A terraced two-storey house at 17 Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8, is clearly pitched at different types of vendors. Divided into two units, it shows what can be done with a property in a prime location close to the city.
Due for auction October 11th, agents Sherry FitzGerald are quoting £435,000-plus.
The refurbished Victorian house is currently divided into two one-bedroom apartments, which are in walk-in condition. Given the convenience of the location within walking distance of St Stephen's Green, the rental potential for an investor is obvious.
However a likely outcome is that this house would appeal to an owner prepared to live in one part of the house while using the income from the second apartment to service a mortgage. It would be one way of securing against the risk of interest rate hikes.
Alternatively, the house could be bought by two individuals, each having separate living space, though the upstairs accommodation is definitely more attractive.
It might also suit two members of an extended family, or it could be transformed into a single home with three bedrooms, by reinserting a staircase between the different levels. The total floor area is 1,840 sq ft. The property has been tastefully restored, especially on the upper level, where many internal features remain intact, such as ornate cornice work in the entrance hallway, as well as an arch.
Shared granite steps lead up to the period front door and into the hallway, which has terracotta paintwork on the walls.
Off the hall is the livingroom with a period fireplace, polished timber floorboards, and some fine plasterwork, as well as sash windows. Interconnecting doors lead into the bedroom, which was an original reception room. This room has built-in wardrobes and is brightly decorated.
On the return is a fairly spacious kitchen, with a good range of built-in wall and floor units, as well as timber floors and double doors leading out to a sun deck. This is a particularly attractive feature.
The bathroom at this level is also very grandly finished and features a pine-panelled ceiling with recessed spot lighting and part-panelled walls. This apartment has access to the attic, as well as a range of built-in presses in the hallway.
The ground floor has a similar layout but a completely different atmosphere since basements were traditionally devoid of decorative period features. This apartment is more functional, with a bedroom to the front of the house and a sittingroom to the back, which has a coal-effect gas fire. The kitchen is a spacious room has with wall and floor units and access to the back garden.
The bathroom at this level is well-finished and there is a distinctly modernist feel to the decor.
The entire ground floor could be converted to bedroom use, were the house to revert to a single residence. Although it is rather dark at this level, the garden access is a plus.
To the front of the house is a small railed-in garden. To the back is a small garden, landscaped for easy maintenance with a curving pathway and raised borders, as well as garden shed. Beyond the garden is a valuable parking apron providing off-street parking for two cars, although residents working in the city will hardly need to use the car.
Heytesbury Street is busy and can be noisy, but to compensate it's convenient for the city centre and for Camden Street with its shops and food market.
