A landmark building on the shoreline at Balcarrick, one of north Dublin’s best stretches of beach, has oodles of potential. But you will need deep pockets to reimagine it.
Address: Balcarrick Martello Tower, Donabate, County Dublin, K36 V064
Asking price: €375,000
Agent: Bohan Hyland and Associates
There’s something extremely appealing about a Martello Tower. This building type takes both its name and structural design from 16th-century Corsican examples at Mortella.
Built circa 1805, this 320-year-old Martello tower is one of about 78 defence mechanisms constructed by the British to repel Napoleon.
He never did invade, and the towers were never used for the purpose for which they were constructed.
Only about 20 of these are extant. All offer 360-degree views from the top.
The one at Balcarrick is located at the water’s edge and across the road from the Shoreline Hotel.
Built on a circular plan with a tapered profile, the Ber-exempt building will need serious consideration and require deep pockets to turn it into a residential home.
The first thing to find out is whether the property is considered a listed building or a monument, counsels heritage architect Dermot Brennan.
The tower was the subject of a 2006 grant of permission, although there is no certainty the same permission would be granted again, he says, noting that surrounding ancillary extensions seem to have been demolished, returning the structure to its original and preferred visual form.
At the other end of the county is another Martello tower for sale.
While a far larger property, set well back from the sea on Killiney Hill Road, it will help give potential buyers some ideas as to set out the space and finishes to use.
Its use of flagstone floors, exposed stone walls that have been beautifully pointed, and the installation of timber beams really chime with maritime associations of the building type.
This property is seeking €1.75 million through the agents Stokes Property. It should be noted that it also includes a large detached, semi-finished house and a gunner’s cottage.
“No doubt a thoroughly contemporary approach would be expected,” Brennan says, returning to the subject of the Balcarrick building.
"I’m thinking of a discreet glass projecting look-out rooftop with leadwork weathering to exposed parapets, but humble interior accommodation."
Those looking for more inspo should check out one sold by UK-based estate agents The Modern House, who specialise in contemporary and 20th-century designer home listings. It has been given a Grand Designs-type makeover before it was brought to market.
The 19th-century Martello Tower overlooked the sea in Suffolk. On a quiet stretch of coast, it was designated as a Scheduled Monument by English Heritage.
The RIBA Award-winning 2010 conversion, which was described as “exemplary” by English Heritage, was done by architect Stuart Piercy of Piercy & Company in collaboration with Duncan Jackson of Billings Jackson Design.
And it is. It sold for Sterling £1.26 million, more than five years ago, at a time when construction costs were nothing like they are now.
The work demonstrates what can be done when you can marry good design with a client who has the funds to invest to ensure the job is done properly.
Bohan Hyland & Associates is seeking €375,000 for the landmark building.
