Paragon of conservation on Dartmouth Square for €1.4 million

This imposing Victorian house has come on the market after the death of its owner, Kevin B Nowlan, in February this year. A tireless conservationist and environmentalist, Prof Nowlan held many eminent positions such as president of Dublin Civic Trust, president of An Taisce, and vice president of the Irish Georgian Society. This 207sq m (2,228sq ft) property is now for sale through DNG with an asking price of €1.4 million.

The drawing and diningroom, separated by the original dividing doors, are elegantly proportioned and all the original features are perfectly preserved. From the sash windows, ceiling roses, coving, picture rails and fireplaces new owners will have little work to do. The original pine floors are exposed and polished and add a lovely warmth to the rooms. The halls and landings are rather dark though, so new owners will want to change the carpet and perhaps expose the old floors or give the walls a new lease of life.

Downstairs a light filled study/livingroom has an original fireplace, lovely high ceilings and, underneath a slightly jaded carpet, a lovely pitch pine is hiding, waiting to be exposed. Off this room is a recently added conservatory which would be a wonderful spot to grow plants with light seeping through the glass, the cream and burgundy chequered floor is very much in keeping with the Victorian heritage of the house.

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The conservatory opens to a small mature low-maintenance garden. Hidden behind a wooden panel lies an enormous shed which could serve as an office, artist’s studio, games room or cinema.

The kitchen, at garden level to the front of the house, is enormous at 26sq m (280sq ft) and new owners may want to update the units and flooring. The ceilings are fitted with recessed lights and two large windows allow plenty of natural light into this large room.

Upstairs on the return is a small utility and on the first floor are three good-sized bedrooms and a large bathroom which could do with updating. The house has three further bathrooms. The front door is pristine, as are the original geometric tiles which adorn the porch above the granite steps. The front garden is planted with clipped box and a large square of lacecap hydrangea.

This house has the potential to be a stunning home and the work involved in doing so is mainly cosmetic. It would suit a buyer keen to live close to the city in a fine period residence with all its original features preserved by a man who spent his life trying to protect our country’s architectural heritage.