Eddie and Joan French have had the same address for 38 years, but this is the third house on the site that they have called home. They originally purchased a six-bedroom house on 1.1 acres on the main Leopardstown Road, then decided to downsize to a five-bedroom property and they built their second home on the site.
Fourteen years ago, again downsizing, they built their third, Kinvara, a four-bedroom house which is now too big for their needs. They are leaving for a three-bed in Dalkey, having placed their 292sq m (3,143sq ft) home on the market through Sherry FitzGerald with an asking price of €1.45 million.
Oak staircase
Kinvara is nestled off the main road tucked in to what was part of their original garden. Built under the guidance of architect Brian O'Flanagan, the brief was simply "to bring the garden in", and they did just that. All rooms to the rear of the house have Rationel patio doors, some L-shaped for greater views of their south-facing garden which was designed by horticulturalist Philip Ryan.
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The main hall is spacious with solid maple flooring and a bespoke galleried oak staircase features a lovely glass atrium which is used as a reading area .
The drawing-cum-diningroom stretches the width of the house and the dark green walls of the dining area echo the luscious hues of the garden. A butler’s pantry serves as a second kitchen and wine store for dinner parties.
Adjacent is an oak kitchen with granite worktops and integrated Neff appliances. An informal family room sits beside the kitchen, heated by a miniature stove.
There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, the master of which has a maritime theme with the bed at an angle to maximise garden views. The second bedroom is currently used as an office and looks out on to the kitchen garden which features fruit bushes and a magnificent Cornus controversa.
Upstairs, a wooden balcony overlooking the garden has access from both bedrooms and the landing. Joan calls this “our happy hour place”, where guests sip pre-dinner drinks in the evening sun. The two en-suite bedrooms flank each side of the patio, and both have spacious dressing rooms.
The seclusion and careful design of Kinvara, with extensive sun terraces and landscaping, are sure to attract a family with a keen love of gardening and nature.
