Abbie Walsh and actuary husband Enda purchased 31 Clarinda Park West five years ago. "The plumbing and wiring had been completed by previous owners but we had to give it a cosmetic overhaul" says Abbie.

The couple moved the kitchen from the rear of the house to the original diningroom where it is now the heart of the home. They also installed double glass doors to interconnect with the second reception room which now floods the pale green kitchen with light.

Pine flooring downstairs has been given a dark oak stain which, combined with the Farrow and Ball pale palettes, gives a modern feel to the period property.

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Abbie, having previously worked in the fashion industry before the arrival of the couples’ three children, studied print in college and wanted the house to have some colour. There are quirky accents throughout, though new owners may want to change some wall tiles in the family bathroom, which are the legacy of previous owners.

The couple papered the hall, stairs and landings with an unusual blue print that was originally hand printed by William Morris in 1853, the same year as the house was built.

Picture rails

All period features are intact including egg and dart cornicing, picture rails and ornate ceiling roses.

“Thankfully, the house was never in flats,” recalls Abbie, “otherwise some of these features would be lost”.

The couple also retained the two outdoor sheds and outdoor WC, the doors of which are painted in a lustrous lime green. In what was the original kitchen, the children now use as a playroom, which has French doors leading to an L-shaped garden.

The house benefits from a side access which could, subject to planning, become vehicular parking or an extension.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, three of which are a fine size, and in total the house has four bathrooms not including the outside toilet.

This fine, semi-detached family home, standing at 192sq m (2,060sq ft) is for sale through Sherry FitzGerald with an asking price of €975,000.