Houses constructed in the 1930s might be perceived as quaint, harking back to the homely atmosphere of English suburban charm. However, this could be a misconception. Despite possibly lacking the majesty associated with preceding Victorian architecture, these dwellings frequently boast lofty ceilings, decorative moulding and robust doors and door surrounds. Moreover, an aspect they excel in is their effortless transition into contemporary lifestyles. A fine embodiment of this is number 52 St Helen’s Road in Booterstown, Co. Dublin, a property that comfortably meets the demands of a blossoming family while oozing a distinct style and character.
The residence was constructed by Crampton circa 1933 and was purchased by the present owners in 2016. It had already undergone substantial refurbishment, with the addition of a kitchen-breakfast-livingroom extension. The secluded and private back garden had also been artistically landscaped. The only tasks left to the current owners were installing new Carlson windows, updating the bathrooms and introducing some personalised touches. The owners have an evident passion for travelling, which is reflected in the children’s bedrooms adorned with world maps. The house is also filled with striking pieces of furniture from around the globe, such as a cocktail cabinet made from a considerable suitcase.
Now this young family is preparing to embark on their next journey, and number 52 St Helen’s Road, occupying 187sq m (2,012sq ft) with a C1 Ber rating, is on the market through Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty at a price of €1.6 million.
The welcoming hall exudes an atmosphere of comfort and extravagance, characterised by the polished wooden flooring and ornamental ceiling moulding. There is a conveniently located guest lavatory to the right, featuring a tiled floor, partly tiled walls and an attractive radiator. The living room is sited to the left, furnished luxuriously with deep green walls which accentuate the decorative ceiling, chandelier and stone fireplace that has a marble surround and features a wood-burning stove. A large bay window faces the front of the property. Sliding doors connect to the dining room, complete with wood flooring, ceiling mouldings and a cast-iron fireplace finished with a wooden surround. Double doors lead out to the rear garden.
The open-plan kitchen, breakfast, and living room certainly commands attention with its faultless features such as an impressive vaulted ceiling, atrium skylights, and doors that lead to the rear garden. The room is completed by a fully tiled floor and a substantial central island embellished with a below-counter sink and luxurious granite counters. A substantial gas Aga, a Neff oven fitted with a five-ring gas hob, and a built-in microwave enhance the cooking facilities, while a built-in refrigerator provides a cool storage point for perishables.
Adjacent to the kitchen is a commodious utility room and a dual-purpose shower-wet room, both converted from part of the garage, and fully decked with tiled floors and walls hence offering ample storage for items such as bicycles, prams, and sporting equipment.
Upstairs hosts four bedrooms, each fitted with built-in wardrobes, two being double bedrooms and two singles. The principal bedroom enjoys the added element of a bay window which overlooks the front aspect of the house. The main family bathroom is completely tiled and features a bathtub with a shower fixture, a cabinet wash basin, and a heated towel rack. Conveniently located off the landing is a hot press and a Stira ladder providing access to an insulated and floored attic, a useful storage space that also offers potential for conversion into a room.
A unique feature of the house is the large stained-glass window on the staircase leading to the landing area. Instead of the conventional intricate and floral designs associated with stained-glass, this window exhibits modest, amber rectangles, giving it a timeless appeal.
The enclosed garden at the back offers a fantastic patio that wraps around and cascades down to a deep, gracefully curved lawn. At the far end, there is a patch of faux grass designed for younger children to enjoy, and a garden shed positioned at the brink of the garden.
St Helen’s Road is a calm, secure cul-de-sac located off Rock Road. The current owners have greatly relished the communal street parties celebrated annually during Halloween. The Booterstown Dart station is just a leisurely stroll way, and multiple routes for city-bound buses, including the Aircoach, are in close proximities. Notable schools such as Blackrock College, Willow Park, St Mary’s, Booterstown National, Sion Hill, and St Andrew’s are all easily accessible. The University College Dublin (UCD) is also within a manageable commute.