georgian reinvention The owners of this commanding Georgian residence in Dublin have sympathetically restored their property, combining period features with modern touches and adding a spectacular orangerie extension Photography INFINITY MEDIA Contrasting colour and texture adds warmth and personality to the cosy living area in the new open plan layout. All the bespoke joinery is by Abington Design House. Dining table also from Abington Design house. Flooring tiles from Versatile.
This magnificent period home on the Dublin coast dates back to the 1820 s. Built as a summer residence for the original owners, the home benefits from spectacular views and sits on a generous landscaped site. On purchasing the home in recent years the current owners were keen to restore the property to its former glory. Hiring architects, Bright Architects, building contractors Perfect Homes, and bespoke joinery specialists Abington Design House, the owners have transformed the property into an exquisite family residence with a bespoke orangerie style extension, interior scheme and luxury finishes throughout. The property benefited from all the best aspects of Georgian architecture, including high ceilings, large windows and beautiful period details, but was in need of a major over-hall to bring it up to standard for luxury 21st century living. Everything from rewiring, replumbing, roofing and structural work was overseen by builders Perfect homes while Abington Design House designed and crafted all the bespoke internal furniture and panelling, to an exacting standard. The original house had tremendous scale so there was not a necessity for majorly extending, however the owners were keen to have a large open plan living and entertaining space. A previous dated conservatory was removed and a stunning orangerie style extension was specified, finished in contemporary dark grey tones. This spectacular room now houses statement kitchen, large dining area and casual living space, all with beautiful views. The stunning space features exquisite custom crafted built in furniture throughout, by the team at Abington Design House and is beautifully finished in specially selected muted paint tones. This carefully considered and meticulously finished extension is one of the many triumphs of the project. The owners spends the majority of their time in this bright open space, availing of the stunning views and natural light. Leading off the kitchen a contemporary walk way with a wall of curtain glazing links back to the main grand central hallway. The contrast of old meeting new is accentuated by the beautiful panelling, cornicing, and period details in this entrance space, while the additional ground floor rooms in the original house continue this elegant theme - the library room retains detailing dating back to the origin of the home, complemented perfectly by a bespoke bookcase/media unit by Abington Design House. Taking the grand staircase to the upper floor sees the elegant period architecture and interior scheme continue. The expansive landing again retains original period details, enhanced with more custom panelling. The master suite extends the full depth of the original house, and includes bedroom with double aspect views over the bay, walk in wardrobe and a statement ensuite. Next to this and centrally located on the upper floor, the main bathroom features a beautiful freestanding bath, marble flooring and bespoke vanity unit. Contrasting with the Georgian main house, and mirroring the link corridor on the ground floor, a glazed walk way to the children s wing has been specified, again showing how successful combining old and new architecture can be. Located at the end of this walk way, the childrens bedroom suite has been meticulously designed. Custom crafted furniture from Abington features throughout, from the sliding pocket doors with Joesph Giles aged brass handles, to the unique bunk beds, bespoke wardrobes and ensuite vanity unit. Taking this magnificent property from a somewhat tired state back to a luxurious and spacious family home, its owners have ensured that this significant dwelling will remain a remarkable residence for many years to come. The main open plan living space has a calming muted vibe. Soft furnishings combine with exquisite custom crafted furniture to create an elegant, opulent scheme. Bespoke media/storage unit by Abington Design House. Flooring from Versatile. 160 107
a stunning orangerie style extension has been specified, finished in contemporary grey tones. This spectacular room now houses statement kitchen, dining area and casual living space.
The muted tones continue to the custom crafted kitchen cabinerty. Blue Lacanche rangecooker with brass fittings from Showtime. Floor tiles Versatile. A contemporary walk way with curtain glazing links the kitchen back to the main central hallway. Floor tiles by Versatile.
The grand entrance hall features original period details, including restored wooded flooring. All panelling by Abington Design House. An iconic Drummond sink from Versatile completes the look in the downstairs wc. Panelling by Abington. The library/reading room retains original cornicing. Media unit by Abington. 165
The master bedroom suite extends to the full depth of the original property and enjoys double aspect views of the sea. Window panelling and custom crafted walk in wardrobe, by Abington Design House. Vanity unit by Porter. Ensuite tiles from Versatile. INSIGHT The owners Our favourite room is the wonderful new kitchen, living, dining space. It is the perfect room where we can have the family together or entertain our friends - all while enjoying the spectacular sea views. I would describe our style as a balance of old and new. The house is a beautiful Georgian property with original period features. We have restored and added to these while also bringing some contemporary touches, such as the curtain glazing in the link corridors. Our advice to anyone taking on a substantial renovation is to get the right team on board from the earliest possible stage. We had a brilliant builder who oversaw the entire project. They worked closely with our interior fit-out team Abington Design House which was a real bonus. The best thing about living here is having the best of both worlds - the architectural grandeur of a Georgian property, but fully restored and enhanced for contemporary 21st century living. 107
The childrens suite is in a separate wing and has been finished to the same exacting standard. Custom furniture by Abington Design House includes handmade wardrobes, bespoke bunk beds, ensuite vanity unit and sliding pocket doors with Joseph Giles handles. 116 117
The main Bathroom is a welcoming sanctuary. Bespoke vanity unit and window panelling, Abington Design House. Tiles and freestanding bath, Versatile. Right: The scale of the property is epitomised by the grand hallway and landing. Bespoke panelling by Abington Design House.