Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
dream home
Leafy oasis in the city: This €2.75million Victorian villa has a hidden Japanese garden
The unusual five-bedroom property blends period elegance with a striking modern living area.
HIDDEN BEHIND THE Victorian facade at Lammermoor is a lovely combination of historic and contemporary living spaces — as well as a surprisingly lovely Japanese-inspired garden.
Lammermoor is a semi-detached five-bedroom, four-bathroom located in Ballsbridge, and is currently on the market for €2,750,000. It was built in 1850 in classic red-brick Victorian style, and has been extended to the back to include a strikingly modern living space.
Enter the property through electric security gates, and the manicured front lawn is framed in steel edging trim with a gravel border. It’s shaded by a beautiful silver birch tree above a parking area that can accommodate up to four cars.
Upon crossing the threshold, the entrance hall features a cast iron open fireplace, an over-door decorative panel and timber wainscoting that carries through to the staircase hall, linked by a 12ft high arch which allows a view through to the contemporary living space and garden beyond.
The interconnecting drawing and dining room benefit from a tall bay window to the front offering natural daylight. Ornate chimney pieces provide distinctive Victorian details, along with the circular ceiling roses and chandeliers.
These two rooms can be separated by double swing-back doors and feature Brazilian Wenge wooden flooring which continues to the hallway. The staircase hall has a 24-foot central atrium and acts as the entrance to the modern three-storey rear through 10-foot high double pocket doors.
Beyond the original part of Lammermoor is the contemporary living space to the rear, comprising a fully-fitted kitchen breakfast room with maple and cherry wood flooring. This flows into the ‘pavilion’, which has vaulted ceilings and full-width sliding folding glass doors which open to the teak external deck, garden pool and planting.
The pavilion features a Portuguese granite block fireplace with gas insert. Along with a dining area, there is also a separate bar area with counter and sink, and sliding accordion type doors to both the kitchen and bar cater for flexibility, particularly when entertaining.
Further ground floor accommodation includes a utility room and a large playroom/studio with an abundance of storage.
The upper floors include five double bedrooms, all with built in wardrobes, and three with their own en-suites. A particular highlight is the triple aspect second floor bedroom with pitched ceiling and a bank of windows, including a large porthole window that overlooks the gardens below.
Further accommodation includes a large family bathroom with Jacuzzi bath and separate shower; and back on the main landing a raised relaxation/reading area known as ‘the deck’.
The back garden is a real surprise. With a Japanese theme, it is a relaxing paradise opening directly from the pavilion on to teak decking hanging over a lily pond with a fountain and water cascade.
The planting includes robust palms, ferns, acers, holly, and a plum tree dating back to the 1850s. To the rear of the garden is a sizeable patio area with Indian sandstone paving, an ideal spot for alfresco dining and to capture the best of the evening sun.
Lammermoor is superbly located between the desirable villages of Ballsbridge and Sandymount. It is highly accessible via a two-minute walk to Sandymount DART station, and numerous bus routes service Sandymount village and the Merrion Road.
have your say