Fine family affair for all seasons

“We’ve been here for 22 years,” says Linda Broughton in her country-style kitchen at 211 Rathmines Road Upper.

The house is at the top of the road, where the busy Rathmines main street peters out, and a calm residential atmosphere takes over – yet you are still just steps away from Rathmines, Ranelagh and Rathgar.

“We opened up and extended the kitchen, which had been a warren of little spaces when we bought it, but after that we just got on with enjoying the house,” she says.

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The family may have enjoyed themselves, but everything is still in very good condition throughout. Four children, three cats and a rabbit were raised here, and the house has also given space to artist and art therapist Linda to paint.

“I could have set up in the garage,” she says. “But it’s so nice in the kitchen.”

There’s an easel beside the French windows, but the large table, that would easily seat eight, has also provided the right atmosphere and space to create.

Reception rooms

To the front are a pair of interconnecting period reception rooms with a bay window, while upstairs are four bedrooms, three of them doubles and one en suite. The back garden has a patio and lawns, and Linda planted shrubs and flowers that butterflies love, so it’s a gorgeous spot to sit in.

“It gets sun all day, but this is also a lovely house in winter, and it comes into its own at Christmas when everyone is home.” The house measures 157sq m (1,690sq ft) in total.

“The kids all went to local schools, and there’s a great sense of community. The terrace had its centenary a few years ago, and we had a party. The local shops and restaurants provided food, and we all met in a neighbour’s garden. It was a brilliant night.”

With grown-up children, Linda is planning to stay in the area. The house is for sale through DNG for €900,000.