House of the Week: This period property with spectacular views of Dublin Bay is priced at €3m

From the first-floor conservatory of this enviably located, semi-detached residence, the impressive view takes in the Dublin Bay seascape from the iconic Pigeon House chimney stacks right across Sandymount Strand towards Dún Laoghaire and beyond.

For the current owner, this is a favourite part of the house to simply sit for a moment and contemplate the ever-changing light of the sky on the broad expanse of sand and water.

That feel good factor is immediately apparent inside 169a Strand Road too with its corner site ensuring the interior, all 303 square metres of it, and many rooms being dual aspect, is filled with natural light throughout.

This fine period house, in the same ownership for the past 50 years, has an interesting history. Dating back to the early 1800s, it was formerly a convent school before being divided into two properties around 1902. The property is guiding €3 million.

The grounds extend to 0.33 acres and are very private, bordered by mature trees and shrubs. To the rear is a wonderfully lush garden which is another special feature of the property.

The original wrought iron double entrance gates open electrically into the large, gravelled driveway with three separate garages which also have electronically controlled doors.

To the right is the sheltered front garden laid in lawn and with several exotic-looking cordylines, a favourite plant for coastal settings. Steps up from the front brick paving lead into the glazed entrance porch which has a black and white tiled floor.

Double doors with glazed panels open to the high-ceilinged reception hall with polished hardwood floor, and which retains distinctive period plaster details including cornicing, centre rose, dado rail and archway linking to the staircase.

Leading off to the left is the elegant, formal drawing room with a pale woollen carpet complimenting the subtle wallpaper, original grey marble fireplace and decorative plasterwork. This bright dual aspect room gives glimpses of the rear garden.

To the right of the hall is the formal dining room, a mirror of the living room also with original architectural features including its period marble fireplace.

The large kitchen, big enough to dine in and with access to the rear garden via sliding doors and steps down, is fitted with extensive, contemporary white gloss cabinets housing Neff appliances, and contrasting cheery red metro wall tiles.

A cosy study with fireplace, and a spacious utility with original period tiles, guest WC and glazed doors to the garden, complete the rooms at entrance level.

Up a curving wooden staircase with dado rail is the return and the first of five bedrooms – a double, which looks out to the rear garden. Next to this is the main bathroom.

Up a further short flight is the large first floor landing with decorative cornice and ceiling rose. One step down from the landing is the conservatory. This was added to the property in the early 2000s to further capture those spectacular views.

The four spacious bedrooms here all have well-appointed en suites while two also look across the strand to the sea beyond.

The west-facing rear garden is not one, but several outdoor storeys, and a veritable city oasis.

Sheltered by the original stone boundary walls, the mature trees include everything from a lofty pine to espaliered apple and plum. A brick paved pathway underneath leafy arches and climbing shrubs wraps around a spacious raised section with, in turn, neat lawns and flowerbeds abundant with mature shrubs.

Tucked away at the bottom is the original summer house awaiting renovation by new owners.

To the left through a separate arch is a circa 0.05-acre green space fronting on to St Alban’s Park with original boundary walls and potential for further development. Also to the rear of the house are two lower garden level basement storerooms.

With those views and proximity to the promenade and the ever-changing tidal strand, the added attraction of this special property is undoubtedly its closeness to Sandymount village. Within just a short stroll is the village green and charming cafés, restaurants, boutiques and shops.

Sydney Parade Dart station is also just a short hop away as are several city bus routes. A longer stretch of the legs brings you to St Stephen’s Green and the city centre, while Dublin Airport is roughly within a 15 minutes’ drive via the Dublin Port Tunnel.

More information from agent Owen Reilly on 01-6777100.