In the latter part of 2006, Ballymore initiated its project at College Square, situated off Wainsfort Road in Terenure, Dublin 6W. During a single weekend, the first phase of the development which contained 35 houses was entirely sold out. Subsequent pricing for the next phase saw midterrace three-bed houses starting at €990,000 and going up to €1.995 million for a five-bedroom detached residence. By the time the project reached its completion in 2016, the 11-acre area, once an Eircom training centre, had now over 113 residential units.
Currently for sale at €1.35 million is number 18, a sizable detached five/six bedroom house measuring 292sq m (3,143sq ft), through Mullery O’Gara. The property is well situated on a corner plot near the entrance and the common green space off Wainsfort Manor Drive. The site also hosts multiple mature trees, floral beds bordered by hedges, and a community green with goalposts and seating. The area’s north side houses a humble part of the Poddle river, and Kimmage Manor ecclesiastical complex can be accessed via a footpath at the road’s end.
Encouraging expectations for a large floor area, the house boasts ample spaces with high ceilings throughout, including some rooms with stately double doors. It features the signature Ballymore finish created by NDBA architects, evident in minor details and general design, incorporating creamy stone tiles, quality kitchen and bathroom fixtures, unadorned oak banisters, substantial window latches, and warm parquet in a herringbone pattern.
The property’s double-height entrance hall, bathed in natural light, includes a convenient bench positioned under a coat rack. On the right, a set of double doors leads into an attractive triple-aspect living room, complete with a tall marble fireplace and built-in bookshelves. While not currently inhabited, number 18 has been tastefully decked out with a hint of luxurious velvet, mirroring the original showhouses styled by London interior architects, Carter Tyberghein.
Situated to the left, beyond the staircase and the first out of five spacious lavatories, lies a grand L-shaped kitchen combined with a dining and family room. This space boasts painted wood fittings, built-in devices and a marble surface, features that are also present in the conveniently equipped utility room. On the flip side, the dining section extends into a relaxed lounge, adorned with a soaring, pitched ceiling, semi-transparent walls, and French windows overlooking the garden. This particular area, nestled amongst trees, faces southeast while meandering around the house; with a considerable size of 36ft by 36ft, it’s composed of a lawn, patio and planted zones. An appealing chalet-like shed demarcates the boundary while setting apart two private parking spots adjacent to the residence. There are also two external entrances available.
Ascending to the well-lit first floor, thanks to an abundance of natural light pouring in via a window above the main entrance, are four light-filled, double bedrooms accentuated with subtle oak flooring. Sandwiching the primary bathroom, that features a shower over the bathtub, are two bedrooms at the rear. Opposite to this lies the airing cupboard, housingcontrols for the air-to-water heating system; with a Ber of B3. The front-facing bedrooms comprise one that’s set up as a study and a slightly smaller, en suite room, creating an ideal space that teenagers would relish.
Climbing further up, there’s a spacious landing at the top, offering access to a balcony perched above the front door. Off this hallway lie two more bedrooms, each roughly spanning 30sq m. The first one benefits from a west-facing balcony, wardrobes nestled within a recess that can be closed off from the bedroom, and an en suite bathroom that’s complete with a freestanding bathtub and an independent shower. The most appealing bedroom, situated at the front, offers the ambiance of a plush hotel suite.
Despite its predominantly muted colour scheme, number 18 radiates a serene indulgence. However, a family would swiftly imbue it with vibrant hues. Although the garden might seem modest in comparison to the indoor space, there’s an ample area for recreation in the vicinity, with a triangular green situated near the College Drive national schools, the picturesque Lakelands Park adjacent to Terenure College and Bushy Park further up the road toward Templeogue. A plethora of schools, shops and sports clubs are abundant in this well-linked, established suburb.