Grat proportions and lots of room on leeson

DUBLIN 6: €4.85MThis large house holds its own on grand Leeson Park but is in need of some refurbishment, writes Bernice Harrison

WITH SO many top-end houses coming on the market in walk-in condition, this one at 36 Leeson Park will be of interest to buyers wishing to take on a serious renovation project because this very large Victorian redbrick on one of Dublin 6's prime roads is in need of top-to-bottom refurbishment.

It's for sale through Sherry FitzGerald for €4.85 million. At 520sq m (5,600sq ft) the family home is significantly bigger than most two-storey over basement period houses. And it has more bedrooms. There are five - all large, the main one spectacularly so as it mirrors the enormous front drawingroom. The family who moved in here over 30 years ago had the sense not to touch the beautiful original features which are everywhere, right from the room-sized entrance hall with its decorative stained glass, wooden panelling and elaborate plasterwork to the marble fireplaces in all of the bedrooms.

These houses were always grand, even the basement level has higher than usual ceilings and all the rooms have fine proportions with high ceilings and tall sash windows. At hall level there are three principal rooms, the drawingroom to the front, a very large formal diningroom, and a smaller - by this house's standards - livingroom at the back. Some years ago what was a butler's pantry was converted into a modern galley kitchen.

Upstairs the five bedrooms are off the spacious landing and there is a bathroom in the top floor return.

New owners will almost certainly rework upstairs - one of the bedrooms has been divided into two rooms - and they may decide to convert a bedroom into a large family bathroom as well as updating the two en suites.

The basement area hasn't been used for some years, though it clearly once was - the Aga is still there - and there are several rooms down at this level, all needing renovation.

The garden to the front is as it was - though the neighbours have off-street parking in theirs - and there is a good back garden.

36 Leeson Park, Dublin 6

A 520sq m (5,600sq ft) five-bedroom, two-storey over basement period house

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald