Built in the 1980s, St John’s is a development of townhouses on Park Avenue in Sandymount. It has always been popular, particularly with downsizers trading down from much larger and older properties in the neighbourhood to the well-managed estate where the houses range in size from small two-beds to much larger four-beds.
The owners of number 19, a young couple, bought just three years ago and, intending to stay much longer, gutted the end-of-terrace three-bed, extended to the rear and side, and reorganised the interior space. So instead of the kitchen located to the rear as it was originally, it now is to the front looking out on the square and beyond to St John’s church.
Custom-build
The eat-in kitchen proves the benefit of getting a cabinet-maker in to custom-build units, as the range of cupboards and larders – with doors in a simple, plain design and all painted a calm shade of grey – use every inch of space to best effect.
There are essentially two rooms downstairs, with underfloor heating throughout: the kitchen to the front and the extended living area to the rear. This room is bright with a contemporary feel – helped by more cleverly designed and unobtrusive storage along one wall – with oversized glazed doors opening out to the rear garden.
The entrance door is to the side and the renovation work included building out a porch – a small addition with a big impact as it gives the entrance hall, incorporating a utility room and guest toilet, a good sense of space.
Family bathroom
Upstairs in the 103sq m (1,109sq ft) house are three bedrooms, one en suite and a small family bathroom. The house backs on to the grounds of Monkstown Rugby Club/Pembroke Cricket Club.
Where possible, notably in the bathroom and rear bedroom, the windows were enlarged.
The extension ate into the rear garden leaving a small, triangular-shaped area, landscaped and with new fencing. It is covered with Astroturf which is increasingly chosen by townhouse dwellers for practicality and because a lawn in an area this small is not worth the bother.
The enlarged off-street parking space now takes two cars instead of one. The annual service charge is €440 and the house has a C2 BER. DNG is the agent, asking €725,000 for 19 St John’s.
