In the year 1878, a builder from the Victorian era constructed a collection of three semidetached houses on Eglinton Road situated in Donnybrook. This was carried out for personal use as well as for his offspring. Number 56, named Bartra, was allocated as his own dwelling, with the other properties numbered 58 to 66 being named Milverton, Maudena, Harryville, Francesca and Maryville, in that sequence.
An old map possessed by the owners of the Maryville household, situated at 66 Eglinton Road, offered these details. The present proprietors settled into the residence 40 years ago and cherished it to such an extent that they pondered upon erecting a new dwelling within their rear garden in order to relocate. The project was sketched out by Cameron Lee, a skilled architect, who gave them the approval to commence the construction of a 174 sq.m (1,873 sq.ft) bungalow during the summer of 2024.
However, they opted not to execute their original plan as they felt this was a step they should’ve taken ten years ago when they had more vigour and vitality. Hence, 66 Eglinton Road in Donnybrook, Dublin 4, boasting a two-story, four/five-bedroom accommodation measuring 307 sq.m (3,305 sq.ft) is currently being offered for sale via Hunters for a price of €2.75 million. Furthermore, the property encloses a backyard measuring 131 ft in length with the potential to still construct that bungalow.
In December 2023, 58 Eglinton was purchased for a sum of €3.625 million as per the Property Price Register; while 59 Eglinton, located on the opposite side of the road, listed for sale in May 2023 with a price tag of €2.85 million.
The residence at 66 Eglinton retains characteristic features from the Victorian era, including marble fireplaces, functional shutters and lofty ceilings. The proprietors have since carried out a plethora of refurbishments upon moving in back in 1985; as the previous occupants had inhabited the house from the year 1936 and as they confessed, it was in a ‘deplorable’ state. Any upcoming owners will likely renovate and refurbish the property afresh. In 2006, the duo expanded the residence along with the construction of a modernised TV room and kitchen, designed by architect John McCrossan, that culminates onto the backyard patio and green lawn. The property is rated E2 on the Ber.
Upon reaching the entrance of number 66, a swift climb up the granite stairs leads to the front gate, continuing into a tiled vestibule, followed by an inner entrance adorned with stained glass that guides into the main corridor. On the right side lie two sizable living rooms that extend from the front to the rear portion of the house.
The sizeable lounge offers a beautiful view of Eglinton Road, as seen through a significant expansive bay window. A smaller window on the side wall overlooks a refined marble fireplace of a muted grey hue. A corresponding fireplace is situated in the dining area, connected to the main room through a large archway featuring double doors. The rooms possess an undeniable elegance, adorned with timeless décor, long drapes, and antique furniture.
Leading down to the cellar, a staircase at the hallway’s end retains the original side glass panels. The owners wished to avoid situating their kitchen in the basement, leading them to construct a one-level extension on the first floor at the rear of the house. A comfortable TV room, carpeted and offering integrated cupboard space for the television, bridges down into the kitchen area.
Each room, and particularly the kitchen, benefit from ample natural light via expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen design includes a lofty, arched ceiling featuring wooden beams, with additional windows to the back and side opening up to grant garden views. Its floors are layered in walnut, with tiles distinguishing the cooking area from the central island. The space is furnished with white units finished with sleek, black stone countertops.
The large basement hosts an inviting family room, complete with bookshelves at one end and a comforting fireplace at the other, providing an idyllic setting during winter. Three bay windows overlook the front lawn. A separate room is designed to function as a home office, offering a door leading to the garden and supplemented with private access from the main house. This room could also serve as a fifth bedroom.
Additional features include a bathroom connected to the downstairs hallway and a utility room offering a conventional drying rack. In contrast, the hallway’s far end houses a coal hole and, adjacent to it, a compact wine store.
The upper level of the home comprises four bedrooms and a family bathroom: two bedrooms are for single occupants while the other two can accommodate double occupancy. The master bedroom offers a view of the rear garden and boasts an en suite shower complemented by a mirrored wardrobe lining an entire wall. Another double room comes equipped with in-built wardrobes and a desk. The single room, located towards the front of the house, includes a loft bed reachable via a ladder, an exciting feature that was custom-built by the family to the joy of their son, who was nine at the time, and now their grandchildren too.
The rear of the home enjoys a vast garden, enclosed by stone walls, predominantly featuring a lawn edged by trees and bushes of various maturity. This includes a pear tree, thought to have been planted in the 1870s, towering beech trees and a walnut tree, which was planted by the couple four decades ago. There are also a number of smaller apple trees. The garden is impeccably maintained; the couple hired a gardener upon moving in who still attends to their gardening needs.
The home also has ample space for parking a number of cars in its front driveway, which also includes a garage. A paved path runs through a tidy front lawn, segregated by iron railings.