Killiney has probably the highest concentration of large opulent houses in the city which have no-expense-spared fittings and manicured gardens. Interior designer Kathy Collins and her husband Michael completely refurbished Halcyon at 28 Killiney Heath when they moved from next door 10 years ago.
The result is a modern 4,000 sq ft house with a country house interior full of rich fabrics and imaginative design. HOK Residential is quoting £1.25 million (1.59 million) for Halcyon, which is set on half an acre of well-kept gardens in a quiet cul-de-sac setting off Killiney Avenue. The house first went to auction last October when it was withdrawn and subsequently offered for sale at £1.5 million.
Halcyon was built about 30 years ago. Bay windows stretch almost wall-to-wall in the sittingroom and the family activities room below.
The gardens surrounding the house have been lovingly tended and there are horticultural surprises around every corner.
The entrance hall at first-floor level is room-sized, with sofas, occasional tables and drawingroom wallpaper.
Double glass doors open into an immense formal sittingroom, decorated like the rest of the house in shades of soft jade and cream. A wide bay window captures views of the garden and mountains beyond. Centre stage is a magnificent French antique mantlepiece with a curved grate brought from an old manor house.
Doors open to the diningroom, which has a classical Greek theme, with marbled panelling and pediment above the door to the kitchen. This practical working area is also visually appealing, with limed oak units and an oil-fired Aga with a hand-painted tile backdrop.
Four double bedrooms in a separate wing off the hall all have en suite bathrooms - one with a spa bath - and include fabric-lined wardrobes with glass-panelled doors.
Decorated in cream with jade accessories, the main bedroom has a pavilion-style sittingroom off it with a cathedral ceiling and doors to the terrace.
In the en suite, a free-standing claw-foot bath has been gilded and heating has been installed under the limestone floor. There is also a dressingroom with shelving and a vanity unit.
A well-used room in the house is the huge family room at garden level, with a wide bay window and a wall-to-wall library unit.
Outside, lavender and roses edge the front driveway, which ends in a paved terrace crammed with summer colour. The back lawn is broken up by a rose-covered pergola, through which a Greek-style water feature can be glimpsed. Tall hedges give complete privacy from every side and the planting is designed for year-round interest.
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