Easy elegance in Blackrock for €1.1m

The houses on Ardlui Park, just off Blackrock’s Newtownpark Avenue, were built in the 1950s and 1960s, “just before people got greedy”, says the owner. “You still got lots of space back then.”

She's right. Number 20, which is detached and about halfway along the cul-de-sac, has a large gravel area to the front where you could happily accommodate several SUVs; it also has a large back garden. This was designed by Bloom medal winner Mark Grehan and also has a cosy Shomera, which currently houses a gym.

Inside there are 198sq m (2,128sq ft) of accommodation, including four bedrooms. The garage has already been converted, providing a den below and the master suite above. There was also planning permission (currently lapsed) to put another bedroom in the attic space. This is floored and carpeted and reached via an attic stairs.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 5

The bedrooms configuration is generous: three doubles and a single. The master has an en suite/dressingroom and you can even see Howth from the bathroom. The original master bedroom, before the garage conversion, also has lovely sea views.

Downstairs to the left of the hallway, which is lit by original green stained glass in the front door, a flow of interconnecting rooms leads from a livingroom via a diningroom to the conservatory. This is both well insulated, and warmed by a wood-effect gas stove.

It’s the family’s favourite room. “It’s cosy enough that we were in here on Christmas Day,” says the owner. “The kids love it, though we sometimes try to keep them out of it for some relaxation.”

Well served

Beside this is the recently revamped kitchen, which has French window access to the patio and back garden. The garden has lawns, mature planting and a further patio at the back.

The area is well-served: plenty of good schools, public transport and other amenities, and it’s an easy walk to Blackrock. “Everyone who comes to the house thinks it’s so welcoming,” says the owner. “It just works.”

They’re moving to take on a fixer-upper project, so number 20 is for sale, through Beirne & Wise for €1.1 million.

It’s in walk-in condition, and the decor is tasteful and restrained enough for it to become your own blank canvas.