If only every architecturally important 20th-century house could have such careful owners as the two elderly sisters who lived from their youth at 114 Ballymun Road, a landmark house at the corner of Hampstead Avenue.

It was built by ambitious young developer GM Linzell, whose Hampstead Hill scheme off Ballymun Road was approved in 1932, and it was designed by London architect Harold Greenwood, who worked in the office of Edwin Lutyens.

For Linzell’s own use, Greenwood designed “Wendon”, off Mobhi Road, now considered to be the first private house in Ireland built in the international modernist style. That important house has sadly fallen into disrepair – unlike the house now for sale, number 114 Ballymun Road, the most striking house in his Hampstead Hill and The Rise development.

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Tiled fireplaces

The sisters kept the original tiled fireplaces, some light fittings, that striking green-tiled roof and – most importantly – the windows and the elaborate front door with its bronze-framed timber panel that opens for ventilation.

They also kept the original white and green exterior colour scheme and the raised black brick steps at the entrance. When they came to update the kitchen in recent years they fitted it into the original space, leaving the original glossy green tiles that reach halfway up the walls. A new bathroom was installed downstairs – the bathroom upstairs was updated but the original bath and sink pedestal kept – and they rewired, put in central heating and an alarm.

The layout is as original: downstairs there are two small reception rooms to the front, a large hall with a feature staircase and, to the rear, the kitchen, pantry several original built-in cupboards, a third reception room and that new bathroom. There is access to the rear garden through a side door.

Dual aspect

Upstairs there are four double bedrooms – most have dual aspect, with windows looking up or down Ballymun Road, and, as was the style in the 1930s, a separate WC and bathroom.

The house was built on a quarter-acre site and the gardens front and back are mature and well cared-for. The private back garden is not overlooked and there is a detached garage opening onto Hampstead Avenue.

New owners could easily move in, redecorate and live comfortably in the house. They may want to do some work, such as improve the energy efficiency, and perhaps – as is most likely – extend out the rear where there is a good deal of space; that will involve planning permission. The house, happily, is a protected structure.

Lisney is handling the executor’s sale, selling 114 Ballymun Road, seeking €795,000.