GREYSTONES: €2.3MTRIUMPHANTLY restored to its Edwardian origins and cleverly made modern at the same time, the refurbishment just completed on Woodbrook House, New Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow, works well, writes Rose Doyle.
Woodbrook had plenty of the period's small-paned leaded windows, arches, shining dark wood, nooks, crannies - and a peacefully lawned garden - to begin with, and it shows.
It has history too, documented in photographs of lives well lived under its roof. Built in 1910, the first owners were Lucy Figgis and her daughter Lucy Jane. Later on Manliff Barrington, the only Irishman to win the Isle of Man TT, lived here.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Richard Greene, the actor who played Robin Hood, took up residence. Their framed pictures will stay with the house.
The refurbishment, overseen by designer Joanna Woodworth, has given Woodbrook - which is on half an acre of gardens, with mature trees and plentiful parking - five bedrooms, a kitchen-cum-breakfastroom and three receptions. It is for sale by auction on 5th June through Grays of Rathmines with a €2.3 million AMV.
The few changes made to the original layout create light and space. In the drawingroom what was most likely a sunroom has been incorporated so that the small-paned windows and wide arch at one end of the room make it wholly Edwardian and 21st century bright at the same time.
The new kitchen/breakfastroom has dark wood ceiling beams - a feature throughout the house - worktops in polished cream stone and a grey, ceramic tiled floor.
There's an Aga too and window overlooking the high pines edging the garden. A utility room is notably large, and stylish.
The original bannisters are lovely; painted white with a black handrail, they have an upside-down heart motif and create a real feature in the large reception hallway. Overhead is a Glynis Robins chandelier.
The diningroom has a pleasant box window and the inner part of the hallway has become a library with fitted mahogany shelves and cupboards. The high family room to the rear is an addition and, with its vaulted skylit roof, blends well. Bedrooms have high ceilings.
The main en suite bedroom has a romantic feel because of the French doors that open onto a balcony with views to the sea.
Woodbrook House, New Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow
A five-bedroom Edwardian house that has been given a modern makeover by an interior designer
Agent:Grays of Rathmines
