Class wins out as charming Ashleigh proves it has what it takes for buyer
‘Ashleigh’, a 1929 mansard dormer, is the latest hot property to hit the market on the exclusive, Blackrock Road, and it comes in at a reasonable €850,000 through Billy Casey of Casey and Kingston.
Although it’s considerably older than its €1.2 million plus neighbours, (they were built in the acre back garden of this house), it carries a provenance, and its internal features are immaculate: in fact, the house hasn’t changed a whit since it was built.
And its creator was the grandfather of the present owner, who headed up the firm of Meagher-Hayes, a construction company who were responsible for the Savoy Cinema in Cork and the Gresham Hotel in Dublin, amongst others.
Small wonder then that the house reflects its time. It’s similar in style to the Menloe estate just down the road in its Domestic Revival style. Typically, this house has Tudor touches in the interior panelling, staircase and dark mahogany joinery.
And the cottage-like layout is a refreshing break from the Victorian villa with its five panel doors and high, double skirting. The fireplaces are remarkably of their time.
Facing due south, the important reception rooms have panelled bay windows which continue to the main bedrooms overhead.
And although on a smaller than original site, the house has plenty of room to the front and back, with more that enough space for a sympathetic addition, if required.
Whether or not it’s going to remain is a moot point, as there are 1960’s apartments over the garden wall and high densities are allowed this close to the city centre.
However, the quality of the house and the predominant owner-occupier nature of Ashton Park should see some heavy-hitting residential buyers. Whether or not they’ll see off demolishing developers remains to be seen, and the final decision could rest with City Hall.
Solidly maintained over the years, Ashleigh hasn’t fallen to the vagaries of fashion, and is a time capsule, as well as a warm family home.
The south-facing position means it’s also flooded with light, and it’s surprisingly private: some heavy planting would give it total privacy.
Accommodation includes two large reception rooms, a family room/study, guest bathroom, (with tiles sourced from Bandon Distillery in the 20’s) kitchen with original tiles in the half-moon of the fire-breast, a scullery and pantry. The servant bells are still outside the pantry door. Overhead are two very big, sunny bedrooms with distinctive, deco fireplaces, and two smaller bedrooms. The main bathroom is also quite spacious.
Outside, there’s an original WC with high-flush, a boiler room, and a number of stores as well as a double garage. The rear garden has full vehicular access from the side, and while the entrance is shared with the two, lower houses, the property has full right of way to its end.
It also has a superb location.
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