Set in four acres of grounds with gardens bound by a 100-yearold granite stone wall, Cloragh Lodge looks as if it has graced the Rathfarnham countryside for well over a century. First impressions are of a large imposing Georgian home, with attractive Virginia creeper trailing round its exterior, standing on an elevated site with wonderful views over Dublin city and the Dublin mountains. Nearby, the ruin of Cloragh House emphasises the feeling of history and antiquity. However, Cloragh Lodge was built only seven years ago in a faithful Georgian style. The architect John Masterson worked closely with his clients, who knew what they wanted. Scheduled for auction on June 29th through Hamilton Osborne King, selling agent Arthur Davis expects it to fetch in the region of £850,000. Situated on Cloragh Road, off Tibradden Road, entrance is through automatically controlled wrought-iron entrance gates. The drive, bounded by railed paddocks, sweeps round to the house. Steps lead up to a smart blue hall door, and as you enter, your eye is drawn up the mahogany staircase to an arched window on the first floor return. There is an immediate feeling of space and comfort.
The house is designed along the lines of a country house and its success is due partly to its proportions. The five bay residence is built in a typical Georgian symmetrical style with the hall the centre of the home, and equally proportioned reception rooms placed on either side. Much of its beauty is derived from its large Georgian style sash windows, which light up every room and offer a variety of garden and rustic views.
Accommodation includes a sitting room, dining room, living room, three bathrooms, five bedrooms, kitchen and utility room. The colours used throughout are pretty and pastel - pinks, greys, soft greens, duck egg blue.
There is great attention to detail throughout the house. All rooms have dado rails and ceiling coving. The beautifully proportioned sash windows can be removed for cleaning. The cast-iron living room fireplace has original decorative tiles. The larger sitting room fireplace has ornate decorative detail, which can also be removed and cleaned. The door furniture and bathroom fittings have also been chosen with impeccable attention to period detail, and even the roof slates are recycled from an earlier period.
The country-style kitchen is fitted comprehensively in light oak cupboards, the walls are painted a deep lemon, and the floor tiles are a warm russet. The cream of modern amenities is offered here in a Franke sink, Philips whirlpool hob, integrated fridge and Belling double oven with extractor hood. The dining table is sited in the large square bay window area.
The living room has double doors leading to a south facing patio. To the side and rear of the house is a lawn fringed by trees. There is a walled yard leading to a large barn and storage shed, plus three loose boxes. Looking back at the house as you wait for the gates to open on departure, one is struck anew at a splendid example of sympathetic symmetry between old and new.
