Rostrevor Terrace, dating from 1860, runs parallel to Orwell Road, screened by a canopy of trees from the communal park the 14 houses share. Not that one really needs more garden space, as all houses have fine-sized front gardens, and rear gardens stretch to 120ft, enjoying southwesterly aspects.
The term “terrace” is a misnomer as the houses are in fact semi-detached and climb two storeys over garden level with a return.
Number 11, has been subdivided into three separate units since the 1970s, and at times one would need a map to figure out what lies where. The descending staircase has been removed so access to garden level is from outside. Its current layout is higgledy-piggledy with kitchenettes popping up beside bathrooms and an emergency staircase attached to the side entrance.
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Thankfully the house retains its period features including ornate cornicing and impressive fireplaces – which were “redone” in the 1970s to house gas fires.
New owners just need to replace the ugly fireboxes and filler panels to reinstate them as open fires.
Imposing bay windows, which lie at garden and first-floor levels, are stunning and overlook the sunny rear garden.
Upstairs, bedrooms, of which there are five, have dramatic proportions with 8ft-high ceilings.
The property is a listed building, and will need the advice of a good conservation architect to reinstate its former glory. See the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland – riai.ie – for a full listing.
Number 11 Rostrevor Terrace standing at 334sq m is on the market through estate agent Eoin O'Neill Property Advisers with an asking price of €2.1 million. Number 13, where restoration is under way was purchased, according to the Property Price Register for €2.485 million in February 2014.
Restoration of these houses requires deep pockets, but the results after transformation provide spacious elegant homes on one of the most desirable roads in Dublin 6.
