Blackrock: Kate McMorrow visits a restored home in a popular south Dublin suburb
When signboards go up on Mount Merrion Avenue, people take notice. The tall period houses at the Blackrock end of this avenue rarely come on the market, so interest is mounting in number 16, new to the market with Sherry FitzGerald.
The agent is expecting around €1.2 million when the three-bedroom 195 sq m (2,100 sq ft) house comes to auction on February 25th. Dating from the 1820s and with the gracious proportions of the period, the double-fronted house is at the end of the terrace, with side access to Frascati Park. Over the years, the owners have completely restored number 16, exposing fine wideplank flooring and adjusting the layout to suit a family. They changed the smallish return kitchen into a double bedroom and created a huge kitchen/dining/playroom area at garden level, with French doors to the garden from every room.
This area is contemporary in style, with smart cherry units, granite worktops and Junckers floors. Appliances are included and there is an island unit with breakfast bar.
In the separate family room, a Jotul stove in an alcove is for decorative purposes only, but could be linked up with a flue. A family bathroom at this level has a wonderful designer sink with glass shelving and a step-in shower. Access to the main entrance is via a flight of granite steps, allowing plenty of light to the garden level rooms. Through the front door is a wide hallway, with light spilling down the staircase from a cathedral window on the half-landing.
To the right is the formal sittingroom, painted green, with a black marble fireplace. Original sash windows on facing walls provide a dual aspect. The ceiling plasterwork in the main reception rooms and hall is very fine.
Across the hall is the diningroom, a striking room with rich orangey/red walls, black marble fireplace and polished timber floor. Again, sash windows back and front provide all-day sunshine when the weather is good.
A double bedroom on the hall return would make a great study if necessary. Upstairs on the first floor are two further double bedrooms, both with full en suite bathrooms. The latter are impressive, with top range sanitary ware and old-fashioned brass taps. A walk-in airing cupboard is off the landing.
The fine front garden is set back from the road and well-planted. Perhaps the only drawback with this house could be an advantage for busy owners - the back garden is fairly compact. It is, however, beautifully landscaped, very private and faces south. There is a raised lawn, decked terrace and secluded paved sun terrace. A side door opens onto Frascati Park.
