It is said that the period redbricks along Kenilworth Square north were built for the maiden members of families living in the bigger properties overlooking this Dublin 6 green.
Number 26 is a fine three-bed that retains many of its period features but has been gently modernised by its owners.
They had the windows upgraded by Energlaze and the attic insulated, resulting in a discernible drop in heating bills, which has delivered a C3 Ber rating. The glazing also dialled down outside traffic noise.
It’s a smartly turned-out home with a railed front garden, a sawtooth brick surround on its front arch and a southerly aspect set out in lawn.
Inside, the interconnecting reception rooms have polished timber boards underfoot with rugs adding texture to the soft neutral paint and furniture scheme. The architraving around the livingroom’s two timber sash windows is picked out in white as is the ceiling and the area above the coving.
Fold-back doors lead through to the diningroom where there is direct access to the garden via a set of French windows.
Matching fireplaces
The rooms have matching fireplaces that were professionally cleaned to return them to their former glory, and the grates have been lined with new firebricks. Now the brass surround in the livingroom has an open fire, whereas that in the dining room is gas.
The owners bought the property in 2005 and worked with Phil Coll of Coll + McCarthy architects to extend out to the rear and provide a contemporary kitchen. Set out in a C-shape with deep-drawer storage, a breakfast bar divides the work units from the eat-in area. The tiles underfoot are warmed by underfloor heating and the new build has aluminium glazing and a large sliding door opening to a smart garden bounded by original granite walls.
The boiler and water tank have been installed in a unit at the end of the garden, keeping their ambient noises far from the house.
Upstairs, the main bedroom is located in what was originally the piano nobile – a drawingroom where the mistress of the house would receive guests. There are views across the square to the Dublin Mountains. In some neighbouring properties this room has been divided in two to provide four bedrooms. It has a gas fire that the owners regularly light. During lockdown nights the owners say they switch it on for movie nights with the kids to try to recreate a cinema atmosphere.
Family bathroom
There are two more doubles: one to the rear that overlooks the garden and one on the return, where the family bathroom is located.
The terraced property, which extends to 157sq m (1,690sq ft), is seeking €1.05 million through agent Sherry FitzGerald. Recent sales include number 10, a four-bed of 241sq m (2,590sq ft), which sold in January 2020 for €1 million, while number 4, a two-storey-over-basement five-bed with 387sq m (4,166sq ft), sold for €1.155 million, according to the property price register.
