Occupying a corner site at the junction between Mountpleasant Avenue and Richmond Place where a small cottage once stood is 10 Richmond Place, a modern 105sq m (1,130sq ft) house set over three levels.
Designed by Boyd Cody Architects, when it was constructed in 2005 there was much local chatter about the property; which became known as the "house with the bed in the window" – as the bed in an upstairs room was clearly visible to passers-by, and press coverage at the time remarked the property would suit an exhibitionist.
The current owners, who purchased the property in 2007 – it came on the market in 2006 seeking €1.1 million – added a frosted coating to this window for privacy.
The house, which took three architectural awards for its design, is in sharp contrast to its Victorian and Georgian peers in the area.
The exterior is a mixture of brick and taupe coloured satin anodised windows, while the interiors are a blend of concrete and white oak.
Internally the open plan living and dining space is sunken to 750mm – which gives privacy despite the huge volume of glass on the side facing Mountpleasant Avenue. Concrete flooring, warmed by underfloor heating, runs at this level, and there is also a Stovax modern stove for chilly winter evenings.
White oak
A galley kitchen overlooks the living space. One side is dressed in solid white oak, with contrast from a cool steel countertop opposite.
It is really all about the light in this house; on the upstairs landing wooden slats are set in a roof of glass, which while allowing an abundance of daylight through, also act as a frame for ambient lighting at night as lightbulbs are nestled in each slat.
The family bath – on the upper floor has an entire ceiling of glass – a perfect spot for stargazing after a busy day.
The master bedroom has oak concertina shutters – which when closed act as a dividing wall, and when pulled back allows the entire space into the hallway to open up – flooding the room with light.
Walls of storage
Both bedrooms, which are spacious doubles, have walls of storage, with further units hidden away at ground level allowing the entire house to be clutter-free – this is really not a house that will take kindly to a plethora of toys.
A drawback in the downstairs bathroom is its low ceiling height on one side, so anyone taller than six feet will have an issue – a result of the restrictive site.
Outside lie two small terraces which catch the sun at different times of the day. There are also two entrances, and parking is behind on Richmond Avenue, though it is quite tight.
The current owners have staged the property and are in the process of designing their dream home. The house, in turnkey condition, is for sale through Sherry FitzGerald with an asking price of €895,000.
