Modern extensions add to Dublin 4 redbrick’s flexibility

The current owners of 78 Northumberland Roadin Dublin 4 purchased the property in 1999 and engaged architect Brian Hogan to design two extensions which contribute to the property's total 470sq m of living space.

The first extension in 2001, built to the side of the Victorian house, allowed for two en-suite bathrooms to sit alongside two of the larger bedrooms upstairs, without detracting from the fabric of house. It also gave a separate entrance at garden level, which means new owners could use this space as an office or a self-contained apartment.

The second extension, completed in 2009, added a 125sq m three-storey unit to the rear, which links to the main house via a three-storey glass atrium. This houses the family kitchen at garden level, a very large games room on the first floor and a master bedroom which has a balcony overlooking the maintenance-free rear garden.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 8

The games room, currently used as an office, was designed to accommodate a full-sized billiards table “with enough elbow room to take shots” and could easily work as a further bedroom. It would also make a great teenagers’ den, or, if downstairs were to become an office or self-contained unit it would make an ideal spot for a kitchen.

The kitchen, by McNally, is bright thanks to three sets of French doors opening out onto an al-fresco dining area. All the appliances are Neff and Miele.

Marble fireplace

It is really the original part of the house that speaks loudest. The drawing room with a super horseshoe marble fireplace looks out on to Northumberland Road. Given its location and the fact that all the windows are original sash, it is remarkably quiet. Adjacent lies the formal dining room with views out to Aviva stadium. Both rooms have impressive coving and ceiling roses.

There are three fine bedrooms (two of which are en-suite) on the upper floor and the spacious family bathroom has high-end fittings.

There are four bedrooms, six bathrooms and five reception rooms – including a vast music room at garden level plus the large kitchen. The house could be reconfigured in any number of ways.

The 470sq m property is for sale through Sherry FitzGerald with an asking price of €2.75 million. Recent listings on this road in 2016 include Number 33, with 324sq m and an asking price of €1.95 million. It is currently on the rental market, asking €5,000 per month.

Next door, Number 31, with 408sq m, is listed sale agreed – its asking price was €1.95 million. Number 67 is listed on the property price register as having sold in 2014 for €2.52 million, and appears to have sold privately.