Bold new build on classic Dún Laoghaire square for €1.175m

Clarinda Park was one of the first planned squares in Dún Laoghaire, and is unique for its mixed styles of houses. The east side of the square was the last to be completed, and is noted for its “bookend” – houses numbers 1 and 33 – which are larger properties with projecting bay windows on two sides.

Number 33 – the last on the terrace – was sold in 2016. According to the property price register it sold for €1.05 million and €250,000 – presumably for the house and garden site.

There was extant planning permission for a 136sq m (1,464sq ft) property in the side garden, which was completed last year. Now numbered 33a, the new build is on the market through DNG with an asking price of €1.175 million.

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Designed by architectural firm Delahunty and Harley, the four-bed detached house is incredibly bright thanks to an abundance of windows, patio doors and deep-set skylights and there is a lovely flow throughout.

To the rear, and facing the garden is an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with a modern stove, quality oak laminate and Bosch appliances.

To the front there is granite paving and neat planting with off-street parking for two cars, something of a rarity on the square.

The property has a BER rating of A3 thanks to solar panels, excellent insulation and passive heating.

Two gardens are arranged off the open plan room – which allows sun all day due to southeasterly and southwesterly aspects.

The property is laid out with four bedrooms, but with just one open-plan room to the rear, the fourth bedroom could also work as a home office, family room or playroom.

Further investment

While it is a fine new build with a very efficient energy rating, the price on a per sq foot basis is slightly bullish compared to number 1 on the same terrace, also through DNG, seeking €1.25 million. Occupying a corner site, the bookend two-storey overbasement Victorian house is more than double the size of 33a at 370sq m, and retains all its period features. It does however require further investment to upgrade.

Number 16, a mid-terrace, was seeking €995,000 and sold for €1.03 million this year – that property also needed a complete refurbishment but it is still significantly larger than 33a.

Some buyers prefer to eschew the headaches of period properties and their upkeep costs, so the contemporary house will have appeal.