What it is: Early viewers of this abandoned warehouse have been of two varieties — those who want to turn it into a small scheme of apartments, and those who envisage it as a one-off, loft-style residence. Either way, its days as a carpet and textile storeroom are over.
Set over three levels, this old industrial building extends to 2,002 sq ft. The agent claims that one possibility would be to convert the ground floor into a parking area or car port, with the accommodation set over the top two levels.
Just off Harold’s Cross Road, Wharton Terrace is a largely residential enclave with a sprinkling of shops and small businesses (the warehouse shares a right of way to the rear with a motorcycle shop and is behind a convenience store). Zoned Z3, this old depot will probably be transformed into residential accommodation but a number of other uses would also be permitted, including office, surgery, restaurant, creche and corner shop.
The problems: Who would have thought that a relatively small, run-down warehouse could ever be worth €450,000? The price reflects the fact that industrial buildings suitable for residential conversion are thin on the ground, especially in Dublin 6. With no troublesome dividing walls, trendy urbanites are in thrall to these vast, open-plan structures because of the ease with which they can be turned into airy, loft-style homes. Wharton Hall is, however, not as cavernous as some of the other old factories, mills and works that have been transformed into smart, contemporary residences. Although 2,002 sq ft in total, the ground-floor footprint is only 715 sq ft.
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The advantages: Within genuinely easy reach of the city centre, it’s only a matter of time before this barn-like structure will be gleaming with newly installed glass and stainless steel. You can pick up a 1930s-built semi or a two-bedroom apartment for about the same price in this suburb but both would be only half the size of this unit.
Kelly Gunning Estate Agents, www.kellygunning.com, 01 498 3718