Time has always favoured good design, which is aptly demonstrated by the Sandpiper at Windgate Road, Howth. This James Bond-inspired modern marvel boldly broke established conventions when initially built, predating its most recent occasion on the market in the late 80s. Its inaugural owner, a female architect from Britain, envisioned a dwelling that capitalised on the panoramic sea vistas from its private 0.7-hectare vantage point on Windgate Road.
The expansive nautical outlook encompasses Lambay Island, the Ireland’s Eye and a generous stretch of water–on a cloudless day, the distant Mourne mountains come into sight.
In 1988, the property was acquired by its now deceased owner as his secluded refuge. A significant enlargement in 2003 added a luxurious entertainment area to the estate. Sandpiper spares its users from the winter chill of sea bathing—they have ready access to a heated indoor swimming pool, steam room, shower, and an upscale poolside bar ideal for entertaining guests.
Connected to a generous patio, this inviting spot is perfect for hosting gatherings and maintaining fitness routines irrespective of the season or climate, lending itself a vibe akin to Wolf of Wall Street gatherings. Sandpiper was wholeheartedly revamped from 2014 to 2019, introducing features like a picturesque dining room window that beautifully captures the sight of Lambay Island in the Irish Sea.
Covering a substantial 504 square metres, this one-of-a-kind single-storey abode accommodates a pool complex, living and dining areas, bedrooms, and a sheltered garage space for a unique car. Limitless exterior parking space is an added boon.
The main corridor of this property opens onto various rooms, including several bedrooms and a garage. Further along, you’ll find a sizeable kitchen and living area that’s been fitted out with contemporary high-gloss furnishings courtesy of Kube Interiors. This part of the house provides an entryway to the dining room, a courtyard and a luxurious 8m swimming pool complex, leading onto a front patio. A large living room sits adjacent to these areas, offering panoramic ocean views through sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sunlight streams in through the fully glazed property, a feature that, in conjunction with its energy efficiency rating of B3, showcases its impressive design – especially for a property of its age with such extensive use of glass. Over the past ten years, the property has been painstakingly refurbished, including the installation of a new air-to-water heat pump.
Accommodation consists of four double bedrooms, with a portion of these rooms currently serving as an office and a pair of ensuite rooms. These bedrooms share a well-fitted family bathroom. Of particular note is the primary bedroom, with its captivating ocean views. This bedroom rivals even top-tier hotels, boasting an expansive bespoke walk-in wardrobe equivalent to an additional bedroom in size, alongside an ensuite bathroom. This room also gives onto an Indian-sandstone patio at the front of the house.
The property’s surroundings match the upkeep of the house itself, featuring a carefully designed landscape with resilient seaside flora. Mature Leylandii hedges encapsulate the site, providing solace whilst also framing the wide range of herbaceous borders and an array of heathers. The property spans almost 0.8 hectares (approx. 2 acres), leaving plenty of space to accommodate a tennis court or even an additional property, pending planning permission.
Transport yourself into this idyllic haven, far from the city’s bustle but only a kilometre away from immediate conveniences, including shopping and the exquisite seafood Howth is renowned for. Sandpiper is in pristine condition and is currently listed with Knight Frank at an attractive price of €3 million.