Lots of room on Leinster Road

This villa-style residence dating from 1862 lies on Leinster Road in the heart of Rathmines. Despite its terraced exterior the house is deceptively spacious covering 229sq m (2,465sq ft) of floor space over two levels.

The current owner bought the bay-windowed property in 2002 and extended the ground floor to include a large living area and sun room.

The highlight of the house is the ground floor; featuring a large country-style kitchen complete with a Stanley range, speckled granite countertops and quarry tiles.

Off the kitchen, an open-plan living/dining room with a mixture of exposed brick and wainscoted walls has painted timber ceilings lending a warm relaxed feel.

The focal point of the room is the original granite-framed open hearth which now houses a stove with ample storage for logs.

To the rear of the living room is a sunroom framed by foldaway full-height patio doors which lead out onto a south-facing garden with timber decking and electric awning. This room has been used by the owners as a home cinema. Its screen is smartly recessed into the ceiling and features electronic blinds which block out the light from above the atrium.

Smart sound and lighting

The entire house was wired at a cost of €50,000 to incorporate a smart sound and lighting system which allows music in every room and controls everything from lighting to the front doorbell.

Upstairs are three of the four bedrooms and a further living room which overlooks the cobblelock front drive.

Previous owners installed an en suite in the main bedroom and, while it has a high-tech thermal spa shower this, and Velux windows which soar through the lofty attic, are not at all sympathetic to the period the house was built in.

New owners may want to replace the multitude of built-in wardrobes which wrap around the room so the period details can regain their pride of place.

While there is some superficial work needed such as a lick of paint upstairs and replacement of the wallpaper in the hall, 103 Leinster Road would make a substantial family home and retains most of its original features. The house is for sale through agent Sherry FitzGerald for €1.050 million.