Solferino Lodge, 35 Belgrave Road is without doubt one of the most charming and unique homes to come to the market this year. Dating from 1862, this elegant and spacious Victorian villa is both disarmingly pretty and deceptively well-appointed both inside and out at just under 3,000sq.ft. (approx.). Sympathetically refurbished and modernised and cleverly extended it features four reception rooms, study/home office, kitchen/breakfast room, four bedrooms (1 ensuite), family bathroom and guest w.c./utility room. The original stables, spanning W39ft approx., which offer great potential, are situated at the base of the large rear garden (L.77ft approx.), with vehicular access out to Belgrave Avenue.
Solferino Lodge was named after the Battle of Solferino, Italy in 1859, a land battle, which later inspired the foundation of the International Red Cross and the drafting of the Geneva Conventions.
Fast-forward to more recent times, Solferino Lodge was bought almost 20 years ago by the current owners. It was in very poor, dilapidated condition then having been set out in multiple units. The preserved features, unusually high ceilings, symmetry, oodles of potential, the large private gardens and a warm inviting feel all combined to first captivate one half of the current owners, a renowned Interior Designer, with a keen eye for design and attention to detail. What followed in the immediate intervening years was quite an undertaking: a significant refurbishment and modernisation from top to toe, inside and out, to exacting standards resulting in a unique, stylish family-friendly home with comfortable, practical day to day living and entertaining at its core. A barn-style extension off the kitchen/breakfast room at garden level was very cleverly conceived, taking full advantage of the gardens and the westerly light, making this the ‘go-to' space for daily family get-togethers and entertaining on a grand scale.
Behind its elegant exterior, Solferino Lodge seamlessly combines old with new in striking fashion through great care, attention to detail and 21st century craftsmanship. Flooded with natural light throughout, this stylish house offers 277 sqm/ 2,990 sqft approx. of very well laid out, practical accommodation. Villas and villa-style homes over two levels can often pose challenges in how to achieve the correct balance and position of living and bedroom space, often resulting in the key living space not communicating with the garden. Solferino Lodge has been carefully and cleverly reconfigured to avoid such an outcome. All the bedroom space is situated on the left-hand side of the house over the two levels, whilst the living, dining and entertaining space is superbly positioned on the right-hand side of this handsome home over both the hall and garden levels. The addition of the barn-style extension perfectly links the house and gardens.
From its previous run-down state, it has been magnificently transformed both inside and out, not least, being the creation of a truly beautiful interior. Bright, light filled rooms of gracious proportions with unusually high ceilings (12ft at hall level), original period detail to include magnificent cornicing, are all now enhanced by a classic contemporary warm and inviting style with a wonderful combination of bold colours and neutral tones.
Leading from the elegant hall where the large, tall window at the rear gives you a pleasing view over the rear garden, there are two interconnecting reception rooms. The main bedroom suite is also on this level, as is a study/home office overlooking the picture-perfect rear garden. Downstairs, there is a bedroom wing with 3 bedrooms (2 large double rooms) and a family bathroom. On the other side of the house, a superbly designed barn-style open plan dining/family room links to the kitchen/breakfast room and on to the living room, providing plenty of space to cook, dine and relax in.
To the front of the gated property there is secure off-street parking for 2 cars – a real bonus in Dublin 6. To the rear, the landscaped garden designed in collaboration with renowned gardener Paul Doyle, is a very secluded and private outdoor living space. Not overlooked, it is both formal and informal in design and is wonderfully mature with careful planting positioned to define the different spaces. The original stables (39ft in width approx.) are positioned at the base of this garden, offering very useful access to the rear laneway off Belgrave Avenue, in addition to great potential (subject to planning permission where relevant).
Belgrave Road could not be better located: local shopping on Dunville Avenue with Morton's supermarket, The Nobó Treathouse, The Best of Italy speciality grocery store and Rosalin's book and gift store are literally on your doorstep. The Beechwood Luas stop is a mere 2-minute walk away. Whilst the restaurants, public houses and sports/leisure facilities of nearby Ranelagh village and Rathmines are also close by. This prime location is also well served by excellent local junior and senior schools.
Ticking all boxes from location, garden, parking, lifestyle, space and versatility, Solferino Lodge truly is uniquely special!