Semi with a serious back garden

Dún Laoghaire/€650,000A three-bedroom semi-detached house, St Judes, Crosthwaite Park West is expected to fetch over €650,000 at auction through Gunne on April 6th.

The 1930s house is part of a charming enclave between the large terraces of four-storey Victorian houses of Crosthwaite Park. Like its neighbours, St Judes has a 200 ft long back garden that will have great appeal for young families. There is also some possibility for future development, subject to the necessary planning permission.

There is also a large communal space in front of the houses, and good off-street parking as well as a garage.

Inside, this is a charming well-maintained home of around 144 sq m (1,550 sq ft) and while it hasn't been extended in any direction, it has kept many of its period features such as fireplaces in every room.

There are two reception rooms and a lovely sunny breakfastroom with a pretty cast-iron fireplace decorated with swallows. Off the breakfastroom is a compact kitchen, and a utility room that leads both to the garden and the garage.

Upstairs there are two fine double bedrooms and a generous single room, all sharing a family bathroom and a separate toilet. The front-facing bedroom with its wide bay window is particularly nice.

The garden is mostly in lawn but a look through the fence at the neighbour's garden - which has plenty going on it in including hens and ducks - shows what could be done.

If there's one drawback here it's the rush-hour traffic. Crosthwaite Park West is currently used as a rat run by those trying to avoid a long wait at the lights on Lower Glenageary Road. However, residents are hoping that a recent submission to the council to have the road turned into a cul-de-sac will get a fair hearing.