Option to buy or rent a charming Portobello home. High-end homes that have failed to sell are now being of fered for rent, writes Valerie Shanley

It's all about options in this stalled market. For properties not moving off agents' books, an alternative for the seller is to become a renter instead. Four weeks ago, Colliers Jackson-Stops opened a lettings department and have taken on a portfolio of residential properties proving slow to sell, says negotiator Ron Cregan. "The take up for letting is very strong on a property that is not moving. We are offering lets from six months to a year, and have taken on well presented properties throughout the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 districts as well as some high-end homes on Wellington Road and Angelsea Road.

No 30 Lombard Street West is just such an attractive proposition. This red brick period villa in Portobello originally went on the market during the summer with a price tag of €925,000, and is now reduced to €895,000, but the property is also available to let at €2,600 per month, which includes a one-day a week cleaning service. No 30 retains the layout of the typical bay windowed villa, being single storey to the front, two-storey to the rear. That layout gives the feeling of a much bigger home, allowing elegantly high ceilings in the entrance hall and front living room. Like so many restored Victorian terraces, that airy quality is enhanced in the rear extension courtesy of an equally soaring ceiling.

Designed by award winning architect Roland Bosch, the kitchen/dining room benefits from generous natural light from the glass wall, glazed sliding doors, and roof light, all contributing to the feel-good factor. Steps lead up to a relaxed reception area which in turn opens to the terraced rear garden which is paved in pale sandstone. Upstairs are the two bedrooms, each with fitted wardrobes, and the main room also opening through double doors to a decked roof area. There is pedestrian access to the rear garden, residents' disc parking on the street, and the house is within a 15 minute walk of St Stephen's Green - ticking many of those important boxes for buyers or renters alike.

The Lowdown
Details: Victorian 1,200sq ft two-bed villa.

Highlights: Architect designed kitchen extension; 14ft high ceilings; original marble fireplaces; deck off main bedroom; walking distance from St Stephen's Green.

Agent: Colliers Jackson-Stops 01-633 3700