THE FORMER HOME of solicitor Brian O’Donnell and his family, Gorse Hill, has been placed on the market for an asking price of around €8.5 million.
Bank of Ireland was locked in an intense legal battle for the house for years, as it pursued a reported €70 million in debts.
The luxury house on Vico Road in Killiney was at one time worth €30 million. It was valued at €7 million back in 2015.
O’Donnell has lost more than 80 legal cases surrounding his dispute with Bank of Ireland, including an appeal brought before the Supreme Court.
The family had significant public support from the ‘New Land League’ and its spokesman Jerry Beades as it conducted a public relations battle to stay in the house back in 2015.
In one of the more memorable moments of the ‘Battle of Gorse Hill’, veteran broadcaster Vincent Browne led a posse of journalists through the gates of the house, shouting, “This is bank land. Everyone should come in.”
O’Donnell famously handed ‘The Bloody Keys’ to Bank of Ireland CEO Richie Boucher at the bank’s 2015 AGM in Dublin.
Knight Frank and Sherry FitzGerald announced the sale of the house this morning.
“Gorse Hill is without doubt one of Dublin’s finest coastal properties. We are confident that it will attract significant interest from both domestic and international purchasers, particularly in a post Brexit environment,” Simon Ensor of Sherry Fitz said in a press-released comment.
“This is a most impressive property enjoying a commanding position, situated on arguably Dublin’s finest waterfront setting. Purchasers will undoubtedly be drawn by this ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to purchase a unique family friendly home in Dublin’s premier coastal address,” Rena O’Kelly of Knight Frank said.
Here’s the rest of the press release bumf:
Standing on elevated terraced gardens extending to 2 acres (approx.), Gorse Hill has been designed to take full advantage of its stunning views over Killiney Bay from Dalkey Island to Bray Head and along Killiney Beach.
Built c. 2000, the property comprises a magnificent 2 storey double fronted detached residence providing 10,220sq.ft./950sq.m. (approx.) of wonderfully elegant accommodation which has been designed to take full advantage of the magnificent maritime views from all the principle rooms.
The property enjoys valuable privacy and has a lovely sunny south westerly orientation. Due to its elevated position, it enjoys uninterrupted views of Killiney Bay from virtually all sections of the gardens. Situated at the top of the site is a well maintained, all weather tennis court.
To the front of the property, there is an extensive paved patio area with steps leading down from here to the lower terrace and graveled pathways. To the side of the property is another large paved terrace which surrounds a feature decked seating area which covers the original swimming pool. Overlooking this area of the garden is a good sized summer house. This terrace, which is accessed directly from the kitchen / breakfast room, is ideal for al fresco dining.
Throughout the gardens, there are a variety of graveled walkways leading to the gazebo and patios, which are strategically placed to take advantage of the wonderful views and provide tranquil retreats.
Large, electric timber gates provide access to the double garage (5.2 x 5.5m approx.) at street level. A sweeping graveled driveway leads down to the generous parking beside the hall door.
The accommodation, which is laid out over 2 levels is designed to take full advantage of the maritime views and sun drenched southerly orientation, encapsulates many notable features.
The New Land League’s Beades – a developer and businessman – famously described Gorse Hill as a “bog standard house” on Browne’s TV3 show (obviously, that’s not mentioned in the press release).
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