This site forms part of the elevated area known as "The Ben of Howth", enclosing the north side of Dublin Bay. The zoning was 'high amenity', indicating a remote prospect of obtaining planning approval.

Within the site is a large Victorian house with decorative features such as fretted barge boards somewhat in the "cottage orné" idiom; there are also two enclosed ornamental gardens and an arboretum notable aesthetically & botanically.

A planning strategy was devised whereby the house would be converted into 4 apartments, with 16 houses constructed in parts of the site which were capable of being handled sensitively. The management charge for the small private estate would be elevated to create a fund for the maintenance of the gardens and arboretum. The approach was successful, and permission forthcoming.