WHEN THE CURRENT owners of Abbeylands, an impressive five-bed home in Killiney, first moved in, there was lots to be done.

Although it had been kept in good condition by its previous owner, they set about repairing cornicing, fixing some damp spots, rewiring and replumbing it, adjusting the lopsided stairs, and making the most of its period history.

A Victorian property built for the Queen’s Counsel in 1861, it has been transformed into a beautiful and comfortable family home, with lots of personal touches.

The house is located down a gravel driveway, which is accessed through a private gate. It’s secure and quiet, down the Marino Avenue West which is just off Military Road.

Entering through the grand front door, to your right and left are the living room and drawing room, each with high ceilings, large windows, and original wooden floors.

A short set of stairs leads down to a small family room, the first of four bathrooms, and the large back garden.

What’s key here is the potential: as much as this 418 sq.m house is fully kitted out, there’s still space to expand.

Take the large basement, for example, which has never shown a sign of damp and would make a cool wine cellar or extra bedroom. It spans the length and width of the house.

Then there is the planning permission for en suites to two of the bedrooms, which has already been received. So the new owner would be able to put their own stamp on the home.

When first bought, the house had a mews that the new owners decided to open and turn into a children’s room.

They were lucky enough to find the original door and door frame when they broke through the panelling that closed off the mews.

While the first floor of the mews is for the children, its stairs leads down to a second kitchen (with shower room) that itself opens into the main kitchen.

From this kitchen, you can go to the relaxing conservatory for a great view of the grounds – the spacious garden and lawn – and onto the sea beyond. Like all houses in this area, Abbeylands boasts stunning views of the sea, stretching up to Bray and back to Dalkey.

Upstairs are the large, high-ceiling bedrooms, all of which have tall sash windows. As expected, the front bedrooms have even more wonderful views of the sea and Killiney.

A particular highlight of the upstairs rooms is the narrow library nook with large bookshelves.

This was created by removing an en suite and really makes the most of the view and space.

It’s described as a ‘trophy home’, and retains much of its Victorian grandeur. But it’s warm and welcoming, without feeling too grand.

If the sea’s roar tempts you to live by the sea, in a house like Abbeylands you have not only incredible views, but a home fit for a growing family.

In addition, it’s a home for a family that wants to be able to add its own touches to a timeless property.

Abbeylands is for sale by private treaty through Lisney.