When it came on the market two years ago, 5 Brighton Avenue, a refurbished Victorian end of terrace house in the comfortable coastal suburb of Monkstown, presented with wow factor styling.
Not surprising then that within just a month it was snapped up by RTÉ television and radio presenter Ryan Tubridy.
“From the moment I walked in the place was very welcoming with its high ceilings and lovely hallway. In particular the front study and fireplace sang to me as bookish with a library feel. I love to run a fire all the time, it’s like a painting come alive, and the kitchen with the fireplace off it had that real cosiness,” he said after viewing the property.
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Now he’s selling number 5 because, despite loving the area, he says the house is simply too big.
“Not long after I went in I realised it was bigger than I needed, it was too much. I need something cosier. This house is suited to a growing family.”
Having sold post-auction for €1.15million, the 240sq m (2,600sq ft) three-bed is back on the market asking €1.275 million through selling agent, Michael Turley. Inside little has changed since Tubridy bought it from Amanda Pratt of the Avoca Handweavers dynasty.
A quirky colourful light fitting from Avoca in one of the elegant first floor reception rooms survived the handover, but aside from this no clear design stamp has been applied since. Throughout Tubridy's love of books and all things 1960s are in evidence from the Jackie O picture over the fireplace and a framed image of Dean Martin and the Beatles Abbey Road album cover.
Original glory
Prospective buyers will have a strong blank canvas to work with. The house was in flats for many years, and later carefully restored to original glory. The soft cream and grey colour palette allows the structural details to take centre stage including ornate coving, hardwood floors, stained glass and tall working sash windows.
Downstairs is a large country style kitchen with its own side entrance, and a den off it with open fireplace.
A bedroom is located here too. The two main receptions and an office are located on the first floor, while above again are three bedrooms, including the master which is en suite and provides glimpses of the sea.
Clearly this isn’t a flip to turn a quick investment buck, and those banking on an upward market trajectory might see value here. Pre-renovation, and in headier times, Brighton Avenue sold for €2.5million, then in 2008 it was reported to have sold for €1.9million.
A drawback for some will be that Number 5 has no designated parking and Tubridy says “you usually find a space, but sometimes you want to get home and close the gate behind you”.
Meanwhile he says he plans to stay in the area close to the sea, and the Dart. Will he go for something completely different next time around?
“No, I would definitely go for old school with a modern twist again, but I don’t want a project.
“Between working five days, reading books for research and family commitments I’ve plenty on. I’d prefer to find something where someone else has been kind enough to do all the work already.”
