What’s interesting about number 26 Castlewood Avenue, apart from its good looks, is that it’s a twin of sorts.
It and number 27 beside it were in flats when they were bought by a developer who then refurbished them to a high spec in the mid noughties. Back then the houses were looking for about €3 million each.
In 2011 number 27 came back on the market with a price of €1.5 million and, according to the price register, sold this February for €990,000.
Now the argument goes that number 26, although almost identical to its neighbour, has a much larger south-facing garden (with a garage and vehicle access to the rear), and this is reflected in the asking price of €1.25 million through Gunne.
The market will ultimately decide and, given the pent-up demand for houses in this area, it will be interesting to see what a difference a couple of months will make to two broadly similar properties.
On the busy road between Rathmines and Ranelagh this is a handsome two storey over garden level, double-fronted house.
At hall level, original cornices and ceiling roses have been restored, and in the interconnecting reception rooms there are matching marble fireplaces, one of which is reproduction.
Original floor-to-ceiling sash windows allow light to pour through these rooms, and the effect is the same on the other side of the hall as the dining room connects through to a small study/living area. American oak flooring and porcelain tiles in the hall, along with a bold colour palette of purples, greens and browns, provide a cool contemporary feel.
Downstairs it’s a very different vibe, with a cream Italian kitchen and a host of Siemens appliances giving an ultra-modern feel.
Also at this level is a bathroom and an office which could be used as another bedroom.
A two-storey extension on the hall return, designed by Odos Architects, has added a swish monochrome bathroom at this level, and on the first floor landing is an area that could be used as an open study/office.
The main bedroom on this floor is luxurious and spacious with two large double windows and an original fireplace. There are two further bedrooms at this level.
There is geothermal underfloor heating and all rooms are individually thermostatically controlled.
