Blackrock €995,000:Though it was only built in the 1990s, this renovated family home, with its reclaimed floorboards and facade of old climbing roses, has a period feel
3 Grove Paddock, Blackrock, Co Dublin
Description: Five-bedroom detached house on three levels, with large kitchen extension and enclosed rear patio
Agent: Savills
Is it ever too soon to renovate? Though it was only built in the 1990s, the owners of this five-bedroom family home thought not. The results of their remodelling and extension work distinguish the house, which stands in a quiet cul de sac of just 13 detached houses, overlooking a green area. It is also near enough to bus stops, schools, Blackrock, Stillorgan and the N11, to be handy for the type of young and growing family in which the children have as busy and hectic an agenda of activities as their parents.
The house feels older than its 20-something years, but in a good way. The façade is covered with old climbing roses, clematis and wisteria and, inside, the reclaimed pitch pine floors give the hallway and kitchen-dining room a period atmosphere.
The wooden fitted kitchen has plenty of storage and clever cupboards, and although the current owners are taking the built-in range with them when they go, it is the kind of space that screams out for an Aga or something similar.
All the windows are wood (no uPVC here), and a sunny family room leads directly off the kitchen. This is warmed by a solid fuel stove, as well as the gas fired central heating that runs throughout the house.
It is the kids’ favourite room, where they lounge around, with the family dogs, watching TV. The more formal sitting room, which has an open fire, is at present the grown ups’ preferred space. It is decorated in a darker Farrow and Ball palette for a rich, warm feel. Also downstairs is a cosy study room.
Upstairs, the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming rather than grand. The master bedroom has a bay of windows, fitted wardrobes and a travertine-tiled en suite with a bath (the other bathrooms in the house have showers).
There is also a guest room, and two further bedrooms on this floor, both of which have study space and are ideal kids’ rooms – for shutting out the world, and maybe even getting some homework done.
The top level is practically a separate flat, with an open study area, built-in shelving and storage, and a fifth bedroom with en suite bathroom: perfect for an au pair or older teenager to enjoy.
Grove Paddock has obviously not been home to horses for quite some time. Outside, the rear of Number Three has been landscaped to include patio seating and a small shed.
There are shrubs, trees and warm red brick and terracotta tiling. It is also completely enclosed, so totally safe for smaller children and pets to play in.
The house is in walk-in condition, and while the present owners have a taste for antique furniture, and large squashy armchairs and sofas, this is the kind of house that any new family could very easily make their mark on. Unless they decide to renovate, of course.
