In the first major auction of the year, Lisney yesterday secured €3.2 million for a bungalow on 1.36 acres off Cowper Road in Dublin 6.
Beechdale was the former home of the building contractor John Sisk, who built it for his family in the 1950s.
Five bidders chased the 2,700 sq ft property after it was declared on the market at €1.9 million and finally knocked down at €3.2 million.
The selling agent, Mr Tom Day, sees the result as a sign that there is still life at the upper end of the market which had being undergoing difficulties for the last six months, particularly in the aftermath of September 11th.
As one of the earliest auctions of the year, it was notable for the strong price achieved and the level of interest.
A dormer bungalow, it is tucked away at the end of a long beech-lined driveway. Set almost in the middle of the site, the house is surrounded by impressive gardens with magnolia, walnut and cherry trees. There is rear access on to Palmerstown Road and some small outbuildings.
Built from reclaimed Dolphin's Barn brick, it has a large marble-floored entrance but is in need of updating.