Somehow you never quite think of 1950s houses as period homes, but those that were built in true 1950s style should qualify as such, with all the desirable connotations the word implies. Some of the best houses from that era are on Maple Road in Clonskeagh, one of the most desirable addresses in Dublin 14. Number 13 is a large detached five-bedroom house built in 1958 that has remained in the same hands ever since. Apart from a little redecoration in the hall the interior style of this well-maintained house has remained, decoratively speaking, stuck in a very upmarket time warp.
Scheduled for auction through Lisney on July 7th, it is expected to fetch over £700,000. Next door a similar house changed hands last year for £705,000. The buyer promptly demolished it to make way for a larger, and more contemporary, house which is currently being built. Number 13 has such charm that, hopefully, new owners will appreciate its 1950s feel and adapt it to suit their needs. Built with top quality finishes, from the mosaic tiles in the porch to the chrome handles on the internal doors, this was an expensive home from the start. There is some very good built-in storage, including a large unit on the spacious upstairs landing that has a clean contemporary look. Three of the five double bedrooms feature impressive solid wood built-in wardrobes complete with internal drawers and plenty of hanging space.
The large bathroom has the usual fittings, including a walk-in Formica-lined shower unit, and the adjacent lavatory has a sink unit in a chrome frame.
Downstairs the hall, at 18 ft wide, is very spacious and bright and to the left is a lobby area leading to the garage. To the right is a study, and the main reception rooms are at the back of the house, with the livingroom to the left. It has a wonderful granite fireplace as well as its original maple floor and a sleek hardwood built-in unit in the bay window.
Off this is an almost double-height conservatory which opens onto the back garden. There is also a formal dining room. The kitchen is in original condition - which in this case means good quality built-in wooden units that have been very well cared for over the years. There is also a larder area with the same wooden cupboards. The well cared for garden is over 100 ft long and it feels very private thanks to an abundance of mature shrubs and trees. The front garden, too, is lavishly planted and has a drive-in area.
