House on a hill appeals

Split-level home with hidden lower half is exciting interest after its price reduction, discovers Tommy Barker

There’s a bit of modesty to Gurteen, a house on a hill with a hidden, lower half to it. The 1970s family home, on Coach Hill in Rochestown, with harbour views, is split level on a sloping site of over a quarter of an acre with a lower level hidden from view from the road, but fully present to its lower lawned grounds and deck.

It last was up for sale in 2006, when it guided at over €800,000 and had had modernising work done to it; now, it’s just had a price reduction from €475,000 to €425,000 via agent Barry Smith of Rose Properties, who says at this level it’s exciting interest, and he expects a swift-enough sale.

It’s a particularly decent trading-up option that will appeal to a wide cohort, in a narrow catchment, as there’s thousands of houses in and around this Rochestown/outer-Douglas area, many in estates, and the notion of a detached house with good living space, garage and decked viewing balcony all on its own grounds will appeal to many.

In the past decade or so, a 14’ by 13’ conservatory has been added to the back, which picks up harbour views over the Douglas/Mahon estuary, though the best of light comes in morning and evening, as it’s pretty much north facing.

Inside, Gurteen is laid out over two/three levels or half levels, up and down from the entry point drive, where it does look very much like a brick-clad bungalow.

But, on its other aspect it’s full two-storey, with some dash and wood trim in the middle, a bit like a cedar cummerbund; the mix of materials gives it a warm external look.

Inside are two reception rooms, kitchen, conservatory, and four bedrooms, with master en-suite, along with utility, good main bathroom, guest WC, hall and landing.

VERDICT: Already upgraded quite a bit, Gurteen is the sort of house that will respond well to a new injection of personality and style.