Sometimes planning restrictions can be a blessing in disguise, though architects may beg to differ.
One of the conditions attached, when planning was granted for the construction of 116 Baggot Lane, was that the rear wall of the original property should be retained. Now, that wall slices through the kitchen adding character to the new build; one of the bedrooms feature two oculus windows as a result, and the contrast between the old arched brickwork, contemporary kitchen and zinc roof is striking.
Formerly a coachhouse for 116 Pembroke Road, when it was purchased by Niall McDonagh in 2007 it was a crash repair workshop, and now it's a sleek modern residence designed by architect Gerry Murphy of MCA.
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After a rocky start in October 2014 – the original consignment of Velfac windows met their fate in a stormy sea en route from Sweden – delaying the project by three months, the 183sq m property set over three floors, is now on the market through estate agent Colliers with an asking price of €1.5 million. The sophisticated design allows light to flow into all rooms, and three of the four bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows.
The kitchen, lying to the rear, opens out on to a granite flagstone courtyard via sliding glass panels, and has top-of-the-range Neff appliances and contemporary units. The central island has an unusual countertop that resembles honed concrete but is a mix of painted wood and ply.
Engineered oak flooring runs throughout the ground floor and is heated underneath by a geothermal pump. New owners will have the benefit of constant 48 degree hot water on tap, and heating bills are estimated to be about €50 a month.
Bedrooms are bright, spacious and en suite, but the master is the showstopper. Set on the third floor, two walls of the room are made entirely of glass – with one opening out on to a terrace overlooking the rear courtyard. Currently a canopy of trees in an apartment block opposite provides privacy, but new owners might want to consider window dressing for the winter months.
McDonagh, who retired from his company Architectural Classics on South Gloucester Street, now deals in modern classics from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and he has staged the property to showcase some of his showpieces including a pair of Philippe Starck Costes chairs, and a De Majo pendant light.
The décor throughout is cool with neutral tones – the green-grey slim frame windows really complement the granite exterior, but the use of feature papered walls – including the master en suite – are a little at odds with the otherwise sleek design.
That detail aside, the excellent city centre location, superb light-filled design and high-end fittings should generate strong interest for 116 Baggot Lane.
