Stonemason Batt O'Connor was a busy man. After emigrating to Boston in 1893, he returned to Ireland five years later, at the age of 28, to establish himself as a "speculative builder" and constructed many houses on Anglesea Road and in Dolphins Barn and developed Brendan Road in Donnybrook, named after the patron saint of his native Kerry. After being jailed for his membership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood he re-established his construction business and became a member of Dáil Éireann. He lived at Number One Brendan Road and provided a secret refuge for Michael Collins.
Few houses in this peaceful leafy cul-de-sac come on the market but two doors down from Collins's safe haven is number 5, a Victorian semi-detached redbrick standing at 200sq m (2,150sq ft) set over three floors. The current owners are downsizing and have placed their house on the market through estate agent DNG with an asking price of €1.65 million.
The property was given an overhaul after its purchase by the current family 30 years ago under the architectural guidance of the late John Randal and interior designer Gráinne Murray. The kitchen to the rear of the property was extended and a breakfast area was installed which now bathes the room with light. The kitchen is in pale tones with Miele appliances and also features a gas fire – which new owners can replace with an open fire if they so wish.
Off the kitchen is a private south-facing garden overlooked by a giant apple blossom tree, with a sunken dining area framed by lavender beds.
The interconnecting reception rooms at the front of the house retain all their original features - including coving, ceiling roses and fireplaces. The diningroom now boasts a set of French doors giving direct access to the low maintenance garden.
Upstairs the house has four bedrooms including an en suite master which covers the entire width of the property.
New owners may want to update the en suite, which is large and houses a corner -unit Jacuzzi bath.
All the bedrooms to the rear of the house are full of light thanks to their south facing aspect and all have original fireplaces.
There is further scope to convert the attic, as neighbours on the road have done. While Michael Collins had his safe haven two doors up a century ago, the fact that Brendan Road has been a cul-de-sac since the 1990s means new owners will have their own quiet haven amid the hustle and bustle of Donnybrook.
