DUBLIN 4/2.5M:A 1990s makeover only enhanced the attractive 1930s details in this large, bright and airy five-bedroom home in Mount Merrion, writes BERNICE HARRISON
FOR WELL-HEELED families lucky enough to be considering a luxury trade up, 55 Merrion Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin ticks a lot of boxes. Five bedrooms, lovely big modern eat-in kitchen, three fine reception rooms, and at the back a large southfacing garden that’s not overlooked – and it’s in walk-in condition. So Sherry FitzGerald has put a price tag of €2.5 million on the semi-detached house, a bullish price in this hesitant market.
The current owners gave the house a complete makeover when they bought in the late 1990s. Built in the 1930s, it is one of six similar houses on the road which is mostly lined with much older houses. Some of its features are typical of the time – deep bay windows, parquet flooring, a large welcoming hall, tall ceilings and plenty of rooms. These houses were designed as comfortable family homes.
The two main reception rooms are divided by folding doors and there is access to the back garden from the dining room. The third reception room opens into a timber-framed sunroom with a glazed roof which was added on by the present owners and this in turn opens on to the garden. It’s all very bright and airy. Next to this is the smart-looking, well-planned eat-in kitchen with painted timber units, an Aga, granite worktops and integrated appliances.
There’s also a walk-in pantry and a guest toilet. A glazed roof has been put on the side passage to make access to the utility room at the back of the garage a more pleasant proposition on a rainy day.
Upstairs the five bedrooms are all doubles, two have shower-room ensuites and all have built-in wardrobes. The family bathroom is fitted with Villeroy Boch fixtures. There is still room to expand – up into the attic – but at 260sq m this is a particularly large semi-detached house and five bedrooms would be enough for most buyers. Every room is painted in a warm neutral colour and it all looks freshly done.
Whoever landscaped the gardens – and it shows all the hallmarks of a creative professional – did a fantastic job. The back garden is lusciously planted with mature flowers and shrubs, there’s a good-sized patio area, mature trees, a lawn, and a small secret garden at the far end of the garden. At the front there is a broad sweep of gravel for parking for up to six cars – a must on this busy road – and the road is screened by mature trees and shrubs.
55 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Description: Expansive five bedroom semi-detached home
Agent: Sherry FitzGerald
