Craftsmen were busy in 1868 constructing a pair of villas: Somerton and Medina on Terenure Road West. Medina is immortalised in James Joyce's Ulysses, where Molly Bloom links arms with Floey Dillon under a lilac tree.
In 1995 both semi-detached houses were purchased by architect and developer Liam Dowling, who also developed Elsinore in Delgany. Dowling set about transforming both properties from offices back into family homes.
Having converted the two houses, Dowling decided to make Somerton his home and, together with his artist and interior decorator wife, Moya Kearney, gave the house a complete facelift in 2006. The result is stunning.
0 of 3
Period features
The house has wonderful period features including eye-catching ceiling roses and an elaborate corniced architrave on the door dividing the drawing and dining rooms.
The old part of the house was given a modern twist which perfectly marries the contemporary with period details. An extension was added to the rear to accommodate an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area.
A curved wall was incorporated to increase the amount of light flowing into the room. This, coupled with a multitude of wooden atria and windows, flood the space with light. Even in the dullness cast by a solar eclipse, the room is bright, airy and warm. The bespoke solid maple kitchen features Maytag appliances and leads through concertina doors to a maintenance-free rear garden.
Off the kitchen are Dowling’s office and Kearney’s studio, which could be transformed into a self-contained unit or large playroom due to its proportions.
Upstairs on the return, the couple installed a mezzanine which overlooks the kitchen. The floor “drove the craftsmen nuts as each piece needed to form a curve”, recalls Kearney.
On the first floor are four bedrooms, the master of which has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite. While the garden may disappoint green-fingered enthusiasts, as there is no maintenance required, the roof over the kitchen was built to accommodate a garden which new owners may undertake as a project.
Somerton Villa, standing at 307sq m (3,315sq ft), is testament to what an architect and interior designer couple have achieved transforming old offices into a magnificent family home. It is available through Gunne with an asking price of €950,000.
