Verville Retreat, which is believed to be among the oldest buildings in Clontarf, has sold for in excess of €1.1 million. Agent Savills had been guiding €750,000 for the site which comprises a former retreat building of 1,600sq m (12,600sq ft) with small buildings.

The former retreat building is a protected structure and requires extensive refurbishment. The building is north of the site leaving the remainder of the property free for new development to take place (subject to planning).

Permission was granted in 2008 for a residential development of 45 apartments with basement and surface car-parking, which included eight apartments incorporated into the Verville building. The permission was valid until last June, but gives a valuable precedent of residential permission on the property.