In what is likely to be among the top sales of the year, Strathmore, the former Canadian ambassador’s residence in Killiney, has been sold in recent weeks for €7.5 million. The home, one of Dublin’s most important residential properties, went on the market last July for €8 million through Simon Ensor of Sherry FitzGerald.
The purchase by an unidentified buyer is shrouded in secrecy – Ensor was giving nothing away. However a US entrepreneur operating in the travel sector has been linked to the sale. As the second most expensive house for sale in the county (after Sorrento House), interest in the 750sq m (8,073sq ft) mansion on nine acres would have been restricted to a select few. If Strathmore is to be used as a private residence the planning authorities should be hearing from the new owners soon, as a significant refurbishment will be required to convert the home from its former embassy use.
Strathmore was acquired in 2008 by property developer Michael Roden, when he traded an opulent 604sq m (6,500sq ft) home on Oakley Road, Ranelagh, and about €3.01 million in cash for it. It was for sale for €17 million at the time. Roden reportedly planned to renovate Strathmore but those plans never materialised.
Since Roden’s acquisition, Strathmore has been available to rent for €10,000 per month. It was reported a couple of years ago that U2 recorded part of their new album there – no doubt because of its convenient location, across the street from Bono’s Temple Hill and minutes from The Edge’s house.
