Vavasour Square is an oasis in the heart of what has become a lively part of Dublin. The square was built in the 1850s and its artisan houses face a green area with a low wall and trees. Google and the Aviva Stadium are nearby.
Owners Fiona and John bought number 15 Vavasour Square 12 years ago, lived in it for three years, “to get to know it and save some money”, before demolishing the rear and building a two-storey extension. The result is an original home in which the front sittingroom, bedroom and entrance hallway remain faithful to their origins and fit well with the contemporary rear where there is a kitchen, conservatory/dining area, walk-in wardrobe, en suite and, on the second floor, a study, wet room and bedroom.
The resulting 1,290sq ft (120sq m) of space makes for a “great party house,” Fiona says. Upsizing, though staying local, they are selling through agent Felicity Fox asking €650,000.
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The almost square livingroom and main bedroom, to either side of the entrance hall, are similar in style. Both have long sash windows overlooking the railed front garden and square, cast-iron fireplaces and timber floors. The bedroom fireplace has pedigree: it came from room 218 in the old Shelbourne Hotel, a maid’s eyrie on the top floor.
Steps from the main bedroom lead to a walk-through wardrobe and an en suite distinguished by a black-and-white tiled floor, claw-legged bath, separate shower and cunningly concealed washing machine.
The two-story extension is given light and height by an atrium with five windows on high. A sunroom/dining area has a pitched roof and fits a good-sized table and chairs, the large kitchen (in shades of cream and aqua) has parquet flooring, lots of cupboards and storage (including a wine rack) and a solid teak worktop.
The first floor study has a wall of bookshelves and a spot by the window for a desk. The wet room is between this and the bedroom, which has a timber floor and built-in wardrobe. A “proper” city garden to the rear has a barbecue area, apple tree and pink wooden shed with freezer.
