Two Malahide properties will test the market

Co DublinTwo houses - one a pretty cottage on a 0.5-acre site, the other a good-sized 1970s four-bed semi - on sought-after roads are expected to generate a good deal of local interest, writes Kate McMorrow

5 Millview Road €540,000

Not one house has come on the market on Millview Road since the houses were built on 1971. Bunavalla at number 5 is a good-sized four-bedroom semi-detached house set back from the road beyond a lawned public area. Glorious front and back gardens far outweigh the obvious necessity to update the interior. Discerning new owners might value the classic 1970s interior however and merely redecorate.

Sherry FitzGerald's Swords branch is quoting €540,000 by private treaty for Bunavalla, which has about 140 sq m (1,500 sq ft) of accommodation.

The value in these pebble-dashed houses lies in their honest construction and that Millview is within walking distance of the DART, harbour and town centre.

Like others on the road, Bunavalla's owner has converted the garage to a family room with a shower room off. Knocking this room through to the kitchen is an option worth considering.

The cosy sittingroom overlooking the front is partly open to a diningroom, which has pretty views of the back garden. The kitchen is a good size, but the old-fashioned units are ready to be replaced. Ditto a lean-to conservatory off the kitchen, which could be replaced, like next door, with a flagged terrace. Four bedrooms, all double by today's standards, and a family bathroom complete the accommodation. The back garden is private and has a fish pond, crab apple trees and a good sweep of lawn.

Beausite, Grove Avenue €900,000

Located on Grove Avenue - one Malahide's best roads - Beausite has leaded windows, a mansard roof and a pretty "gingerbread cottage" look. The setting is almost unbeatable, across the road from the Grand Hotel and a few paces from the harbour and tennis club.

Sherry FitzGerald is asking in excess of €900,000 for the four-bedroom detached property which, despite its convenience, is in a peaceful spot behind mature well-tended gardens.

The house has strong GAA connections - Keith Galvin, a member of the Dublin team which beat Tyrone in the 1995 all-Ireland final - grew up here and his victorious jersey hangs proudly on a bedroom wall.

Heavily-planted gardens which surround the house are a most attractive feature. The 0.5-acre area is divided up into smaller areas with different themes, including a delightfully peaceful secret garden.

While a good size at 186 sq m (2,000 sq ft), the manageable accommodation would equally suit families or retired couples needing a couple of guest bedrooms. The layout is arranged so that each room opens to the other and is ideal for entertaining. A spacious sitting/diningroom links with a small conservatory and the side garden.

Leading off this is an informal family sittingroom with a fireplace which, in turn, opens to the kitchen.

Large enough to breakfast in, the kitchen includes a range of medium oak units with granite worktops and there are exposed ceiling beams.

A utility room is next door and there is a downstairs toilet and washbasin off the maple-floored hall. Upstairs, the bedrooms have a pretty cottage look, with deep window sills and flower balconies.

The guest bedroom has a small tiled balcony with sea views.

Bedroom two, also a double, has access to a study with two large Velux windows.

The study can also be entered from the main bedroom, which includes an en suite shower.

Bedroom four is a large single room. White sanitary ware in the bathroom is complemented by old-fashioned brass taps.

There is ample parking in the front garden, which is bounded by stone walls and high hedgerows.