Rathmichael €1.18 million How many of us have whiled away hours conjuring up visions of our perfect, fantasy homes? The owners of 4 Rathmichael Haven went one better and not only sharpened their pencils to get it all down on paper, but handed the drawings over to an architect, who realised their plans in bricks and mortar.
Of course the market for fantasy homes is not what it once was, and this one, unsold in 2011 for an initial asking price of €1,950,000, is back on the market with a hefty €770,000 reduction.
So, in 2013, what does just over a million get you? The house was built 15 years ago, the owners took inspiration from the rather grand Belgravia homes that had captured their imaginations on London visits.
A sweeping gravel drive curves elegantly around to bring you up to the glossy, black-painted double-front doors. First interior impressions are also imposing, a pair of rooms – drawing, and dining – greet you, set on either side of a wide entrance hall with a black-and-white tiled floor. The ceilings are generously high and the reception rooms have gorgeous proportions and open fires with antique surrounds.
A bow-shaped internal wall at the rear of the entrance hall then draws you on in to the more domestic spaces. It’s a house with two personalities, as further in, things get cosier, and the clever arrangement of space means that the kitchen, family room and two of the four bedrooms are set in the corners of the house, with dual aspect windows bringing in lots of light. There is also a bootroom with a separate entrance, so that muddy feet and paws don’t get trailed through the house.
The master bedroom is en-suite and has what must be a unique view, as it looks out on a five-bay garage that currently houses the owners’ collection of classic cars. For those not blessed with quite so many vehicles, it could easily become a games room, and would make an ideal retreat for teenagers. There is a tree house for younger adventurers, and outdoor types will revel in the local walks to nearby Carrickgollogan, the old lead mines tower and surrounding forestry. There are also riding stables and livery yards in easy reach, plus good local schools within walking distance.
Standing on the terrace in the pale spring sunshine and looking between the branches of the still-leafless mature trees that edge the site, you can see across farmland to the sea.
The house is laid out on a single storey, but a secret staircase brings you up to a 96sq m (1033sq ft) loft space that covers the entire length of the house. This is currently used for general storage, and planning permission would be required to convert it for living, but the potential of it is enough to get you dreaming all over again.
4 Rathmichael Haven, Co Dublin
DescriptionFour-bedroom neo-Regency villa with five-bay garage and extensive loft space.
AgentSherry FitzGerald
