It is not the first time that the owners of 20 Gilford Avenue in Sandymount have placed their home on the market. It was last listed in 2013: “But we could not find anywhere to move to at the time. We are just a moment from the [Sandymount] strand and the aspect in the back garden means we get the sun all evening so it is hard to find a property that also ticks those boxes,” says the owner. It listed as having sold in 2018 for €1.05 million, but this was an interfamilial transfer.
In 2019 they gave the entire house an overhaul and the period property now feels new despite its age. Part of that refurbishment saw the back garden transformed: "The brief we gave landscaper Colm Doyle was that we wanted an outside room," says the owner. The result is just that, where the award-winning landscaper created an outside space, with composite decking giving longevity, and easy maintenance with raised beds and a large spot for entertaining. "We spend so much time out there. It has a great aspect so we cook a lot outside and our young daughter can run around to her heart's content".
Every inch of the 150sq m (1,615sq ft) is in turnkey condition and, to give the owners their due, it has been beautifully designed. The use of Farrow and Ball’s Teresa’s Green in the second bedroom – where new built-in units are painted the same as the walls – works really well, and complements the tiles of the period fireplace. “We really wanted the house to have a restful feel to it, so I used a white with a pink base in the kitchen and hall,” says the owner of the soft blush tones that give the spaces a warm feel.
Internally the house is essentially four distinct spaces at hall level. Pocket sliding doors separate a formal drawing room and study beyond which lies the kitchen which is defined by a large custom-built wine cave. From there is the informal living and dining area that opens to the back garden – which is in itself a fifth room albeit external.
Bedrooms are meticulous, and the renovation job saw the principal room gain a large bathroom and dressingroom.
The owners are staying in the area, having finally found another house that matches their requirements, and have placed their lovely home, with a Ber of C3, on the market through Sherry FitzGerald seeking €1.25 million.
