“I’VE NEVER been here, isn’t it lovely,” was just one of many similar remarks from those who visited the late architect Sam Stephenson’s mews house off Dublin’s Leeson Street (now a guest-house).

Those who had been here before went straight to the bar upstairs via the hidden outdoor steps, while others went through the house, past the sunken conversation pit on the ground floor – where many a party took place when Sam lived here – with guests including Teddy Kennedy and Charlie Haughey.

There will be many more opportunities to see inside architects’ homes during the Dublin Open House weekend, from October 7th-10th.

These include houses by A2 Architecture, O’Donnell + Tuomey and Cast Architecture. The theme of this years event is Big Small, Global – and so buildings to visit range from small domestic schemes to enormous newcomers, including the Aviva Stadium and the Conference Centre on the Liffey.

The Leprechaun Museum, which plays with scale through having massive furniture for little people, will also be part of the weekend.

Entrance to all buildings is free but some visits must be pre-booked.

There will also be walks, cycles, boat tours, workshops and lectures. See architecturefoundation.ie/openhouse