A nice lie just off the fairway

A detached house with a panoramic view of Deerpark golf course from its rear windows is likely to sell for over £700,000 at a Douglas Newman Good auction on March 8th. Knocktarna, at 117 Howth Road - an area known as Deerpark - is a substantial 2,200 sq. ft house with a self-contained one-bedroom granny flat to the side. The owners are trading down because the five-bedroom home, with its three reception rooms, is just too big for them now that their children have grown up.

Deerpark is part of the stretch of Howth Road from Sutton Cross into Howth village. There are about a dozen houses similar to Knocktarna, all built in the 1940s and all back on to the golf course. None has come on the open market since the late 1980s, according to selling agent Conor Gallagher, so the sale is likely to generate strong interest from buyers keen to trade up.

The double-fronted house has an unusual layout, with the kitchen at the front, across the hall from a formal dining-room. The well-designed kitchen was totally revamped in country style pine about 10 years ago. It has integrated appliances, smart-looking larder units and a built-in breakfast table. The main reception rooms are at the back of the house and are made up of an attractive living-room and a large bookshelf-lined study.

The back of the house is south-facing and is not overlooked and these rooms feature large windows to make the most of the sunlight and the view.

Upstairs, there is a roomy landing which is typical of large post-war houses. There are four bedrooms on this level - three doubles and one single. All have good quality built-in wardrobes and the main bedroom has an en suite.

An attic room was added in recent years and it is particularly large, with space for a bedroom area and for a sofa and table. The room has a large picture window with a very impressive view over the golf course.

Glimpses of the sea can be seen from the front bedroom windows.

In decorative terms the house has been very well maintained and stylishly done and new owners probably won't feel the need to redecorate.

The granny flat is accessed via a utility room off the kitchen. It also has independent access with its own front door, as well as patio doors opening out on to the back garden. It has a living-room which incorporates a small kitchen area and a small bedroom with an en suite.

The back garden is long and private and has been well kept by a keen gardener. There is also a patio area directly outside the back of the house.

To the front, there is parking for two or three cars and the house is shielded from the main road by a high wall.