Belgrave Square in Monkstown began on the southern side in 1840, and these are the largest houses on the square and all have south-facing gardens.
Number 36, a handsome end-of-terrace house is in turnkey condition. The current owners say they are “rightsizing” rather than downsizing, as 510sq m (5,490sq ft) is quite the space for a couple whose children have flown the nest.
To put the size of the property in context, there are 10 sofas throughout the house, set in hallways and in the five reception rooms, along with 10 working fireplaces. The formal reception rooms have a mixture of black and white marble fireplaces, but the livingroom, at garden level, retains the original brick and granite hearth, which is so large the owner can stand inside.
The current owners restored the property, which had been converted back from flats by previous owners. The restoration included the repair of coving, ceilings, windows and shutters along with rewiring, plumbing and the installation of CAT 5 wiring throughout – “as the walls are two feet thick, wifi and phone signals were impossible without this cabling”.
Two formal drawingrooms overlook the park to the front, one at hall level and a second a piano nobile. Both rooms enjoy classical proportions with very high ceilings and ornate coving, restored to its former glory by the Old Mould Company in Wicklow.
Fossils in floor
The park at the centre of the square was purchased by 36 of the residents 12 years ago, and the sale of this property includes a share in the two-acre gardens, which were designed by Ninian Nevin – curator of the Botanic Gardens in the early 1800s. Residents contribute €340 on an annual basis to the upkeep of the park, which has had a recent overhaul and where children's parties and local barbeques take place under the shade of a giant lime tree.
At garden level, the ALNO kitchen by McNally Kitchens features leathered grey marble worktops and high-gloss units providing a dramatic contrast to the old brickwork – which was exposed and repointed during renovation. The absence of upper units gives an airy feel to the room – and tall units housing fridge, freezer and extra storage are in a butler's pantry so as not to detract any light from the room. Of interest are the many fossils in the Italian marble on the kitchen floor.
A family room lies adjacent which opens out onto a small patio and up onto the 30m rear garden. The formal layout of box hedging, agapanthus and espaliered London plane trees contrasts wonderfully with an old well – since made safe – which sits beside the al fresco dining area. A Victorian-style home office lies to the rear of the garden.
The house currently has five bedrooms as the sixth, on garden level was turned into a laundry room, which the owner describes as her pure indulgence, but it can be easily reinstated as a bedroom. The master is on the top floor and would benefit from brighter walls and carpets, but has wonderful views of Dublin bay and a large en-suite and dressingroom.
Estate agents North’s are selling the house at auction on Thursday, April 6th, with an advised minimum value of €3.25m. Next door, number 35 sold in 2012 for €2.4 million, and actor Cillian Murphy purchased across the park in 2015 for €1.7 million; a 320sq m (3,444sq ft) property which has since received permission to upgrade.
