Elegant, ordered idyll

MAMMIES who are inclined to run along the rim of a skirting board with a knitting needle covered in a duster will murmur with pleasure at the order displayed in number 9, The Lawn, Moneygourney.

This is a housekeeper’s house - but eloquently and elegantly ordered. A place for everything and everything in its place is the theme - this Rochestown house gives meaning to the phrase ‘ready to move into’.

That doesn’t mean it’s prissy or pristine, however, in fact, it’s very order makes it a relaxing place and the space would provide a stress-free environment. Decorated in a timeless fashion, all the fittings and furniture are good quality and will stand the test of time.

Even the overall design has something extra that lifts it above the normal neo-Tudor theme. Touches like the black PVC windows, (they’re white on the inside) and the heavy teak double entrance doors with forged accessories, make the house stand out from the norm.

It also has an end position in this small estate of individual homes off Maryborough Hill. This gives number nine lots of privacy and the walled rear garden is not overlooked: which is why the sun-room is a much-used space directly off the kitchen with a tiled roof it can be used all year round and for those who like their comfort, there is space enough to install a wood burning, or gas stove.

The kitchen is in top-of-the-range farmhouse pine with an island unit that is no mere effect. This is fully plumbed with a central sink and dishwasher underneath and a seating area at the other side.

The main living room is decorated in rich burgundy tomes with a white surround and granite insert: the theme is continued in the dining room which makes an L to the living area. Floors all over the ground floor are in pine and the doors are all hand-made in the same wood: the double, bevelled glass doors leading from the kitchen to the sunroom are particularly attractive.

The main hallway is papered in a mute burgundy pattern that’s continued in the guest loo off the hallway, while the pine staircase provides the focus of the attractive, square space. To the left is the drawing room, bravely painted in purple with cast iron open fire.

All the bedrooms, of which there are four, are kept to the upper floor. The principal bedroom is again classically themed, with creams and yellows and fine cherrywood furniture, including a sleigh bed. The suite has a well-finished shower stall and unusual mirror and light fittings.

The two single bedrooms are bright and ideal for small children with some lovely touches: as might be expected one is in blue and the other in soft pink and lilac.

The main bathroom is a decent space with a curved bath, (it suits the angle of the roof) and bold black and white tiling.

A large hot press completes the accommodation on the upper floor.

As might be expected from the overall standard of the house, the grounds are immaculately kept, but still have a flourish that shows the hand of an above average gardener.

While not too large, the rear garden is easy to manage and has plenty of space for children to play.

With sites in the neighbourhood achieving close to 200,000 each euro, the asking price of 445,000, while at the upper end of the market, is reasonable when the site cost and the cost of construction are taken into account. And that’s without taking into consideration all the extras that come with this well-finished property.

An offer of 410,000 euro has already been placed on number nine, but its still open to bids closer to the asking price.

Contact: Ann O’Mahony of Sherry FitzGerald.