Stoneybatter in Dublin 7, inarguably one of the capital’s most popular neighbourhood spots for first-time buyers, has a good stock of solid, good looking, family friendly houses with history and appeal in an enduring community that is close to parks, schools, shops and the city centre.
Not incidental to Stoneybatter’s soaring attractiveness is the sheer style and livability of the huge number of houses that have been refurbished and made-over by appreciative owners.
All of which breathes new 21st-century life into the aspirations of the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company (DADC), that built the Stoneybatter houses in the late 1800s "for Dublin workers at reasonable costs".
Number 5 on popular Murtagh Road is a case in point. The vendors have put style as well as work into transforming the “wreck” that was number 5. In a “roller coaster” of activity they installed “a full new roof, rewired and replumbed, put in a new bathroom and kitchen, sanded floorboards, opened fireplaces” and more.
Decorative features give flair: a Swedish design mantel over a wood-burning stove in the livingroom has individual, moving pieces, sash windows have been refurbished, walls are painted Linen White to contrast with London Clay, refreshed ceilings throughout are 10ft or more high and, a coup de grace, an inner door closing off the entrance hallway gives a welcome distance from the front door.
Light has been encouraged everywhere; the palely polished original floorboards catch it through glass panels on the kitchen and rear doors, through the sash windows to the front and rear of the open living area.
The kitchen has a Belfast sink and floor and wall units. The rear bathroom has a walk-in shower and white, London Gloss tiles. The main, front-facing bedroom is distinguished by a curved niche that is one half of the chimney breast, the second bedroom features the other half. Both rooms are made bright by sash windows and have high ceilings.
Agent Sherry FitzGerald is asking €410,000. The floor area covers 58sq m (624sq ft), there are two first-floor bedrooms, open-living/dining/kitchen, utility and family bathroom on the ground floor and rear patio with shed. The property price register indicates number 5 sold for €290,000 in September 2016.
