Not strictly Portobello, but redbrick villa comes close for €550k

Though not officially within the boundary of Portobello – which technically is bordered on the south by the Grand Canal, the north by South Circular Road, and between South Richmond and Clanbrassil Streets – McMahon Road and the tiny avenues which run off it, are well within the most desirable and expensive residential district of Dublin 8.

Recent sales on McMahon Street reflect this, where Number 6, a mid-terrace property achieved €690,000 in 2015 – it was sold in 2011 for €335,000 prior to renovation. Number 8 sold in 2010 for €445,000 and the current owners are awaiting a decision on planning to erect a two-storey extension to the rear.

Nestled between these two houses is Number 7, which like its neighbours is split level, and offers 90sq m of space.

Its present layout has two bedrooms – one of which lies on the ground floor, with the principal bedroom upstairs adjacent to a bathroom of equal proportions.

Just inside the hall lies a formal sittingroom with a new stove in the period fireplace and wooden flooring.

To the rear, off a diningroom, lies a galley kitchen and utility.

Though a tad outdated, what this property offers is the opportunity to extend in the rear garden which is in excess of 10m. Some clever design could make far better use of the layout and still retain a courtyard garden. There is precedence for this along the road. Number 6 moved the second bedroom to the front of the house, which allowed for all living and dining space in one area at garden level.

In addition the bathroom is very large for a property of this size and could be reconfigured to give a larger principal bedroom – or even split to provide an en suite.

With a multitude of options, it is the location of this property which is the real selling point. The house is on the market through estate agent Lisney with an asking price of €550,000.