Three dream houses to buy if you love Victorian architecture

By Grace McGettigan
04th Jul 2018

Three dream houses to buy if you love Victorian architecture

Victorian architecture, in its broadest sense, includes any building that was developed during the reign of Queen Victoria, from the mid-1800s to the end of the nineteenth century. More specifically though, it consists of very particular design features. One such example is large sash windows with accompanying wooden shutters. Another is incredibly high ceilings decorated with cornices and centre roses. Electricity wasn’t readily available during the Victorian era, so home-owners used open fires for warmth and light. Many of these fireplaces still exist today; often in cast iron or marble. In Ireland, Victorian homes tend to be divided over three stories, with the main entrance hall on the middle floor. This front entrance can usually be accessed via large stone steps, often enclosed by cast-iron railings. For the most part, properties built in this style are grand, elegant and full of character. Fancy moving in? Check out these three houses available to buy in Ireland right now:

Fleur de Lis, 13 Grosvenor Place, Rathmines – €2,100,000

This beautiful four-bedroom home at 13 Grosvenor Place in Rathmines blends classic Victorian architecture with modern interiors. Many of its original features still exist today; including high ceilings, wide doorways, working window shutters, and impressive cornice work. Free-standing radiators in the typical Victorian cast-iron style dot the house, while marble fireplaces are the focal point of many rooms. Despite being a period home, the house provides contemporary accommodation. A Bose / Sonos integrated sound system can be enjoyed in the two principal reception rooms, kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom. The kitchen includes all mod-cons; including a five-ring Bosch hob with a Neff extractor fan, integrated Bosch oven and microwave, a centre island with granite worktop, a one and half bowl sink unit, and a Stanley stove in the chimney breast. Meanwhile, landscaped gardens complement the house to the front and back.

Photo: Lisney Photo: Lisney Photo: Lisney Photo: Lisney

36 Clarinda Park East, Dun Laoghaire – €1,695,000

Formerly St. Anne’s Private Junior School, this Victorian property in Dun Laoghaire has been exceptionally restored. Estate agent Henry Wiltshire says it’s been, “refurbished to its former glory, with much care and attention given to creating a warm and inviting home of great style and flair.” The formal living room has many of its original features; such as wood panelling, coving and ceiling roses. Many of the rooms have cast iron radiators and/or ornate fireplaces, while some feature large sash windows and shutters. The kitchen is modern but homely, with a large centre island and an American fridge-freezer. All of the rooms are bright and airy and are decorated in soft, neutral tones.

Photo: Henry Wiltshire Terenure via Daft.ie Photo: Henry Wiltshire Terenure via Daft.ie Photo: Henry Wiltshire Terenure via Daft.ie Photo: Henry Wiltshire Terenure via Daft.ie

2 Palmerston Villas, Rathmines – €2,350,000

Arguably the most traditional of our three Victorian homes, 2 Palmerston Villas oozes sophistication and charm. It’s positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking Brookfield Tennis Club and has been renovated, restored, and extended to exceptional standards. As with the properties mentioned above, this four-bedroom house maintains many of its original Victorian features; including sash bay windows with working shutters, detailed cornices and ceiling roses, and ornate mantlepieces. One stand-out room is the study, which comes with an extensive array of Oakline bespoke fitted bookshelves, a large work desk and extensive storage. The house also features surround sound and comes with CCTV security.

Photo: Sherry FitzGerald Rathmines via Daft.iePhoto: Sherry FitzGerald Rathmines via Daft.iePhoto: Sherry FitzGerald Rathmines via Daft.iePhoto: Sherry FitzGerald Rathmines via Daft.ie