In the mid- to late 1800s, the rapid development of the Dublin suburbs was mostly in the hands of small, speculative builders who bought modest plots of land on new roads to build a few houses that they would sell on quickly. It’s why roads such as St Lawrence Road in Clontarf at first pass appear to be lined with similar period two-storey, bay-windowed redbricks when in fact there is considerable variety in terms of detail.
To make his four new builds at the Howth Road end of St Lawrence Road more appealing to buyers, the 1890s builder added an unusual extra to three of them – an integrated covered side passage, accessed from the front via a timber door adjacent to the hall door. It was probably originally used as a service entrance but these days, for the family at number 81, it is used for access and storage for bikes and bins – always a useful feature in a terraced property. This home also has a rear vehicular entrance, with parking at electric charging points for two cars and a double garage at the end of the 50m professionally landscaped back garden.
After 20 years the owners are moving on within the neighbourhood, and have put their extended and renovated five-bedroom house at number 81 St Lawrence Road on the market through local agent REA Grimes, asking €1.85 million.
Twenty years ago when they bought the property, which is located on the popular road that slopes towards the sea, it had been divided into several flats and most of its period features had been removed. Some remained, such as the attractive stained glass in the front door and the encaustic floor tile in the wide hall. Others had to be reinstated as part of the comprehensive renovation: these include period-style matching white marble chimneypieces in the interconnecting reception rooms, as well as replica ceiling cornices and new timber flooring.
The house was extended in two phases: most recently into the attic to add a large bedroom en suite; and to the rear where a significant spacious family-friendly kitchen, dining and livingroom was added to the return. The architect ensured the large open-plan space is bright by incorporating several roof lights and oversized floor-to-ceiling glazed doors to the east-facing garden.
In addition to the attic bedroom there are four double bedrooms, one en suite and the side passage means that space on the upper floor is more generous than is often found in houses of this style.
The work brought the house, a protected structure, to 251sq m.
