When bidding gets going on a house, at least one family is going to go away disappointed.

That happened last year when 28 Lower Albert Road in Sandycove had been on the market for €1.15 million with Sherry FitzGerald. It was bid up to €1.35 million before selling. It's second-chance time now, as the house is back on the market at €1.35 million with Knight Frank.

Why? Because the new owners, who loved their new four-bedroom house, which was refurbished and elegantly extended by MacDonald Vagge Architects several years ago, are moving to Spain.

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So if you missed out the first time or have just decided that Sandycove village, with its shops, proximity to the sea and other amenities, is your ideal location, what will you get?

The property has 178sq m (1,915sq ft) of space and an entrance hall and livingroom in the original part of the house which are very nice indeed. However, the real drama happens when these open up to a double-height contemporary kitchen, dining area and sunroom. There are two double bedrooms on the ground floor, while a smaller single, plus the master bedroom, with en suite and balcony are upstairs.

As well as Avalon (see above), another option on the same road, also with Knight Frank, is 88-89, which – as the numbers suggest – doubles your fun, because two of these period cottage-style houses have been knocked into one.

The price reflects this: it went on the market in March at €2 million. It has just three bedrooms, the rest of the 288sq m (3,100sq ft) of space being taken up with ultra-lavish living areas. Fewer bedrooms, but at least three times the swank? The choice is yours.