Dublin 4: €6mThis grand dame of a house is handsome with beautiful proportions, writes Alanna Gallagher
Handsome in style and beautifully proportioned, 58 Eglinton Road, Dublin 4, is a grand dame of a house. While retaining its elegant period features it has been redesigned to accommodate the needs of the modern family. The house has an AMV of €6 million and will be auctioned through Gunne on November 8th.
The redbrick features a recessed porch with its original tiled floor, as well as a bay window through its three floors of accommodation. The Victorian house was completely renovated five years ago to create almost 390sq m (4,200sq ft) of living space. The extensions and upgrades have turned the period property into a five-bedroom light-filled spacious home.
At hall level there are two interconnecting reception rooms. The front drawingroom is lit by the aforementioned bay window with additional side light sources. Double doors and a decorative architrave lead through to the diningroom. It's a grown-up space balanced by matching fireplaces and antique furnishings. On the hall floor return there is a double bedroom, bathroom and cloakroom complete with dumb waiter for easy kitchen access when entertaining.
At garden level the property contains two family rooms. One is situated to the front with a second, smaller room located next to the substantial utility room. This clever compartmentalisation of the house's communal space is ideally suited to the "my space" generation.
A fully fitted study with built-in computer desk and shelving offers office-like space to any working members of the family.
The roomy kitchen opens onto the rear patio. A cranberry coloured Aga is set into the original fireplace and the John Daly-fitted kitchen features cherrywood units with black granite worktops.
Considered details include a corner larder unit, as well as recessed wine drawers. Nearby, a walk-in hot press and big broom cupboard offer additional storage space.
The side entrance to the house has been designed as a locker room for the present owners' rugby-playing, teenage boys. This is fitted with shower, locker and kit space, so that all traces of outdoor activities can be erased before they enter the main house.
Original stained glass windows punctuate the first and second floors.
The main bedroom on the first floor offers a self-contained, walk-in wardrobe, as well as an en suite.
Arches open these spaces to the main room. The lack of doors may be something a more private purchaser might want to change. All other bedrooms also have built-in storage, made-to-measure by John Daly.
The house is on one-fifth of an acre and is in walk-in condition. The décor is traditional in style and may not suit some tastes. Getting the painters in will neutralise any current colour schemes.
The south-facing back garden is private and laid out over three levels with outdoor lighting illuminating every aspect. The low maintenance design will appeal to busy professionals.
The patio area is paved with Indian sandstone and is accessed from the kitchen by a pair of bay French doors. Out front, automated double gates offer extensive off-street car-parking.
Number 58 Eglinton Road was devised to accommodate the needs of the family. It is family friendly in every sense of the word without compromising on the high-spec finish that is its other strong selling point.
