Number 14 Pembroke Lane is a mews house, built in 1972, that has been refurbished in a classical style. One original feature of that period’s great contributions to modern living remains – the sunken sittingroom.
Instead of a low-slung leather sofa, owner Cormac Rowell of Donnybrook-based Rowell Design plumped for a soft velvet L-shaped seating arrangement that better suits family TV viewing.
The area is carpeted, has a big stone statement fireplace and built-in alcoves.
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Extended
To the rear he extended the house by about 3.5m (12ft) to create a sizeable dining area with a long refectory-style table and bookcase that overlooks the garden, a private space that backs on to the gardens of the period properties on Elgin Road. Fold-back doors open the entire back wall to the green exterior.
Mature trees and granite boundary walls keep the garden, lawned in artificial grass, from being overlooked.
In contrast to the large open-plan living-dining area, the kitchen is compact with a black gas-fuelled Aga, Montana limestone countertops and decorative dresser-style shelving.
The property is painted in fashionable sludgy shades throughout, features a panelled stairwell and strong lighting fixtures, one of Rowell’s specialities.
Sun terrace
Upstairs on the first floor there is a very feminine bathroom with a free-standing tub. The master bedroom overlooks the garden, has a huge hotel-style en suite bathroom, with a separate bath and shower, another wall of wardrobe space, all hidden behind a set of mirrored double doors.
French doors open out to a sun terrace, that is the depth of the extension, also covered in low-maintenance artificial grass. It’s a great place for adults to escape to.
From this elevated position you can keep an eye on the kids in the garden and they can forget that you’re there. There are two single rooms also on this floor. There is also an attic room with a trio of roof lights and a shower room.
The house is hidden behind high gates, with a large secluded front with a patio area and the judicious use of mirrors reflects the planting and a playroom cum shed. There is off-street parking for several cars.
The property is asking €1.5 million through agents Colliers International who have also sale agreed another property on the lane, on the other side, a disused warehouse, in need of complete modernisation, for €800,000.
