duplex in the village centre with mountain views going for €525,000. And a sea-view on Strand Road will cost you €730,000. Two-bed apartments are not in plentiful supply unless you count places like the exclusive Shrewsbury Square, on Sandymount Avenue which is really in Ballsbridge, from €870,000. Options do include an attractive and well-presented townhouse at Park Court for €625,000 or €1.3 million for a home with full planning permission for a large two-storey extension at Seafort Gardens.

Into the three-bed family homes, a terraced house with a conservatory and south-west facing garden on Wilfield Road, which two years ago would have fetched €1.4 million, is now looking for €1.05 million. While some Victorian elegance and style on Tritonville Road will set you back €1.7 million.

A four-bed detached 1980s house on Sandymount Avenue is looking for €1.65 million. And, finally, a six-bed house, on over 0.65 of an acre with a 400ft back garden (and tennis court) on the much sought-after Park Avenue, is asking for €8.5 million.

And to rent?

The odd one-bed apartment, like the one at Gilford Road with views of the Dublin mountains, is €1,300 a month, while on the cusp of the village green and the seafront at St Cathryn's Court will set you back €1,400. Into the two-bed apartments, rents start around €1,475 a month for what's on offer at St John's Court, Park Lane, close to the village and Dart station, and move quickly into the €2,000s a month for properties like those at Strand Road that overlook the sea or at the Willows which take in the cricket grounds. The three-bed division comes into play at €2,000 a month for a terraced house on Wilfield Road with a low-maintenance garden, while €2,600 a month will get you a piece of Edwardian style with modern touches. At the top of the market there is a range of three, four and five-bed homes, with Castleville, the salubriously pink two-storey period resistance off the main green in the village in search of €6,000 a month, the best of them.

Going out?

There's a decent selection of small restaurants around the village, including Itsa4 and Browne's. Pubs, such as the recently renovated Mulligan's and the Sandymount House, both have their advocates. The RDS is also within walking distance for concerts, exhibitions and shows, while A Sense of Nature and Form, an exhibition of new works by Louise Newman, David Nolan and Sean C Keating is ongoing until the end of the week at Gallery 4, also on the Green.

Price of a pint

€4.90 in Mulligan's, Sandymount.

Good for families?

Primary schools nearby with secondary schools a little further, and while there is a crèche problem in the area, Tir Na nOg offer Montessori and after school care at €180 a week. The proposed new children's hospital is across town, but accessible.

What's to do?

Aside from the convenience to the city or the Dart line to take you there, sitting overlooking the strand or the walk or jog along the beachfront has everything from fresh air to seclusion.

Locals say

"There's a great village atmosphere in the community" (Astrid Lyons).

"The view of the sea says it all" (Tom Casey).

"Some days there's a smell of sewerage down the beach that could move statues" (Paul Dwyer).

"It would be great if they could implement a one-way system in the village around Sandymount Green" (Maxime Pilkington).