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Soak up the views and enjoy a taste of Italy on the Killiney coast for €7,250,000
Palermo is a Victorian villa that embodies elegance and Italianate style.
HIGH ABOVE GLITTERING Killiney Bay, Palermo is much more than a house – it could be considered a cornerstone of Ireland’s architectural and cultural heritage. Built in around 1848 by the Hone family, this Victorian villa embodies the elegant Italianate style that came to define the transformation of Killiney Hill in the 19th century.
Even more special is the fact that Palermo saw some pretty significant faces over the years. Former owner, Joseph M. Hone, was a literary biographer of W.B. Yeats and founder of the publishing house Maunsel & Co. As an important figure in the Irish Literary Revival, the house wasn’t just his family home put a place where some of the country’s most influential minds – including Jack B. Yeats, James Joyce and Countess Markievicz – would meet.
This may be a home with historical significance but it has been painstakingly reimagined for 21st century living. Now on the market for €7,250,000, following a full-on restoration, Palermo has got to be one of the most exclusive private homes on the south Dublin coastline. Set within one acre of terraced gardens, the estate spans two exceptional homes – the main villa and a newly converted, A-rated Mews – together offering over 595 m² of flexible, luxurious accommodation.
The main house balances classical symmetry with restored period detailing – from original cornicing and parquet flooring to elegant sash windows, most of which have been sensitively replaced with high-performance replicas.
The drawing room is formal and home to triple-bay windows that frame panoramic sea views. This space seamlessly connects to a bespoke kitchen by designer Roisin Lafferty and crafted by Rhatigan & Hick. The kitchen balances minimalism with tactile luxury with quartzite worktops, a concealed cooking zone with Miele appliances and double French doors leading onto a full-width balcony.
Opposite, there’s a dining room that has ornate cornicing and a concealed drinks cabinet. A study, cloakroom and guest toilet complete the first level.
The lower ground floor has been reconfigured as a wellness and leisure space, complete with a wine cellar, gym, study and games room – the latter with French doors opening to a sheltered garden terrace. There’s also a practical utility suite and shower room. The floor benefits from underfloor heating throughout, ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the seasons
Upstairs, four bedrooms combine period beauty with modern touches. The main suite has triple sash windows offering super sea views, a marble fireplace, handcrafted curved wardrobes and a bathroom of understated opulence. The rest of the bedrooms include thoughtful details – from sea or hill views to marble-surround fireplaces and stylish en suite bathrooms. A family bathroom on the return features a cast-iron roll-top bath and marble-topped vanity unit.
Restored in 2023, the former stable block now houses a detached, three-bed home known as The Mews. This A-rated build features a light-filled open plan kitchen and dining space, SMEG appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing that floods the living areas with natural light. A spiral staircase, private courtyard and elegant study lend architectural flair and flexibility.
Upstairs, the principal bedroom opens to a tranquil sunroom with commanding views across Killiney Bay. Two more double bedrooms, one with en suite bathroom and the other with private access via the spiral stairs, complete this great space – ideal for guests, family or rental income.
Surrounding both residences are terraced gardens that go gracefully down the hillside. Outdoor living is both practical and pretty here. There’s a sunken garden tiled in terracotta with built-in seating, a gravel terrace sheltered beneath the balcony and steps that lead directly to a pedestrian gate opening onto a quiet laneway just minutes from the beach and Killiney DART station.
Behind high granite walls, Palermo enjoys the utmost privacy, yet it is within walking distance of Dalkey village and Killiney Hill.
Combining a rich history, stunning architecture and everything needed for modern living, Palermo is a chance to take on a piece of Ireland’s heritage in one of the country’s most picturesque settings.
Palermo and The Mews, Killiney Hill Road , Killiney, Co Dublin is on the market for €7,250,000.
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