Palmerston Road has gained in status as one of the most desirable roads in Dublin 6. Located close to Temple Road – which remains the most expensive residential street in the country – the long and wide leafy avenue, currently resplendent in autumnal hues, links the intersection at Belgrave Road on one end, meeting Palmerston Park at the other.
Prices for properties along this stretch vary hugely based on condition, size and orientation but the location, close to a number of private schools – including Gonzaga and Alexandra colleges and Sandford Park – adds to the appeal of houses in this area.
Number 43 lies close to the intersection at Cowper Road which gives this property a generous rear garden, as they tend to narrow towards the other end of the road. Having the benefit of off-street parking – accessed from a private lane to the rear – there is much scope for green-fingered enthusiasts to enhance this already mature green space.
A favourite spot for the legal and medical professions, number 43 was once home to Helena Vance. She is listed as living here in 1911 as "a woman of independent means with land and property".
Vance was the daughter of Thomas Vance who purchased 14 Henrietta Street in 1876.
At that time her father had 19 flats in the house which is now the Tenement Museum. By 1911 – the year Helena lived here – 14 Henrietta Street had more than 100 people recorded as living there.
The 289sq m (3,111sq ft) mid-terrace Victorian was purchased by its current owner in 2016 for €1.95 million according to the Property Price Register. Quite a lot of the renovations here were carried out by former residents, so the owner had little to do in terms of making this period house a workable family home.
She did however add a new kitchen at garden level, and it is one of the highlights of this elegant four bedroom property. Designed by Italian company Pedini, there is a lovely pared back feel to it, and its contemporary look fits really well with the overall décor at this level.
The house had five bedrooms: four upstairs and one at garden level and the owner converted one of the upstairs rooms into a fine family bathroom. With a free-standing contemporary bath, and matching his-and-her sinks, the Dekton surface with its high resistence to stains, scratches and heat, plus its 25-year guarantee was a smart choice, giving a marbled effect against the all-white sanitary ware.
At hall level, the drawing room overlooks the old trees to the front through two tall sash windows, and links to the dining room with views to the rear garden. These rooms have fine proportions and retain their period fireplaces, ceiling roses and coving.
ales activity on the road is busy. Number 79, a 299sq m house in pristine condition is now listed as sale agreed through Sherry FitzGerald, having gone on the market in late July seeking €2.35 million.
In the past five years more than 16 houses have sold along this sizeable stretch, and again prices realised varied greatly depending on size and condition.
Last year alone, five properties sold, ranging in price from €1.326 million for number 69, a four-bed of 262sq m (2,826sq ft) in need of complete refurbishment, to €2.7 million for number 17, a tastefully renovated four-bed of 277sq m (2,982sq ft) that was in walk-in condition and situated on the sunny side of the street – the one where the houses have large south-west facing rear gardens. Number 15, a substantial six-bed with 393sq m (4,230sq ft) came to market seeking €2.595 million and sold in December 2019 for €2.3 million.
The current owner of number 43 is now downsizing, and has placed her home, in turnkey condition on the market through Sherry FitzGerald seeking €2.2 million.
The location is well served by public transport with two Luas stops, Cowper and Beechwood just a short stroll in either direction, and numerous bus routes. For families there is a plethora of clubs nearby including local GAA, Brookfield Tennis and Dartry Fitness.
Palmerston Park and Belgrave Square are within minutes for morning strolls, and the area has no shortage of popular neighbourhood eateries in the villages of Rathmines and Ranelagh.
