
Capriccio, Thormanby Road, Howth, Co. DublinD13DW20
€750,000
2 Bath~138 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Substantial detached property: This sizable detached house provides an excellent footprint for customization, giving buyers total freedom to design a bespoke family home tailored entirely to their personal preferences.
- Prime Howth Hill location: Situated in a highly sought-after coastal neighborhood, the property places residents within easy reach of scenic cliff walks, local amenities, and charming village cafes.
- Spectacular direct sea views: Elevated positioning affords breathtaking, unobstructed vistas looking down toward the harbor and across to Ireland's Eye, enhancing daily living with remarkable natural scenery.
- Generous corner site: Encompassing approximately 0.15 acres, the plot provides substantial outdoor space and excellent privacy surrounded by mature hedging, creating a serene sanctuary on the peninsula.
- Development potential: The large corner plot at a prominent junction offers intriguing future possibilities, subject to planning permission, for additional residential development or property expansion.
- Private tiered gardens: The expansive front, side, and rear tiered grounds feature mature planting and total seclusion, offering wonderful opportunities for enthusiastic gardeners and outdoor entertaining.
- Established local schools: Highly regarded primary and secondary educational institutions are conveniently located nearby, making the address exceptionally appealing for growing families with school-aged children.
- Abundant recreational activities: Residents enjoy close proximity to diverse sporting facilities including sailing clubs, championship golf courses, tennis courts, and rugby grounds for an active lifestyle.
- Convenient public transport: A bus stop positioned directly outside the property alongside nearby DART stations ensures effortless commuting connections into central Dublin and surrounding coastal suburbs.
- Existing gas connection: The presence of an established gas supply simplifies future heating system upgrades, potentially easing the logistical transition during comprehensive property modernization works.
- Off-street parking driveway: A dedicated gated driveway provides secure off-street vehicle accommodation, a valuable convenience given the popularity and traffic levels along this coastal thoroughfare.
- Dual aspect living areas: The family room benefits from dual aspect orientation, maximizing natural daylight penetration throughout the day and creating a bright, welcoming interior core.
- Flexible reception layout: Multiple distinct living spaces including a dining room, living room, and family room allow for versatile family dynamics and functional zoning for modern households.
- Original architectural character: Retaining classic tongue and groove timber flooring throughout much of the interior, the structure offers authentic charm ready to be restored during refurbishment.
- Upstairs panoramic vistas: The rear bedroom specifically capitalizes on the elevated geography, providing stunning elevated sea views directly from the private sleeping quarters every morning.
- Combineable bedroom footprint: The expansive front bedroom was previously two separate rooms, leaving buyers with the clear option to partition the space back into multiple bedrooms if needed.
- Dedicated utility room: A separate utility room with direct rear access provides practical functionality for laundry management and muddy footwear after coastal cliff walks.
- Stable asking price: The tracked listing price has remained completely static at 750000 euros since tracking began, indicating potential seller pricing discipline or a firm initial valuation stance.
- Proximity to Howth Summit: Being located very close to the Summit grants immediate access to landmark viewpoints, local gathering spots, and the vibrant community atmosphere of Howth.
- Rare market opportunity: Detached properties of this scale requiring total renovation rarely become available in such coveted hillside locations, representing a unique project for discerning buyers.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely poor BER rating: The property carries a disastrous G energy rating with an exceptionally high consumption indicator of 706.71 kWh per square meter annually, signaling severe thermal inefficiency.
- Complete refurbishment required: The listing explicitly states the dwelling requires total gutting and modernization, demanding a substantial capital budget well beyond the initial purchase price.
- Heavy capital expenditure: Transforming this dated structure into a modern habitable home will require extensive investment in wiring, plumbing, insulation, structural repairs, and cosmetic finishes.
- Concrete ground flooring: The family room features a concrete floor which may require specialized damp proofing, leveling, or insulation work to meet contemporary comfort standards.
- Uncertain planning permission: Any future development potential on the corner site is entirely subject to strict local council approval, carrying inherent planning risks that buyers must investigate.
- Potential structural dampness: Given the G energy rating and lack of modern ventilation, buyers should commission a thorough damp and timber survey to check for hidden moisture issues.
- Obsolete heating systems: The low energy efficiency indicates outdated or missing central heating infrastructure, requiring a complete overhaul of the home thermal delivery network.
- Substantial window replacement: Dormer windows and older frames likely lack modern double or triple glazing, necessitating full window replacements to improve thermal retention and noise reduction.
- Roof and attic inspection needed: Access to the attic via the landing suggests the roof timbers and insulation levels require professional evaluation to rule out rot, leaks, or inadequate thermal blanket depth.
- Plumbing modernization necessity: Original bathrooms featuring bidets and older fixtures point to antiquated pipework that will need complete replacement to prevent leaks and ensure adequate water pressure.
- Electrical safety overhaul: Older properties requiring total refurbishment typically feature outdated electrical distribution boards and wiring that fail modern safety codes and need full rewiring.
- Traffic and road proximity: Situated on Thormanby Road, the property may experience noticeable vehicular traffic noise during peak commuting hours and tourist surges toward the Summit.
- Sloping tiered garden landscaping: While visually appealing, the terraced nature of the 0.15-acre plot may require expensive retaining wall maintenance, stabilization, or landscaping adjustments.
- Unclear bedroom count: The official listing notes bedrooms as not provided while describing modified rooms, meaning buyers must independently verify the exact functional sleeping layout.
- Uncertain property classification: Property type details are omitted in official records, requiring legal due diligence regarding title deeds, boundaries, and any historical planning deviations.
- High renovation disruption: Living on-site during the required extensive modernization works is practically impossible, forcing buyers to factor steep rental or temporary housing costs into their budget.
- Contractor availability risks: Securing reliable builders and specialists for a comprehensive Howth hillside renovation project can prove challenging and expensive given current regional demand.
- Hidden asbestos materials: Older buildings undergoing major refurbishment frequently harbor hazardous materials like asbestos in insulation or tiling, requiring professional testing and safe removal.
- Surface water management: The sloping topography of the corner site requires careful evaluation of rainwater drainage to prevent pooling against foundations or neighboring properties.
- Strict local planning guidelines: Howth features stringent local architectural preservation and environmental policies that could restrict the scope of exterior alterations or development extensions.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears somewhat undervalued given the highly desirable coastal location, substantial detached structure, and the considerable potential for future development or extensive refurbishment across the large corner site on Thormanby Road.
- Valuation signals are mixed between the attractive site size with panoramic sea views and the severe constraint of a terrible G energy rating requiring massive capital investment for modern residential living standards.
- Such a pricing strategy could be heavily supported by affluent buyers seeking prime Howth postcodes, but it might be undermined by the daunting scale of renovation costs needed to fix the inefficient energy performance.
- Relevant factors include stable recorded asking price history showing no adjustments yet, alongside surrounding neighbourhood transactions demonstrating robust demand for well-positioned properties throughout this affluent coastal district.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached house situated on a large, tiered corner site of approximately 0.15 acres, offering substantial potential for complete refurbishment and modernization.
- The listing notes that the upstairs front bedroom was originally two separate rooms combined into one, which a buyer may wish to reconfigure depending on family requirements.
- The layout includes a mix of flooring types, such as tongue and groove timber flooring and a concrete floor in the family room, which should be inspected for structural integrity and dampness.
- Given that the house requires complete refurbishment, buyers should investigate the condition of the roof, windows, electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems.
- The listing highlights potential for additional development subject to planning permission, meaning a buyer should consult with an architect or planning professional regarding local zoning restrictions and feasibility.
- The property holds a G BER rating, indicating that extensive insulation, ventilation, and heating upgrades will be necessary to bring the building up to modern energy efficiency standards.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep-retrofit cost: €70,000 to €110,000 for a 138 m² property with a G BER rating.
- Reasoning: Achieving an A-rating for a G-rated home of this size requires comprehensive intervention, including external wall insulation, upgraded roof insulation, high-performance double or triple-glazed windows and exterior doors, installation of a modern heat pump system with appropriate radiators or underfloor heating, and airtightness improvements. Additional grant supports from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) may help offset a portion of these capital costs.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost is 3,500 to 4,500 euro due to the very poor G energy rating and 138 square meter floor area indicating significant heat loss that will require comprehensive upgrades.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
9/10Water overflow reports to follow up
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
HEATH HOUSE, THORMANBY RD, HOWTH
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €2,250,000.00
GLENLION LODGE, THORMANBY ROAD, HOWTH
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,125,000.00
72 THORMANBY ROAD, HOWTH, CO DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €2,300,000.00
ARENAL, THORMANBY RD, HOWTH DUBLIN 13
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,435,000.00
2 THORMANBY RD, HOWTH, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €540,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Howth area
13 ST LAWRENCE QUAY, HOWTH, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €600,000.00
1 GRACE OMALLEY RD, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €620,000.00
28 CASANA VIEW, HOWTH, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €880,000.00
45 HOWTH LODGE, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,850,000.00
5 EVORA PARK, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €750,000.00
Source: Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Residential Property Price Register (PPR). Matching uses address information published by the PPR rather than measured map distance. It may omit nearby properties on differently named streets.
Last Sale
A confidently matched previous PPR transaction for this property
No confidently matched previous sale was found in the Property Price Register.
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Estimated stamp duty: €7,500 — 1% of €750,000.
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Based on the asking price shown on this page, using standard residential stamp-duty rates. No adjustments are made for VAT, reliefs, mixed-use property or additional land. The final purchase price and your circumstances may change the amount payable.
- Solicitor legal fees: 1,500 to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value.
- Property valuation fees: 150 to 300 euro for a standard mortgage valuation.
- Surveyor fees: 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of the structural survey required.
- Annual home insurance: 400 to 900 euro depending on coverage levels and location.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents on local forums frequently discuss the scenic appeal and high demand for properties near the Summit and Thormanby Road in Howth.
- Community discussions often highlight the excellent access to coastal walks, Howth Village amenities, and the DART station.
- Local groups note that properties requiring extensive refurbishment, such as those with a G BER rating, often attract interest from buyers looking to renovate or redevelop subject to planning permission.
- Traffic and parking along popular coastal and hill routes like Thormanby Road are occasional topics of discussion among residents during peak tourist seasons.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The property offers plenty of outdoor garden space for young children to play safely behind hedging, though the substantial refurbishment required means safety hazards must be addressed before moving in.
- Teenagers7/10
Located in Howth near schools and local amenities, teenagers will appreciate the independence the area offers, alongside the flexible living spaces once renovated.
- Multi-generational Living5/10
While the 138 m² detached footprint on a 0.15-acre corner site provides future potential subject to planning permission, the current layout requires significant reconfiguration to accommodate multiple generations comfortably.
- Single Buyers3/10
With an asking price of €750,000 and the need for complete refurbishment alongside a G BER rating, this property demands a substantial capital investment beyond the purchase price, making it less suitable for typical single buyers.
- Couples6/10
Couples looking for a project home with stunning sea views will find the location appealing, though the extensive modernization required will test project management patience and budget.
- Empty Nesters5/10
The Howth Hill location offers great coastal walks and proximity to the village, but the multi-level tiered garden and extensive renovation needs might not suit those looking for an easy downsizer.
- Retirees4/10
Though close to local amenities and boasting lovely sea views, the steep Howth Hill setting, tiered garden, and poor G-rated energy efficiency present considerable hurdles for aging in place without major upgrades.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The 138 m² floor area provides ample room to set up dedicated home office spaces once refurbished, in a quiet and inspiring coastal setting.
- Hybrid Commuting7/10
With a bus stop outside and both the DART in Howth and Sutton nearby, commuting options to Dublin city are well-supported for hybrid workers.
- Retired6/10
The tranquil seaside environment and local community appeal to retirees, though the home's current dilapidated state requires extensive renovation oversight.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
The multi-level tiered garden, staircases, and steep hill location make this property challenging for aging in place without extensive adaptation.
- Low Maintenance1/10
Requiring complete refurbishment, possessing a G energy rating, and featuring extensive tiered outdoor grounds, this property demands high ongoing maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry6/10
The front garden is walled and gated with off-street parking, offering a private and secure perimeter off Thormanby Road.
- Minimalist Design3/10
The current layout features traditional compartmentalized rooms with tongue and groove timber flooring, requiring a complete architectural overhaul to achieve a minimalist aesthetic.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
With a large footprint and historical modifications like the combined front bedroom, the property offers potential layout flexibility subject to planning permission and renovation.
- Heritage Home4/10
While a substantial older detached property with character on Howth Hill, it is marketed primarily as a complete refurbishment project rather than a preserved period home.
- Ecological Setup1/10
The property holds a G BER rating with a high energy performance indicator of 706.71 kWh/(m2.y), indicating that buyers should investigate substantial insulation and heating upgrades.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Set on a circa 0.15-acre corner site with front, side, and back tiered gardens surrounded by mature hedging, offering exceptional privacy and panoramic sea views.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The circa 0.15-acre corner site includes tiered gardens with mature planting and lawn areas, offering a wonderful canvas for keen gardeners.
- Walking10/10
Positioned ideally on Howth Hill near the Summit, the location provides immediate access to renowned hill, cliff, and coastal walking trails.
- Gym5/10
While local sporting facilities are abundant in the wider Howth area, dedicated indoor gym facilities will typically require travel into the village or nearby commercial hubs.
- Cycling7/10
The scenic coastal roads and Howth Hill offer fantastic routes for cycling enthusiasts, though the hill climb requires good stamina.
- Golf9/10
Howth is renowned for its exceptional golf clubs and sporting facilities, making this an ideal location for golf enthusiasts.
- Fishing9/10
Being right on the coast near Howth Harbour provides excellent opportunities for local sea fishing and maritime recreation.
- Horse Riding5/10
While wider Fingal features equestrian facilities, horse riding is not an immediate doorstep activity given the suburban hill setting.
- Water Sports9/10
Proximity to the harbour and coast supports a wide variety of water sports, notably sailing and coastal activities.
- Entertaining7/10
The property features multiple reception rooms and private tiered gardens with sea views, though significant interior modernization is needed before it is ready to host guests comfortably.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Set on Howth Hill with a private hedged garden and mature planting, the property offers a peaceful environment away from heavy urban congestion.
- Rural Living5/10
While surrounded by hill and cliff walks giving a semi-rural feel, the property is closely integrated into a well-established residential and village coastal suburb.
- Village Living8/10
Howth Village is close by, offering a fantastic selection of cafes, restaurants, bars, and local conveniences within easy reach.
- Coastal Living10/10
The property features direct sea views down to the Harbour and across to Ireland's Eye, complemented by close proximity to coastal and cliff walks.
- Urban Living4/10
Howth provides a distinct suburban coastal village atmosphere rather than bustling urban living, though transport links provide access to Dublin city.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
Howth has a vibrant and active local community with numerous sporting, sailing, and cultural clubs to get involved in.
- Café Culture8/10
Close proximity to Howth Village ensures effortless access to a thriving local café and restaurant culture.
- Nightlife6/10
The local village offers a good selection of traditional pubs, bars, and eateries, though major late-night city nightlife will require traveling further afield.
- Health/Wellness groups7/10
The active outdoor community supports numerous walking, sailing, and wellness-oriented groups throughout the local peninsula.
- Networking Opportunities5/10
Networking is primarily locally focused through community and sporting associations rather than commercial or corporate tech hubs.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity4/10
While remote work is feasible, the location is fundamentally a residential coastal suburb rather than a designated tech-hub connection point.
Listing information
- Agent
- Sherry FitzGerald Sutton
- Phone
- 01 839 4022
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 20 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-836FE1HouseDelve · Republic of IrelandReport checks
Sources used: Public marketplace, Property Price Register, and grounded web research where available.
Automated quality checks: Passed
* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.