With Dublin 8 recently named the world’s 15th coolest neighbourhood by Time Out, house hunters might be prompted to add No 10 Washington Street to their viewings list. No 10, nestled in a very quiet terrace just off the South Circular Road, is one of those rare finds in the area: a double-fronted 19th-century house that needs no upgrading.
The previous owner, an architect, did all that hard work when he bought it in 2012, adding a fine two-storey extension to the back, to bring the floor area of the property up to 130sq m (1,400sq ft). He also brought in loads of light via floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors and a rooflight in the kitchen and dining area, and a skylight on the landing.
The current owners – who bought in 2017 – found the kitchen so bright, they almost had to wear shades, but they repainted the kitchen a mix of white and dark grey that perfectly balances the light coming in. Unlike some rear extensions, this doesn’t jut too far out into the back garden, leaving enough outdoor space for entertainment and enjoyment. The surrounding neighbourhood is largely low-rise, ensuring maximum privacy and allowing sunlight to reach the back garden most of the day.
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To the front are two reception rooms – a living room and drawing room, one on each side of the hall, each with original features and fireplaces, and large, four-pane sash windows. The current owners sourced chandeliers for the high, coved ceilings, and large, old-fashioned mirrors for above both mantelpieces. Engineered-wood floors give a solid feel to this part of the house. At the moment, one room is a reading room, while the other is for watching TV, but new owners have lots of options for using these fine rooms.
Carpeted steps lead down to the new kitchen and dining area. To the left is a cleverly built understairs toilet and shower room, and to the right is a bedroom, office/playroom with cast-iron stove and doors opening to the back garden. The kitchen is fitted out with wall and floor cabinets, and a centre island with breakfast bar, while the utility room has its own sink, fridge and storage, and is plumbed for a washing machine and dryer.
Upstairs are two double bedrooms, the main bedroom fitted with a floating wall behind the bed for concealed storage and the other fitted with floor-to-ceiling units. The main bedroom has a modern en suite, and the main bathroom has has a bath and walk-in shower.
The house would perfectly suit young professionals or a couple with a young family. It’s a quiet, friendly neighbourhood, say the owners. There’s no shortage of cafes and restaurants, Griffith College, the National Stadium and Imma are nearby, and the city centre is within easy reach. No 10 Washington Street, Dublin 8, with a BER of B3, is for sale through Sherry FitzGerald with an asking price of €795,000.
