Along the line of terraced houses on North Circular Road, number 55 stands out from many of its neighbours. The newly installed garden, with box hedging and agapanthus just shy of their blooms, along with the pristine door and sash windows in dark green, gives an indication this house has undergone a serious overhaul.
Current owners Alistair and Claire Johnston, purchased the 188sq m property in 2012 for €369,000 and completely renovated the house. They engaged designer William James to help with the interiors while Ross Farrell of Greenstone Landscaping created new garden spaces.
The property bears no resemblance to its previous form and now, in turnkey condition, is on the market through Sherry FitzGerald with an asking price of €595,000. The couple are moving to Glasgow for Alistair’s work in retail.
0 of 4
Inside the front door a new mahogany parquet floor exudes warmth – in contrast to the fresh grey walls and white panelling.
Original style
The two reception rooms with all their period details intact, are now interlinked through bespoke doors – in keeping with their original style, as the couple wanted more light in the north-facing dining room.
The mix of period and contemporary furniture sourced by William James is set against a backdrop of bold Farrow and Ball paint colours, coupled with interesting art work including that of Gitte Hansen – a sister-in-law of Johnston.
The bathroom is laid out as a wet room and is enormous as bathrooms go, with subway tiling and high-end fittings.
The kitchen is sleek, with unusual mirrored tiles giving the illusion of greater space, and opens out on to a tiered maintenance-free garden. Ross Farrell designed an outdoor dining space under a solid wooden roof, allowing year-round al fresco dining, with warmth from an external fire-pit.
In its current layout, the house has two bedrooms on the upper floor – with the master running the entire width of the property, and a further en-suite bedroom, kitchen and living room at garden level – where a family member has been residing.
New owners have the option to completely separate this area, and use the garden level as an income – which can generate up to €1,200 per month in rent, or else keep the house open as one entire home.
With all the headaches of renovation over, all that’s left for new owners is to unpack their bags.
