There’s something about 1940s houses that is hugely flexible. Working off a base of generous room sizes, and architects who knew the value of storage, circulation and off-street parking, they provide a great template for more contemporary upgrades.
At 16 Ailesbury Drive, the present owners have done plenty of work – so you don’t have to. A bright hallway leads to a huge kitchen/ breakfast room with an island separating the food preparation space, complete with Aga, from the seating area that has a wood-burning stove for cosiness, and large French windows for sunnier days.
Off this is a TV room and den, and there’s also a utility room and another den/study on the ground floor, which makes perfect sense for large families where homework and playtime doesn’t necessarily synch across the age groups.
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Muted colours
The landing and first floor share four bedrooms, all of a good size, with plenty of storage, and then a further staircase leads to the master suite at the top. This gives a lovely flow to the house, so that the owners, who have raised six children here, speak of living together while not feeling crowded.
“In fact, people ask: how do you manage?” the owner says, “and I say it’s easy, everything’s within a one mile radius.”
She’s right: Ailesbury Drive is hugely convenient, within walking distance to shops, schools, parks, and public transport; but it’s also off the commuter shortcuts, so that it still feels secluded.
“There’s a maturity to the road, lovely old trees . . . The only time it gets busy is at match times, but I really enjoy that, I feel part of the excitement.”
Excitement apart, there’s a peace- ful feeling to the house, enhanced by the muted colours – from the pale washed oak hardwood floors to the cool hues of the paintwork. A lot of the hard work has been done here, and to such a glossy-magazine standard, that you can benefit from the style and taste, while adding your own layer of personality.
Across the road is the Argentine Embassy, so you're in salubrious company. Number 9 is also currently on the market with Sherry FitzGerald for €1.35 million; and this one, number 16, is for sale by auction with Lisney with an AMV of €1.75 million. It's on open view today from 1 to 2pm, and again on Saturday from noon to 1pm.
Meanwhile, for the purposes of comparison, the property price register shows that nearby houses have been selling above the €1 million mark: number 8 went for €1.425 million in December 2012; and number 7 sold for €1.1 million in October last year. The price differences lie in the degree to which these houses have been extended and renovated.
