I’m never quite comfortable on Newtownpark Avenue. I went to school at Newpark, many (many) years ago, so there’s something about the street, sought after though it may be in terms of property, that always makes me feel slightly guilty and late.

That shouldn't put anyone off Leigh House, however. On the corner of Holly Park, it's a very nice four-bedroom family home, with off-street parking to the front, and a lovely large and secluded garden to the rear.

The owners, now retired and downsizing, have put a great deal of time into the garden, so while November isn’t the ideal time to appreciate it, in the summer, there are rose beds and lots of flowering shrubs, alongside the mature trees.

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“It’s southwest facing, and it’s so secluded, you forget you’re on a busy road,” says the owner. “That’s the best thing about the house; that and the location – when our five children were young, it was so handy, so accessible for everything.”

Inside, a bright entrance hall leads to a sittingroom with an open fireplace, and separate dining room, study/TV room, and a kitchen that leads through into an extension that houses a sunny breakfast room.

The kitchen has a cosy country feel, with powder-blue tiled walls, and an Aga, together with oak units and plenty of worktop space.

Good school
Upstairs there are four bedrooms, all of which have corner wash-hand basins, but none of which are en suite. There is also a family bathroom.

Prices vary on Newtownpark Avenue, but then so do the houses: Rosbarna sold for €1.19 million in September of this year, but that was an architect-designed five-bedroom 312 sq m (3,358 sq ft) extravaganza of a house.

At 239sq m (2,573 sq ft) Rockmahon, is a larger four-bed than Leigh House (160sq m/ 1,700sq ft), and is currently on with Breslin auctioneers for €1.095 million.

It’s a popular area and always tends to attract strong buyer demand. There’s a very good school down the road too.