This time last year, Fortland, a typically grand Killiney residence came on the market and auctioneer Tom Day, of Lisneys, hoped to knock the property down to a bidder with more than £3 million to spend. It didn't sell on the day and is now on the market with the same agents with a price guide of £2.9 million.
The impressive two-storey house on Killiney Hill Road is tucked away on the southern slopes of Killiney Hill. It stands on 1.5 acres of grounds that include a grass tennis court, an orchard, stables and a coach-house that could easily be converted into a separate dwelling. Fortlands is hidden from view at the end of a long driveway, and surrounded by immaculately tended gardens that enjoy the all-important view of Killiney Bay.
Inside, this is a fine period house with five bedrooms and gracious reception rooms. The double drawingroom to the left of the hall is a good space for entertaining and it has a Bossi fireplace.
On the other side of the hallway is a large, formal diningroom and beyond that is a 27 ft-long conservatory. At the back of the house is the kitchen opening into a breakfastroom, where there is a staircase leading up to a family room.
Upstairs, all the bedrooms are spacious doubles with big sash windows taking in views of the garden or the sea. The main bedroom has a large en-suite bathroom. The garden backs on to Villa Maria Avenue, where there is a laneway leading down to Killiney DART Station.