There's room for improvement in the typical Dublin redbrick townhouse. Orna Mulcahyand Rose Doylefind two that have been given modern makeovers
BLACKROCK - €1.65m:Blackrock was considered the countryside when Green Road was built in 1905, and buyers had to be lured across the divide of Merrion Gates by the promise of fresh air and genteel leisure facilities.
Originally called Victoria Villas, the big draw on this road was to be the bowling green and tennis courts, which still entice buyers today.
Time passed, the road matured and, after Independence, its name changed to Green Road. Owners came and went at number 27, and the pretty redbrick semi was adapted along the way. However, its latest owners have given it a bells and whistles refurb that will see it well into the coming decades. Architect Maria McVeigh took the original long 1970s extension and punched holes in it, letting light and sun in through large sliding doors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rooflights on both sides of the room. The result is a dazzling room that no one would guess faces north. Gleaming white units surround a white Aga, while two sets of sliding doors open into a utility room running the length of the kitchen.
A diningroom/study has a space to seat eight in front of a long low window while wide grey carpeted steps lead up to the double livingroom with its high ceiling and bay window.
Upstairs, a frog-green bathroom on the landing serves two bedrooms, while the main bedroom on the first floor has a neat black and white tiled shower room of its own. At the top of the house, an attic bedroom and shower room is ideal for a teenager or au pair. Its big window overs a birds eye view of rooftops and the sea.
27 Green Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin
Extended four-bedroom redbrick overlooking tennis club
Agent:Lisney
BELMONT AVENUE, D4 - €1.6M:NUMBER 19 Belmont Avenue has come a long way from its humble flatland existence of just a few years ago.
Opened up and renovated to make it a family home of more than a little style, it now has an extended living area to the rear and an inner courtyard adding panache to the entire ground floor.
Colours such as walnut, duck egg blue and cream come to life beneath light from a wall of glass onto the rear garden and from a soaring glass door to the courtyard.
The renovation, of what is a Victorian house from the late 1800s, was carried out by architects de Blacam and Meagher.
Working with the vendors, they have balanced design detail with original features (sash windows, internal doors, cornicing and fireplaces) which were either carefully repaired or, where this wasn't possible, replicated and replaced. There's a lot of grace and ease about the end result.
The 160sq m (1,725sq ft) house has three bedrooms, two reception rooms, a large kitchen/dining/family area and garage to the rear. Agent Felicity Fox is looking for €1.6 million in a private treaty sale.
There's light and space as you step through the front door, with its view right through to the rear garden. The kitchen/ dining area extends to a family room overlooking the garden which has a raised fireplace, walnut floor and that glass door leading to the courtyard. The extensive kitchen fittings include a dresser with myriad storage options.
The adjoining main reception rooms, once an old-style flat, have double doors between them, a French door to the courtyard and a cast-iron fireplace in each room. A family bathroom on the return has an old style skylight, tongue-and-groove panelling and a free-standing bath. Diamond floor tiles match those used on the pathway to the front door.
Two of the three bedrooms, including one on the return, have extensive built-in wardrobes. The main bedroom stretches across the width of the house and has a fine, original marble fireplace and pair of sash windows overlooking the front. The third bedroom overlooks the courtyard and has a cast-iron fireplace.
Belmont Avenue winds from Donnybrook to Ranelagh and number 19 faces the wide, leafy green area leading into the Donnybrook Manor development. Access to the garage is via a private rear laneway .
19 Belmont Avenue, Donnybrook, Dublin 4
Three-bedroom Victorian house formerly in flats was renovated by architects de Blacam and Meagher. It has original features plus a large family room overlooking the back garden through a glass door
Agent:Felicity Fox
