Commuters in Blackrock will be more than familiar with the engineers and surveyors busy with theodolites along Prince Edward Terrace in Blackrock, as soon to be completed roadworks stall traffic during rush hour.
Etched deep in a granite slab of the gate pier of Number 1 lies a tiny curiosity – a surveyor’s benchmark dating from the 1830s when the military were tasked with mapping the entire country and heights above sea level.
Resembling crow’s feet, the mark was such that surveyors of the day would sit their bench upon the mark for exact calculations. Ireland was the first country in the world to be mapped on such a detailed scale, but later datum calculations in the 1950s showed a 2.7m difference in heights, which explains why old maps of Ireland show greater heights than current charts.
Behind the benchmark lies a double-fronted Georgian gem which extends to 305sq m over three floors.
The property features intricate coving and an impressive layer of frieze in the hallway, in addition to period fireplaces in every room. All the original windows and shutters overlook mature gardens laden with cottage blooms.
There is a sense of relaxed grandeur throughout, and though new owners will want to update parts of the house and, indeed, may extend, the house exudes a charm and warmth which is sometimes lost when these old piles are modernised.
Rambling roses
Having three reception rooms at hall level, and a further one at garden level, the property offers plenty of space for a large family. The main bedroom – one of four – overlooks rambling roses in the rear garden, and has a fireplace for cosy winter evenings.
The fact that the property lies at the end of the terrace means that the current owners benefit from off-street parking – something of a rarity on this road. Built by the developer of the terrace in the 1830s, it has the largest garden, which extends to 46m providing a potential option of erecting a mews subject to the usual planning restrictions.
Lisney is seeking €1.595 million for this Georgian jewel.
