In their lifetime, many of the large Victorian properties on Marlborough Road in Donnybrook have transitioned from family homes to flats and back again. Number 102, which was built in 1856, falls somewhere in between. It has been owned by the same family for several years, and has been adapted over time for different life stages. While it is not set out in self-contained units per se, separate living spaces have been created inside the two-storey over-basement redbrick.
With a floor area of 285sq m (3,067sq ft) and a total of six bedrooms, the Dublin 4 property is in good condition, with many original features intact and well-maintained. It is on the market through Mullery O’Gara with an asking price of €1.95 million.
Marlborough Road is a long, tree-lined street in Dublin 4 with Morehampton Road at one end and Sandford Road at the other, effectively connecting Donnybrook and Ranelagh villages. Most homes along the road that were converted into flats in years gone by have now been returned to family homes.
Taking number 102 back to a family home in its entirety would not require too much work. The house has not been carved out into individual flats, so new owners could move in following a little reconfiguring.
The granite steps lead up to the main entrance, with the Victorian architecture evident from the minute you walk into the hallway. The ornate coving, detailed architraves and original stained-glass window have all been restored and showcased.
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To the left is the drawingroom, which has not lost any of its grandeur during the property’s many guises, with high ceilings, sash windows and the original granite fireplace remaining the standout features.
Straight ahead is a study with a long sash window looking out over the rear garden. Beside this is a less formal reception room with a beautiful marble fireplace.
The independent living spaces are downstairs at garden level. There is a separate entrance to this floor that has two bedrooms with their own bathrooms and living areas with kitchenette. If new owners wished to turn this house back to a cohesive home, this level would probably be where they would house the kitchen with access to the garden. With the 32m-long south-facing garden, extending further out would be an option, subject to planning permission. There are many homes on the road that have done exactly this, so a quick knock into the neighbours may provide some design inspiration.
Out front, there is parking for several cars in the gravel driveway. Although the road can get busy, particularly with school runs in the morning, the house is set back enough for the passing cars to go more or less unnoticed.
Upstairs on the first floor there are four bedrooms, each with a cast-iron fireplace. There is also a shower room and separate WC that would benefit from an upgrade.
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There is so much potential at number 102 to create a home that will grow with a family, from toddlers needing room to play to young adults looking for a bit of independence within the home. The property is Ber-exempt, but as it currently uses electric storage heaters, new owners will probably want to investigate retrofitting.
Recent sales on the road include number 59, which sold last summer for more than €1.515 million, according to the Property Price Register. This was a midterrace two-storey-over-basement property that was set out in flats and in need of renovation. Number 75 sold for €1.925 million last September. It was also midterrace and smaller than number 102, but restored to a high level.
Interest in Marlborough Road is not just for the fine houses. The location in Dublin 4 is a huge pull when it comes to potential buyers. The street may feel exclusive and private, yet it is only 3km from St Stephen’s Green.
For families with children of school-going age, Muckross Park College is on the road, while Sandford Park and Gonzaga are just across the way. Herbert Park is a short walk away, as are Donnybrook and Ranelagh villages. At weekends and on long summer evenings, the kids can turn left and be at Scoop in Ranelagh for a gelato in five minutes, while the adults can turn right and enjoy the short walk to Donnybrook Fair for a more sophisticated treat.
