‘Stillness, beauty and truth’ in Dún Laoghaire for €2m

Beloved for his abiding interest in, and representations of, the natural world, renowned artist Patrick Hickey was one of the founders of Dublin's Graphic Studio.

Hickey died in 1998, but for many years he lived at No 6 Mulgrave Terrace on one of Dún Laoghaire’s charming period streets.

Winding back from the main road towards Royal Terrace Square, it is a peaceful spot, close to all the shops, schools, bars and restaurants of the town, and all the amenities of the sea and pier, which you can see from the upper floor.

Hickey moved in 1997, but he clearly retained a huge affection for his former home.

“He was lovely,” says the owner. “He came up most days while we were restoring the house. He’d pretend he was looking for silver under the floorboards! And we’d all go out for dinner together. It was a total overhaul,” she continues.

Hickey once described how a good painting can “achieve stillness, beauty, truth”, and a sense of all three is to be found here. Nevertheless, the house had been divided into apartments, and the front garden was, to put it mildly, a little overgrown.

“But I knew it could be the most gorgeous house. The proportions of the rooms were lovely.”

The family had been returning from England and had college age children.

“I wanted a place where we could have all the grandchildren over,” says the owner, laughing. “I know, they were still only at the courting stage . . . But now we have 11 grandchildren, and they’ve all stayed at various times.”

There is plenty of space. The five bedroom house is spread out over two floors and a return, and all the rooms are generous.

Overall there is c.270sq m (2,906sq ft) of accommodation, including a study, and drawing room to the front on the ground floor, which leads via double doors to the dining room.

“That’s a favourite. You go in, the fire is lit, it’s so cosy – but then you can open it up.”

Then there is a large kitchen/breakfast room, opening to a sunny family room, and a separate conservatory/sun room, both with garden access. For sale with Janet Carroll Estate Agents, with a guide of €2 million, the house was built around 1842 and, as such is BER exempt.

With a sensitivity for period features, the owner realised the fanlight was making the hallway rather dark.

“I found one in one of the antique shops on Francis Street. The day it was installed, all the neighbours came out to see. When it went in, they clapped.”

It did the job too, the house is now light filled and lovely. And then there is the garden.

“You can park up to five cars at the front, but there are also borders, and two cherry trees. One winter flowering, and one summer.”

When they moved in, Hickey gave them a painting – of Japanese cherry trees, but one can’t help thinking he must also have been inspired by these beautiful specimens. The back garden is a sheltered, sunny spot where, pride of place on the wall, is that other fanlight, lit so that it glows. The owners will be leaving it behind, together with warm memories and fond regrets.