Rathmines redbrick with smart extension linking indoors and out, for €1.95m

When the owners of 19 Ormond Road in Rathmines purchased their home in 2016 (for €1.187 million, according to the Property Price Register) they did so through Sherry FitzGerald agent Andrea Whelan. It is testament to their trust that now, in search of a new property, that they have given Whelan the task of not just selling their current home, but helping find their next abode.

“We moved home from the US and we actually bought the first house that we viewed,” says the owner of Number 19. Houses in Dublin 6 are always in demand, and the three R’s – Rathmines, Ranelagh and Rathgar – are full of houses with lots of character, close to transport links and leafy parks.

When they purchased the house, it measured 188sq m (2,025sq ft) and had a small extension to the rear with a kitchen in need of an update. They then engaged architect Karen Brownlee to design an extension, with the brief that they wanted the rooms to have a proper flow and have symmetry between indoor and outdoor spaces. After replumbing, rewiring, adding insulation and carrying out other essential works, the extension added a lovely kitchen space where a four-metre Silestone island takes centre stage.

“It’s a great space for entertaining, and as all the food stores, baby stuff and our utility are hidden behind the panelling, it is very easy to keep,” says the owner of the Porter and Jones-designed kitchen. The all-white panelling, which matches the colour of the Silestone, and the navy-grey units were chosen to blend in with one large piece of Calacatta marble, which acts as a splashback to the hob and prep areas.

The streamlined cooking area features Miele appliances, a Quooker tap, a Liebherr wine fridge and a dark oak chevron parquet floor. To blend with the exterior Egyptian limestone patio, some of the interior walls have been rendered, while the use of brick inside brings warmth to contrast with a wall-to-wall bifolding doors.

In turnkey condition, the four-bedroom 216sq m (2,325sq ft) property benefits from side access, as it lies at the end of the terrace, and also has access to the rear, which will come in handy if new owners decide to develop the garden further. Number 19 Ormond Road, which is Ber-exempt, is now on the market through Sherry FitzGerald, seeking €1.95 million.