With a stunning terraced garden leading down to the Liffey bed and an imaginatively designed interior that includes kitchen cupboards made from old whiskey casks, The Tramway House, at Poulaphouca in Co Kildare, is one of the most interesting properties to come on the market this week.
Built in 1896 as the last stop on the Dublin-to-Poulaphouca tramline, the house was later used as a restaurant before being converted into a home by Kevin Phelan and Triona Corbett. The four-bedroom house on three acres is now being offered for sale through Newbridge estate agent Paddy Jordan who expects it to make £275,000 to £300,000 at auction on July 16th.
The couple bought it in 1990 and it took them two years to refurbish. It has almost 3,000 sq. ft, arranged over three floors. The entrance hall leads to a superb 27 ft long wood-panelled drawing room-cum-dining room with a polished oak and pine floor. A spiral staircase leads up to a large studio, which doubles as a bedroom. With big, semi-circular windows front and back, as well as Velux roof lights, it is exceptionally bright.
The big, country-style kitchen has original pine-panelled walls, a huge solid-fuel stove and a stunning range of fitted units. The lower level has a large rear hall with a fireplace. The main bedroom at this level has a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite shower room. Two more bedrooms, a large period-style bathroom, utility room and wine cellar complete the accommodation. Most of the rooms are floored in antique oak. Outside, steps lead down to a superb timber deck with a covered barbecue area and a wonderful view over the landscaped gardens.