Standing tall and proud, well set back from the road, Number 18 Highfield Road is a most elegant 2-storey over garden level double-fronted semi-detached family home. Offering an impressive 398 sqm (4,284 sqft) approx. of gracious, well-appointed, light-filled accommodation to include the adjoining garage of 33 sqm (355 sqft) approx., the property enjoys mature gardens of 1/3 acre approx., the rear benefitting from an idyllic south-westerly orientation.
Built circa 1830, a glance at the title deeds to this imposing home, shows the first conveyance in 1865 to the Findlater family, who sold the property in 1886. Approximately 100 years later it found itself in need of a complete overhaul and was subsequently sold in 2012. The then purchasers, both architects, undertook a very comprehensive and sympathetic refurbishment and tasteful extension, marrying period features with restrained and clever contemporary design and fit-out, resulting in a captivating, turnkey home configured to suit today's modern family. Drawn to Number 18 by its proportions, high ceilings, symmetry and light-filled accommodation graciously laid out over its three levels, not to mention the sizeable sunny gardens, the current owners purchased this beautiful home in 2014 and over the last decade it has been a very happy home for them and their young family. Having regularly upgraded and future-proofed this gracious period residence during their ownership – with underfloor heating and terrazzo flooring downstairs, solar panels etc. – they have fashioned a very comfortable and inviting home, where every room is used and enjoyed on a daily basis. Significant investment has been spent on the gardens both front and rear in recent years. The front – 100ft (approx.) in length – offers ample parking and enjoy formal lawns with mature borders where pretty daffodils are already flowering in abundance and a mature cherry blossom is soon to be in bloom, framing the house perfectly from the front gates. The rear garden, 165ft (approx.) in length, is particularly impressive and caters for the entire family including pets too – an extensive lawn is bordered at one end by a large sunny patio area immediately off the rear of the house – a veritable outdoor room, which basks in sunlight from morning until late evening. A world-class synthetic putting green, installed by Tony Hynes of Tour Greens Europe, is used by the whole family, indeed the owners' children have learned to ride a bicycle and hone their golf / hockey skills here. Not to be excluded, a wooden fenced pet's corner provides a dog run and housing for the family's dogs. Planted with mature trees, flowering plants and shrubs providing year-round colour and interest, tall granite walls border the gardens with gates at the base with pedestrian rear access.
A graveled driveway and a flight of wide granite steps lead up to the hall door. Opening into the reception hallway with its wonderful tall ceilings, ornate plasterwork and painted wooden floorboards, a clever picture window was created giving you views straight down the garden. The interconnecting reception rooms are magnificent, enjoying a dual aspect and feature marble surround open fireplaces. The drawing room to the rear has a large bay window, taking in stunning views over the landscaped, sunny rear gardens. On the other side of the entrance hallway, a study/library/snug provides for some ‘get-away' space – indeed this room would make an ideal home office.

On the first floor, including the return, there are four double bedrooms (the main with ensuite), a single bedroom and family bathroom. The principal bedroom suite, which overlooks the rear garden comes complete with light-filled ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe.

The garden level is a fantastic space with great flexibility and practical day-to-day family living at its core. A sizeable hallway is accessed off a small inner courtyard through double doors from the front garden. There is access to the garage from here. The hallway features excellent cloak and boot space, a utility room houses the laundry appliances and has a door to the rear patio. A play room is within view and earshot of the kitchen/dining room and a tv/family room can serve as a 6th/guest/au pair bedroom if needed. The heart of this home and where the contemporary element really stands out is the superb double height open plan kitchen/breakfast/dining room. Complete with terrazzo flooring and underfloor heating, sleek white wall and floor units with two secret pantries and a large centre island cum breakfast bar, this excellent family space is bathed in southerly and south-westerly light all day. Tall doors concertina back to open into the large outdoor dining area, whilst a French door opens off the working kitchen area. This is undoubtedly not only a great space for the entire family on a daily basis, but also a wonderful entertaining space. There is a discreet door taking you into the large garage.

Superbly located, Highfield Road is one of Rathgar's favoured roads featuring a wonderful mix of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and post-war properties, home to families young and old with community at its heart. Rathgar Village with its array of shops, cafes and restaurants, the beautiful Dodder walks, proximity to Milltown Golf Club (which is less than a mile door to door), being so close to the city centre and having Dartry Health Club and Brookfield Tennis Club and Palmerston Park a few minutes' walk away are only some of the attractions and benefits of this prime location. Excellent junior and senior schools are also closeby, as is the LUAS at Cowper Road and Richmond Avenue South. Rathmines, Ranelagh and Terenure offer additional shopping, dining and leisure facilities close to your doorstep too.

Viewing of this special house and its fabulous gardens comes highly recommended.

Accommodation: Floor area: 398 sqm / 4,284 sqft approx. including the adjoining garage of 33 sqm / 355 sqft approx.