Rathgar rescue that was for the birds

Number 20 Kenilworth Road, is a mid- terrace Victorian property dating from 1870. The current owners had lived next door from 1996, and when the house came up for auction in 2003, they decided to buy number 20 as there was room to extend to the rear of the property.

The house had been vacant for more than 20 years, and as it had never been divided into flats, all the period details were in perfect condition. Being semi-derelict, the house was home to more than 300 pigeons in the roof, and two feet of guano was found in the attic.

At garden level, the old coal hole was opened up and extended into what is now the country-style kitchen. It has flagstone flooring and lots of storage and the current owners replaced an old window with a door for street-level access.

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The original kitchen is now a bright familyroom with French windows leading on to a flower-laden al fresco dining area in the rear garden. The alcove where the old range stood now houses an elevated stove. This is where the family spend winter evenings.

Upstairs, the two formal reception rooms have high ceilings and antique fireplaces. Both rooms have been wallpapered in Laura Ashley paper sympathetic to their Victorian heritage. The intricate coving in both rooms and in the hallway is a good example of a Victorian plasterer’s repertoire, and has three strata, which feature egg and dart, ivy and berry details.

The couple added a three- storey extension to the rear of the house, which includes a bedroom – currently used as a music room – on the first floor, and a large family bathroom on the return, bringing the total floor area to 218sq m (2,347sq ft).

There are three further bedrooms upstairs. The master is en suite and very bright due to its south-facing aspect.

On the return, the new family bathroom has a freestanding bath. The window is reclaimed stained glass as is the staircase landing window.

While the extension took up much of the garden space, a small area of raised lawn and a patio remain and Kenilworth Square, just up the road, is perfect for kicking footballs around.

Number 20 is a handsome family home in the heart of Rathgar. It's on sale through DNG asking €1.1 million.