Cliftonville is a refined detached Victorian residence of exceptional scale, architectural integrity and understated grandeur, superbly positioned on Monkstown Road – one of South County Dublin’s most prestigious and enduringly desirable coastal addresses.
Set well back from the road behind an elegant façade and granite steps, the property occupies approximately 0.2 acres of mature, private grounds and extends to approximately 366 sq metres (3,940 sq ft) of beautifully balanced accommodation arranged over four levels. The house combines the elegance, proportion and craftsmanship of a classic period home with the comfort, refinement and functionality required for modern family living.
In the ownership of the present custodians for over 23 years, Cliftonville has been meticulously maintained and thoughtfully upgraded throughout. Original architectural features have been carefully preserved and celebrated, including ornate ceiling coving, centre roses, fine fireplaces, working shutters and generous ceiling heights, creating a home of rare cohesion, authenticity and timeless appeal.
A flight of granite steps rises to an impressive entrance hall, a space of immediate impact featuring fine ceiling coving, a centre rose and a striking feature archway that establishes the elegant symmetry of the house. The principal reception rooms are exceptionally well proportioned and ideally suited to both formal entertaining and everyday living. The drawing room is a magnificent dual-aspect room with sliding sash windows, working shutters, ornate cornicing and a handsome Adam-style marble fireplace. Opposite lies the equally impressive dining room, again dual-aspect, featuring wide plank floorboards, a fine marble chimneypiece with gas fire inset, elaborate ceiling detailing and a discreet dumbwaiter connecting directly to the kitchen. Also at this level is a refined study/family room, offering excellent flexibility of use, together with a beautifully appointed guest W.C. finished with beautiful Crema Marfil marble tiling, antique-style fittings and a sash window. There is a door from the return leading down to the garden, to accommodate entertaining.
On the first-floor return there is a bedroom with a window to the side and built in wardrobes. In addition, there is a beautifully finished family bathroom, notable for its generous proportions and freestanding cast-iron bath.
The first floor is arranged around a generous and elegant landing. To the rear is a large double bedroom enjoying elevated glimpses towards Howth via sash windows with working shutters and an excellent range of fitted wardrobes. Two further double bedrooms are positioned to the front overlooking Monkstown Road, both featuring sash windows with working shutters, bespoke wardrobes and fine ceiling work. The principal bedroom suite is particularly impressive, extending to over seven metres in length and incorporating extensive fitted wardrobes and a luxurious en-suite bathroom.
On the second floor return, a further double bedroom enjoys fitted wardrobes and elevated coastal views across rooftops with views of Dublin Bay and Howth, making it ideal as a guest suite, private study or retreat.
The garden level provides outstanding family and recreational accommodation. A wide hallway with Crema Marfil marble flooring, wine storage, feature archway and direct access to outdoor spaces sets the tone. To the front is a cosy sitting room with attractive fireplace and working shutters, while a full shower room and a substantial utility room with an excellent range of bespoke cabinetry offering ample storage are also located on this level. The heart of the home is a superbly appointed kitchen and breakfast room, fitted with a bespoke range of cabinetry, granite work surfaces, a large central island, four oven gas AGA and high-end integrated appliances. This space opens seamlessly into a striking Orangerie style breakfast / informal dining room with glazed atrium ceiling and French doors leading to the garden. There are a pair of French doors from the breakfast room leading to a sunken lounge / TV room which in turn opens directly onto the rear terrace. The arrangement creates a natural flow between interior and exterior spaces, ideal for modern family living and entertaining on both intimate and larger scales.
The gardens are a defining feature of Cliftonville. The rear garden is entirely private and beautifully landscaped, incorporating a sunken granite patio, expansive lawn, gravelled areas and an abundance of mature trees, shrubs and planting. There is vehicular access to the rear from Brighton Lane with rear off-street parking. The sea is literally moments away on foot. There is a useful pedestrian access from the garden onto Brighton Lane which connects with the seafront. There is a partially covered gated side passage connecting the front and rear of the property and external lighting. To the front, the property benefits from excellent off-street parking for multiple cars and a sheltered south-facing sun terrace.
Monkstown is widely regarded as one of Dublin’s most refined and enduringly desirable coastal villages, prized for its elegant streetscapes, strong architectural heritage and exceptional quality of life. Positioned along the South Dublin coastline, it offers a rare balance of village charm, coastal amenity and immediate access to the city. Monkstown Road is among the area’s most prestigious residential addresses, characterised by substantial period homes set on generous plots with mature planting and a strong sense of permanence. There is an abundance of recreational amenities in the immediate area including the four yacht clubs for the marine enthusiast, Monkstown Tennis Club, and De Vesci Tennis Club along with many health and fitness clubs. The piers at Dun Laoghaire are also minutes away as are peaceful vistas overlooking the sea at the linear park on Seapoint Avenue. Cliftonville occupies a particularly attractive position on the road, within a stone’s throw of Monkstown village while remaining quietly removed from day-to-day activity.
The village centre is renowned for its vibrant yet understated café culture, excellent restaurants, artisan food shops and boutiques, complemented by nearby Blackrock and Dun Laoghaire, which provide additional retail, cultural and leisure amenities including the People’s Park with its Sunday farmer’s market.
Transport connectivity is exceptional with Salthill DART stations within a five-minute walk, offering swift and reliable access to Dublin city centre, Grand Canal Dock, the IFSC and beyond. There are many bus routes available locally including the 7, 7A, and the 4 along with the 702 Air coach which connects directly to Dublin Airport. The N11 and M50 are also readily accessible, providing convenient links to Dublin Airport and the national road network. Educational provision in the area is among the finest in the country, with a wide selection of highly regarded primary and secondary schools nearby, both fee-paying and non-fee-paying, making the location particularly attractive for long-term family living.
The coastal setting further enhances the appeal. Scenic shoreline walks and sea swims are available just minutes away, along with sailing and a wide range of marine leisure activities close at hand. Dún Laoghaire Harbour, Seapoint, and Sandycove are all easily accessible. Elevated views and sea glimpses from the upper floors further reinforce the home’s strong connection to Dublin Bay.
Cliftonville represents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and beautifully balanced Victorian residence of genuine distinction on one of South County Dublin’s most prestigious roads. Its scale, condition, gardens and exceptional coastal location combine to create a home of enduring quality, comfort and long-term value – a property that will appeal to discerning purchasers seeking an elegant and irreplaceable family residence.
Detached 
5 Bedrooms 
4 Bathrooms 
366 sqm 
residents 
4 
2 
222 sqm 
