Bright ideas at Phibsboro cottage for €475,000

Natural light remains one of the most important elements in architecture and a recent study by scientists at the Lighting Research Centre in New York found that natural daylight not only increases productivity and comfort, but also provides visual and mental stimulation necessary for regulating humans’ circadian rhythms.

Besides the health and aesthetic benefits, about 15 per cent of electricity in a property is used creating artificial light.

Number 19 Arranmore Avenue in Phibsboro is a fine example of clever thought on how to bring more natural light into a property, despite the constraints of a narrow site.

The installation of banks of roof-lights to a new extension to the rear of the property was designed by architect Nuala Flood.

The build involved the removal of a single-storey extension, and the addition of a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and dining area, which opens out to a small city garden.

Walnut parquet

The dining room has solid walnut herringbone parquet, which adds warmth to the otherwise white space. The addition of a trench radiator in the floor allows the maximum use of space – and give the walls a fresh and uncluttered look.

A bedroom on the ground floor in the existing house was converted into a swish spacious polished granite bathroom with high-end fittings.

In contrast to the bright rooms to the rear of the property, the front reception room is painted in the masculine tone of card room green by Farrow and Ball, and together with the installation of a period fireplace gives the feel of a Victorian study to the room.

The house has been re-wired and a new central heating system installed, along with new timber flooring and sash windows. The original shutters have been restored and all the fireplaces, which were not original, have been replaced with period hearths in keeping with the architectural era of the property.

Fireplaces

Upstairs are two bedrooms: a generous single and a fine master, both of which have fireplaces, and are painted in cool period colours.

Arranmore Avenue is a tiny cul-de-sac just off the North Circular Road, and Number 19 stands out from its peers. The new front door, in sage green is a reminder that the interiors have undergone a careful and thoughtful revamp.

Number 2, a 103sq m (1,100sq ft) house needing complete renovation is listed as sale agreed – it was asking €350,000 and Number 17, also needing upgrading sold last year for €300,000.

Number 19 with 100sq m, in pristine condition, is on the market through Sherry FitzGerald for €475,000.