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OVERLOOKING MAGICAL KILLINEY Bay, Palermo is a very special luxury home that dates to 1848. Once owned by the Hone family, this Victorian villa’s design is inspired by the elegant Italianate style, a style that really made waves in this part of Dublin in the 19th century.
Given its stature and location, Palermo has seen some pretty significant faces over the years. For example, former owner, Joseph M. Hone, was a literary biographer of W.B. Yeats and founder of the publishing house Maunsel & Co. This house wasn’t just his family home but a place where some of the country’s most influential names, including Jack B. Yeats, James Joyce and Countess Markievicz would socialise.
The home has since been reimagined for 21st-century living. Now on the market for €7,250,000, Palermo has got to be one of the most exclusive private homes in south Dublin. The estate includes two homes, the main villa and a newly converted, A-rated Mews. Together they span over 595 m² of flexible and luxurious living space.
The main villa embraces classical symmetry, and the period detailing has been restored. From original cornicing to parquet flooring, the elegance is evident. Many of the sash windows have also been sensitively replaced with more energy-efficient replicas.
The drawing room, with its generous bay window, captures uninterrupted views across the sea. This is no doubt an ever-changing backdrop that defines daily life here.
The kitchen has been designed with restraint and precision, balancing functionality with understated luxury. Handcrafted cabinetry, premium appliances and cleverly concealed workspaces ensure that nothing detracts from the spectacular coastal view. French doors lead directly to a full-width balcony, creating a natural extension of the living space and a perfect vantage point over the bay.
Elsewhere, more intimate rooms, including a formal dining room and a detailed study, offer spaces for both entertaining and retreat.
The estate offers exceptional versatility. The main villa is complemented by a beautifully converted mews that’s now a fully independent, energy-efficient house.
The lower ground floor of the principal house has been cleverly reimagined to suit modern lifestyles. With underfloor heating throughout, it includes a games room opening onto the garden, a gym, a home office and even a wine cellar.
The mews, meanwhile, provides an entirely self-contained living space. With its own kitchen, reception rooms and three bedrooms, it is ideal for guests or extended family. Thoughtful design details, such as a spiral staircase and a light-filled sunroom, add character while maintaining a high level of comfort.
Set within about one acre, Palermo’s gardens are as carefully considered as the house itself. Arranged in terraces that follow the natural slope of the site, they create a sequence of outdoor spaces, each with its own character and perspective.
From the elevated balcony to the sheltered lower terraces, the gardens offer both openness and privacy. Mature planting, clipped hedging and winding stone steps guide the eye towards the sea, while a sunken garden provides a tranquil retreat framed by greenery.
Despite its peaceful setting, the property remains exceptionally well-connected. A short walk leads to the beach, while nearby transport links provide swift access to Dublin city centre.
Palermo occupies a unique position within Dublin’s property landscape. It is a home of architectural distinction, yet it is not tied to the restrictions that are often associated with historic buildings, so there’s plenty of flexibility.
Combining cultural significance, exceptional design and breathtaking surroundings, Palermo is a home with a lot of history and plenty more stories to tell.
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