Charming period lodgings in Rathmines for €650,000

This 71sq m (765sq ft) lodge, constructed in the 1860s, was once used as additional housing for the nearby Holy Trinity Church.

The property was purchased by its current owners in 2006, its AMV at the time was €650,000 and is believed to have sold for more than €660,000 after which the house was completely refurbished.

Overseen by Darmody Architects, the property was rearranged internally, with the addition of a new courtyard and deck, and the installation of a single-storey extension to the rear.

Photographs of the old structure show a dark, rundown property that bears no resemblance to its current form; that of a bright, free-flowing warm house.

Solid oak flooring runs throughout the house, which is all on one level. This will attract downsizers as period bungalows in Dublin 6 are a rarity, but a ramp would be required between the kitchen and hall to make the property wheelchair accessible.

The addition of large glass sliding doors in both the living room and kitchen, which open out on to the courtyard, allows both rooms lots of light, as do the Velux windows in the two bedrooms and the splayed windows in the living room.

There are two fine-sized bedrooms with ample storage. There is off-street parking to the front of the house and side access from Stable Lane to the courtyard.

The asking price of €650,000 through Sherry FitzGerald seems ambitious for a 71sq m (765sq ft) property, but the recent sale of similar-sized two-bedroom apartments in Rathmines town centre achieved €540,000. Cambridge Lodge is a more charming property with its blend of period and contemporary features.