Rare opportunity to acquire vast family home on the park

Sitting in the rear garden of 8 Herbert Park in Dublin's Ballsbridge, it is hard to fathom that it is so close to the bustling thoroughfare of Donnybrook. A giant Eucalyptus, Acer palmatum and apple trees laden with fruit provide a barrier from traffic from nearby roads.

It was constructed in 1909 by G&T Crampton, who also built what is now the National Concert Hall, Wynne's Hotel on Abbey Street and Bank of Ireland on O'Connell Street. Crampton houses are synonymous with solid construction in styles which have never dated. Argyle Road, just off leafy Herbert Park, was also where George Crampton lived until his death in 1925.

A house for life

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“It’s a substantial property,” says selling agent

Peter Kenny

of

Knight Frank

.

“Houses on this road are for life, and tend to only come to the market when a family has an empty nest.”

This is evident from sales in the past four years, where on average one house changes hands per year, with the exception of this year, when number 11, at 356sq m, is also on the market through DNG with a reduced selling price of €2.5 million.

Number 8 is a handsome elegant redbrick swathed in vermillion Virginia creeper near the junction of Morehampton Road. Among the nicest features are the magnificent herringbone parquet floors, in a selection of hardwoods throughout the ground floor.

The 372sq m property has four reception rooms, including spacious dining and drawing rooms separated by original sliding doors, and they lead out on to a sunny southeast-facing conservatory.

Just inside the reception hall is a small study with an intimate library feel. Dark walls, and oak parquet are warmed by an oak surround gas fire – a perfect spot for cosy winter reads.

A family room to the rear, with Merbau flooring is warmed by a stove with an old brick surround and it overlooks the rear garden.

Some of the downstairs rooms seem a little gloomy – due to heavy rich velvet curtains, dark wallpaper and rugs, but all the basics are there should new owners want to give the rooms a more modern feel.

The solid pine kitchen is bright, thanks to a huge bay window, and the large green Aga taking centre stage provides a country feel. An adjacent garage is currently used as the utility with additional fridge and freezer storage – ideal for larger families.

Stunning master bedroom

Six spacious bedrooms are laid out over two floors upstairs, but the master is the show stopper. The bedroom, complete with a four-poster bed and en suite take up the entire length of the house. The en suite itself is larger than most master bedrooms and peeks out over the rear garden. Gardens are well-maintained with box hedging, lots of planting and feature two paved dining areas – to catch the sun as it traverses the site. Number 8 Herbert Park will appeal to a large family with deep pockets in search of a spacious home in the heart of Ballsbridge, and is for sale through Knight Frank with an asking price of €4 million.