Calling all sea swimmers: A private beach in Ireland’s most expensive postcode, that includes a crescent of silver sand, the remnants of a harbour, between Blackrock and Seapoint, for less than the price of a two-bedroom apartment in the area.
In sea swimming circles, the ultimate in bragging rights is a private cove, harbour or island to dive into and call your own.
The activity has become so popular that taking a dip in the capital’s hot spots is always crowded.
Address: Maretimo Headland, Maretimo Gardens, Blackrock, Co Dublin
AMV: €525,000
Agent: BidX1 Ireland
The deep waters of the 40 Foot might now leave you cold, while the tidal nature of Seapoint chains you to the clock.
The glorious luxury of taking to the waters, in the city, alone, is now rare.
Unless you happen to have just over half a million euros to spare.
In its upcoming sale on Thursday, June 24th, the auction house BidX1 is bringing Maretimo Headland to market.
Extending to about 1.3 acres, the verdant outcrop has the remnants of 200-year-old tidal plunge pools and cut granite steps with direct beach frontage and immediate access to not one, but two sandy coves.
The location is a short walk on foot from Blackrock Dart Station. The Dart line forms the western boundary of the headland.
It is accessed via gated pedestrian lanes on Maretimo Gardens East, a terrace of houses that lie to the south of the bathing spots in Blackrock village.
This property comprises about 90 per cent of the headland and will be sold in one of three lots.
Lot 1 has direct access to the sea, and there are the remnants of a harbour and a former bathing house on the site, which also has private cut granite steps into the sea. It extends to 0.4 acres and has an AMV of €250,000.
Lot 2, the larger of the plots, extends to about 0.9 acres and also has direct access to the sea with a secluded beach/ cove and bathing place. It has a guide price of €275,000.
Each of the two plots has its own pedestrian direct access to the sea on Maretimo Gardens East, one from the north and the other from the south.
Lot 3 comprises the two lots and is seeking €525,000.
The agency’s site says it’s an “unrivalled once in a lifetime opportunity”. And it is. The chance to own a private swim spot offers a certain kind of cache.
But the site also presents public leisure, health and wellness opportunities, subject to planning permission and the practicalities of bringing construction materials and vehicles onto the site.
Dubliners who love to swim might prefer Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to buy it and open it as public baths and beach space.
