Edward Square in Donnybrook was first launched in November 2004 with a drinks party in the Merrion Hotel. Prospective buyers were invited to view the model of the ambitious development of 59 houses and apartments with prices starting at €875,000 for two-bedroom apartments and rising to €4 million for four-storey Regency-style houses of over 371sq m (4,000sq ft) built on two sides of a garden square.
At that stage seven of these 15 large stucco-fronted terraced houses had been sold. On completion, houses and apartments in the gated development became much sought after by high-level international executives passing through Ireland on job postings.
In the years that followed some of the townhouses have come on the market – none selling for the heady boom-time price they originally sold for – and number 4 Edward Square is the latest. The four-storey over-basement house is for sale through Lisney for €2.25 million.
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Private accommodation
It is one of the higher-spec houses in the scheme, having both a lift and underground parking with designated spaces for two cars as well as a good back garden. The Douglas Wallace-designed terraced house still feels in showhouse condition, with little signs of wear and tear. The layout in the very tall house is on classical lines: essentially two large rooms on each floor plus smaller ancillary rooms such as bathrooms on each floor and the lift.
There are five bedrooms, although the fifth (with an en suite) at the very top of the house (pictured) with its glazed wall and its own terrace could have many uses from a livingroom to private accommodation for a teenager or other family member. With the lift in place it could work as a granny flat.
High standard
The two rooms at hall level follow the traditional layout of livingroom to the front, dining to the back. The vast kitchen at basement level features a spec typical of the high standard found in the rest of the house: marble flooring, sleek modern units, giant stone-topped island and integrated appliances. There is a fully fitted utility room as well as another room down here, possibly a familyroom or playroom, with its own small terrace. Access to the underground parking is through a rear door at basement level where there is also plenty of storage. The rear garden is surprisingly large and as expected, beautifully landscaped. Everything in Edward Square feels thought through and carefully maintained – there is a service charge more than €2,500 – and that extends to the feeling in this undeniably luxurious house.
