Records from the Bureau of Military History contain statements from those involved in the War of Independence, most notably Col Ned Broy, who later became Garda commissioner. In his statements Broy tells the tale of how Michael Collins had a close shave after leaving 8 Haddon Road in Clontarf, which he used as a safe house. According to Broy, Collins evaded capture because the British soldier who stopped them at a checkpoint was in his late teens and did not recognise The Big Fella.
A century later this former safe house is now an elegant family home, which has been refurbished and extended by the current owners.
“The entire house was pared back to its core after we purchased the property in 2005. We removed all the fireplaces and had 100 years of paint removed,” say the owners, who are moving to a larger property nearby.
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An extension, designed by architect Denis Byrne, was added to the rear of the house, providing the property with over 210sq m (2,260sq ft) of space over two levels.
Byrne retained the old brick hearth in the kitchen, which now accommodates a large, steel Britannia range – making a great contrast between period and contemporary details.
The dining room had a wall knocked into the kitchen, which allows the family to use this room on a more regular basis.
Incredibly bright
To the rear, a large family room was built where an entire wall of storage allows the television, games consoles and children’s playthings to be hidden out of sight when the family are entertaining. The room is incredibly bright, as 80 per cent of the external walls is glass.
This in turn leads to a southwest-facing garden, which has a custom-built shed and access to a rear lane.
Upstairs are four fine-sized bedrooms – the master is en suite. The family bathroom on the return features a double sink, where the four children of the house were bathed as infants.
Haddon Road has always commanded steep prices. In the dog days of 2012, numbers 11 and 13 both sold for close to the €1 million mark. In 2014 and 2015, numbers 33 and 21, both of which needed full refurbishment, sold for €1 million and €1.1million respectively. Number eight, in turnkey condition, is for sale through Lisney with an asking price of €1.2million.
