Substance over size: Embassy belt cottage an alternative to apartments

The estate cottages on Northumberland Road are tucked in behind the Schoolhouse Hotel and accessed from just off the Grand Canal.

Dating from the late 1800s, they were built for the Pembroke Estate and designed by architect H E FitzGerald – after a competition in 1884. Identical cottages can be found on Merrion Road, Shelbourne Road and in Dundrum; they’re notable for their distinct facia on the gable entries.

The property features two fine sized bedrooms – one overlooking the front and a second, larger room overlooking the small courtyard to the rear of the cottage.

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A spacious livingroom lies to the front, opposite the guest bedroom. The room still retains its original sash windows and fireplace, which has a new stove set into the hearth.

New wooden flooring was added by previous owners and runs throughout the property. Also added was a conservatory to the rear, connecting the kitchen/dining area with the courtyard – with exposed brick and stone walls adding interest.

The kitchen is galley style, and though not large, it feeds out into the dining area, where more storage in the form of old pine dressers, continues the cottage feel.

Upstairs is accessed by a narrow fixed timber staircase, and offers new owners lots of storage or further living space.

In October 2013, number four, a similar sized unit sold for €456,000, and number three on Shelbourne Road, a one-bedroom unit of 67sq m, has just gone sale agreed for below the asking price of €490,000.

Though not large – the property has a footprint of 85sq m including the attic space, the cottage would make a viable alternative to those seeking an apartment in the embassy belt. Its self-contained entry, no management fees, the private courtyard and conservatory are all bonuses in its favour. It is for sale through Lansdowne Partnership with an asking price of €525,000.