It is claimed that the Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin not only spoke English with an Irish accent but specifically a Rathmines accent, due to the fact that his English tutor in London hailed from Leinster Road in Dublin 6.
No 151 was one of the first houses to be built on the road, and still has the old triumphal arch which led to the coach house at the rear.
The house was built by architect Richard Johnston in 1840 as his private residence and his appreciation for Georgian symmetry, embellished cornicing and ceiling detail is evident throughout. His penchant for stained glass is apparent in the fanlight over the front door and in various rooms, having remarkably survived almost 200 years.
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The current owner, Harriet Donnelly, has lived here with her family since 1999 and engaged architect Ann Blackwell to oversee the restoration of the house. Donnelly purchased the coach house in 2001 and converted it into a modern 102sq m (1,100sq ft) home which is for sale separately.
Double fronted
No 151 is a double fronted 244sq m (2,630sq ft) property set over three floors with a wealth of period features including a most impressive Adam's style white marble fireplace in the drawing room. All of the original sash windows and shutters grace the rooms including an elegant staircase window which bathes the front hallway in light.
At street level are two classically proportioned reception rooms, flanking each side of the hallway and each have intricate Georgian style architraves with Greek fret design.
Downstairs at garden level, in the old servants quarters the rooms are more informal and include a simple kitchen with Chinese Blue Farrow and Ball painted units topped with warm pine countertops, and a relaxed family room which has also been used as a guest bedroom. A boot room, bathroom, storage room and original coal bunker with access to outside complete this level.
On the first floor return are a family bathroom and guest bedroom with twin stained-glass windows and warm sisal carpets underfoot. On the first floor are two fine bedrooms and dual aspect windows flood the rooms with light.
The mature rear garden features a colossal ceanothus swathed in blue and new owners will have a plentiful supply of figs thanks to a fig tree which drapes over the terracotta patio.
The coach house, which is completely separate to No 151, is discretely tucked away off Leinster Square and has an open plan layout downstairs, with a bright high gloss kitchen leading to a sunny courtyard. The original corner fireplace where the ostler would have warmed himself remains today. Upstairs is accessed by a spiral staircase and has two bedrooms and a family bathroom.
No 151 would make a stunning family home; the current owners have preserved all the original features and used historic colours throughout. The coach house will suit a smaller family or a couple as a mews.
Both are for sale through estate agent DNG with asking prices of €1million and €600,000 respectively.
