Despite the grim appearance and we-are-not-amused demeanour of her later years, I've always suspected that Queen Victoria might once have been pretty good fun. She certainly knew how to style her surroundings or, more accurately, get them styled for her. And while Dublin is famous for its Georgian heritage, its Victorian building stock is rather special too.
Commissioned in 1874, Richmond Park House was built in the Italianate style that had been made popular by Victoria’s summer house, Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight. Not quite at Victoria’s scale, it is still 380sq m (4,100sq ft), with five bedrooms and, just like Osborne, it has its own tower. Now what might you want a tower for? Climb the steps to this one, and not only are you immediately transported by the panoramic views, but it also feels like the perfect place to sit with a book – either to read one or write your own. There’s a story, says the owner, that a previous owner had been a merchant, and would come up here to watch for his ships.
Original features
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In addition to this there are super formal rooms off the spacious and elegant hall on the ground floor, with the full complement of original features. The house itself is listed. An Taisce had added its voice to its preservation, back when the surrounding Richmond Park was being developed. It now sits on 0.25 of an acre, which includes a very sunny, secluded, peaceful back garden, and parking to the front. The current owner, who has lived here for the past 25 years, and is regretfully downsizing, says that the area is incredibly safe and friendly, making it a great place to live.
Also on the ground floor there’s a study, utility room and boot room, and there could be a temptation to explore the idea of knocking through, because while the kitchen is plenty big and nice enough, you’ve got the space to make something fantastic.
Up the stairs and round the light-filled return there's a dramatic marble colonnaded landing, that seems to invite oration, opera, or just calling down for someone to bring you up a nice cup of tea. There are three huge bedrooms, and the master is dual aspect, with views across the sea to Howth. There's also an en suite. Two more bedrooms and a family bathroom complete the set.
Grand and welcoming
Richmond Park House, which is for sale with Hunters for €1.75 million, is a mix of grand and welcoming, with both opulent and family-friendly spaces. It is also in a great location, with the shops and restaurants at Monkstown Crescent just five minutes’ walk away. There are plenty of schools, public transport and access to the sea, marina and yacht clubs. It has been well maintained over the years, though you’ll want to make your own mark here and there. It is also the type of house which, despite its initial formality (that hallway was definitely built to impress), carries the deeply ingrained sense of a very well-loved family home.
