Back to the drawing board in Sandymount and Loughlinstown

Lisheen Lodge, 168 Strand Road, Sandymount

Many who viewed Lisheen Lodge at the first viewing walked out scratching their heads. Firstly the term lodge might be stretching it, while the layout is higgledy-piggledy to say the least.

There are stained glass windows covered with sliding PVC windows, exterior windows used internally between rooms, and a conservatory off an upstairs bedroom that will scarcely accommodate one armchair.

What is has though is location with great sea views from the upper level and with some imagination and flair could be transformed into a great mews.

In fact the transformation of same would be worthy of a television programme; showing exactly what can be achieved if you can see beyond the mayhem of mismatched and misplaced windows and the overuse of wooden panelling.

In its current layout the floor space extends to 83sq m (880sq ft) with front and rear paved gardens extending to 30 and 40 feet respectively.

The site was once a coach house to 167 Strand Road next door. The front arch still stands at the entrance to the dwelling inscribed with the year 1843 and could be dramatically incorporated into a new conversion.

The previous owner, now deceased had a love of gardening which is evident from the rare and exotic plants that grace both front and rear courtyards and a Clematis montana has weaved its years around the upstairs railings.One challenge for new owners will be to create a greater sense of space as the property is flanked on both sides by larger piles and feels narrow and dark at the downstairs level. However, with a good architect, some patience and decent investment Lisheen Lodge could be transformed into a luxurious modern mews with excellent sea views.

The property will be auctioned by Bennetts Auctioneers and has an AMV of €475,000.

St Martin's, Main Road, Loughlinstown
An €80,000 reduction in the price of a substantial property in Loughlinstown in south Co Dublin may generate renewed interest.

The Hopkins Ward agency is seeking €420,000 for St Martin’s, a detached house at Main Road, Loughlinstown which they describe as a “project” for someone seeking to remodel it. It is currently used as a crèche but was a family home up to 1998. The agents say the traditional number of bedrooms, bathrooms and reception rooms does not apply in this case, but they believe the property will accommodate a three or four-bedroom home since it has nearly 1,600 sq ft of floor space. There is also potential to extend to the side and at the back. It is situated on a quiet slip road off the N11 with a pleasant garden space. There is oil-fired central heating, double glazing and a burglar alarm.