In the midst of a sudden downpour in July, the sturdy, ancient trees dotting Raglan Road are bathed in rain. The occasional hardy local can be seen challenging the weather, such as one man who is protectively carrying his laptop in a waterproof backpack. Aside from the sporadic movement of luxury cars, the road, flanked by towering terraced redbrick houses, is otherwise still.
As the taxi driver drops me off at number 7, he draws my attention to a cultural nuance tied to the street, Luke Kelly’s famous rendition of the Patrick Kavanagh poem ‘On Raglan Road’, part of The Dubliners’ repertoire.
The silence at no. 7 is profound, almost eerie compared to its neighbouring properties, adorned with lively colourful doors, potted flora, and charming knick-knacks adorning their window sills. This Victorian townhouse has been empty for some time, the realtor says. With a generous 406 sq. metres (4,376 sq. ft), the property is listed at €3.8 million, under the agency Savills, acting on behalf of the appointed receiver, Kieran Wallace.
A perfect illustration of prime estates in the heart of the city’s embassy district, this three-storey-over-garden-level property is primed to pique the interest of deep-pocketed buyers. An added bonus, the townhouse is Ber-exempt due to its age. Despite requiring some design intervention, the property’s original features and ample space have the potential to transform it into an exceptional contemporary home.
A flagstone path, complemented by a front garden scattered with loose stones, guides you to the property’s entrance stairs. Upon entering, I am engulfed by the grandeur of the hallway – its vast dimensions, the supreme ceilings festooned with intricate coving. To the right of the hall are two adjacent reception rooms. Though their walls may need some revamping and possibly the fireplaces reinstated, they allude to a former grandiosity. The original sash windows offer a dual aspect along the with ornate ceiling coving. There’s also a balcony, accessible through a door positioned in the hallway, directly facing the rear of the second reception room.
The kitchen, located at the garden floor level, could use some modernization and is situated alongside a dining/family room. Also on this level are a sizable utility room, a bathroom equipped with a shower, and a storage room. The kitchen features French doors that unfold onto a westward-facing garden, segmented into two levels. Complete with a paved patio ideal for hosting guests, the garden also showcases an elevated grass area at the rear.
The residence has altogether five bedrooms. One is found on the entrance-level return, another two on the first floor, and the remaining two on the second floor. The front room of the first floor is the largest, consisting of adequate space for a seating area and coffee table. Therefore, this room could potentially be utilized as the primary bedroom. Nonetheless, the top-floor section, which includes a spacious bathroom directly linked to a double bedroom, has traditionally been employed as the main suite, according to the estate agent. On the top-floor, there is also a dressing room overlooking the trees of the front garden and offering views of the street, promising to be an ideal home office.