It’s not entirely surprising to hear that when the owners of 6 Kenilworth Square North bought in 2004 the substantial two storey over basement period property was in flats – not completely, there were two down at basement level while the main part of the house was still in one unit.
The railinged square in Rathgar is surrounded by a wide variety of mostly Victorian redbricks, the larger ones were often carved up into flats in the last century as the flight to the leafy outer suburbs took hold. That has been reversed in recent years with many of the square’s fine properties now reverting – after much costly work – once again to single family homes.
The work in modernising number 6 involved reincorporating the basement level and converting it to the kitchen and family room – glazed doors separate these two rooms – while also extending to the rear to create a dining area. They fitted a country-style kitchen – complete with Aga and stone-topped island unit that also works as a breakfast bar.
A good-sized utility room and small home gym are located off the lower hall. New owners who might not see the need for so much exercise – though it must have been handy over the past year – could as easily use this room as a tucked away home office opening out to the patio and the rear garden.
There is access to this garden level area under the flight of granite steps to the front and it’s where the family spends most time – a sunny seating area is located just outside the entrance.
Original features inside include fine marble chimneypieces in the reception rooms and main bedroom, the double doors separating the grand reception rooms at hall level with their tall sash windows and attractive decorative cornices in the main rooms, wide hall and front bedroom.
There are four bedrooms, the first is in the hall floor return – a little far away from the bathroom which mightn’t suit everybody. The rest are on the upper floor, two to the front overlooking the playing fields – the square is used for rugby by St Mary’s College and it’s where the school’s scout den is situated – and one to the rear.
This house has a three-storey return and the small room at the very top of the house with views over the rooftops is currently fitted out as a hangout space though it could be a fifth bedroom depending on the new owner’s requirements.
The family bathroom features the dramatic visual touch of a trompe l’oiel window on the wall at the free-standing bath while natural light comes from the rooflight. There is also a separate shower room and one of the bedrooms is en suite.
The lofty ceiling heights both at hall level and in the bedrooms and the roomy hall and landing give the 271sq m/2,971sq ft house a spacious feel.
Number 6 is end of terrace with all of the benefits that come with that, notably a side entrance with a passageway out to the back. It also has off-street parking for two or three cars – a bonus on this square.
The rear garden, bounded by tall granite walls and pleached trees is about 9m high and has been laid with a synthetic lawn.
Sherry FitzGerald is selling number 6 Kenilworth Square North on behalf of the downsizing owners, seeking €1.65 million.
