When the owners of Knockerra, on Balkill Road in Howth, bought the property in 2012 – for €525,000, according to the Property Price Register – it looked like a standard bungalow, and viewed from the front it still does.
The roadside residence resembles countless other mid-century constructions save for an extension to the side, but it is only when you cross the threshold and walk into the kitchen that this very modern property reveals itself as a warm and very liveable home.
It also happens to have stellar views. An entire wall of glass in the kitchen frames the sea vista with Lambay Island looming large behind the treetops in the garden below.
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The balcony feels like a bird’s nest and is perched high above the sloping ground below. A covered design, it wraps around the property with large floor-to-ceiling sliding doors also allowing direct access into the roomy living room.
Light-filled space
The kitchen has vanilla units with a counter of Silestone on the island and lots of storage. Double glass doors lead to the livingroom, another light-filled space where the focal point is a ceramic log gas fire. From here there is direct access to the balcony, where the owners say they like to watch aircraft light up the night sky as they bank before landing at Dublin Airport. The timber flooring throughout these rooms is a walnut colour and is warmed by underfloor heating.
There are three fine double bedrooms also on this floor. Set to the front, each has plantation-style shutters. The main is en suite and the family bathroom is also here.
Upstairs is a large room with more fine views from its Velux windows. The space also has ample wardrobes and a large bathroom with a freestanding tub. It adds another 33sqm to the property. The headroom at the top of the stairs is too low to meet building regulations and so this space is technically referred to as attic space rather than a fourth bedroom.
The entire upgrade was designed by architect Gerard Irvine and project managed by Clontarf-based, Habu Design.
Potential
Outside there is great potential at garden level, where there is garage storage and a plant room. These could, subject to planning, be converted to more living space.
The property is set on 0.4 of an acre with sloping lawns leading past mature deciduous trees, including willow, maple and sycamore, to access on to the old tram path that leads to the village within 10 minutes.
The next door garden was sold as a site and a detached dormer house is currently nearing completion.
Knockerra, which measures 167sq m (1,797sq ft), excluding its sizeable attic, is seeking €1.2million through agent JB Kelly.
