Manor living with room for a rugby team near Dublin city centre for €4.75m

The convenience of Eglinton Road to the city centre and Donnybrook and Ranelagh villages has long been a draw for househunters with deep pockets. For a growing family, Dublin's most reputable schools are within close proximity, with Trinity College and University College Dublin just a short bus trip away for the older student.

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Livingroom

Eglinton Manor, at number 83, has been home to the same family for almost two decades. “I knew the minute I walked in that it would make a great family home,” says one of the current owners, adding: “Some big houses can have that cold depressing feel – I have lived in big old houses all my life – but this was ambient and full of light.”

The owners upgraded and changed the house – which was a B&B when they purchased it – over the years, and then two years ago under the guidance of architectural firm Gilroy McMahon, the entire property was given a complete overhaul. "Dave Richards [of Gilroy McMahon] arrived with a sundial and established where the sun rose and set and where a breakfast patio should be and also found a spot [for another patio] that had the sun until nine in the evening during the summer." At the time the family did not really use the rear garden, as it was accessed by steps, but now with the new design it is an integral part of the house. Careful planting around the sun patios and a central lawn creates multiple options for outdoor dining amid year-round colour.

The owners of this imposing detached Victorian residence are rightsizing so it is now up for grabs for a buyer looking to enjoy its classic elegance, as it retains many period details. The Ber is D1.

One of the major selling points, besides its location and the fact that the detached property is in turnkey condition, is its sheer size. At 542sq m (5,834sq ft), which includes two rooms on the lower ground floor, it has catered for “engagement parties and a sit-down wedding for 120 guests”, according to the owner.

“One of the great things about the space and the garden is, the kids used to have playdates for the entire class of 30 and you would barely know they were here. It was great for them to be able to have all their pals over, and yet I could still keep an eye on them. Our son also played for the Under-20s Irish rugby team, and he had a party where they all stayed over and we didn’t hear a thing,” recalls the owner.

The eight-bedroom property – which becomes a moveable feast depending on requirements – is on the market through Sherry FitzGerald, seeking €4.75 million.