Gifford, 8 Temple Villas, Rathmines

Dublin, DU D06 KT35

'Gifford', 8 Temple Villas is a most elegant and imposing 5-bedroom semi-detached Victorian home dating from 1885, perfectly positioned at the Palmerston Park end of this much sought after road. Extending to 336sq m / 3617sq ft approx. this is a truly impressive handsome house with rooms of gracious proportions that are full of charm and rich in Victorian detail, further complemented by beautiful, landscaped gardens front and rear, with the large private rear garden enjoying a sunny westerly orientation.
Of historical note, the house has a significant link to the 1916 Rising. It was home to the Gifford sisters, two of whom married Rising leaders, hence the house name ‘Gifford', which now proudly adorns the granite stone at the entrance gates. Grace Gifford, who married Joseph Plunkett in the chapel at Kilmainham Gaol just hours before he was executed by firing squad, is the subject of the well-known song ‘Grace'. Her sister, Muriel Gifford was married to Thomas MacDonagh, who was also executed.
Offering a gracious balance of elegant living space with five generous double bedrooms well served by ample bathrooms, these wide, two-storey houses with three-storey returns are much admired and sought after. It is evident to see why, with their handsome aesthetic and stately grandeur, sitting well back from the road. A welcoming porch with the original encaustic Victorian tiled floor and reception hallway lead to three large reception rooms and a kitchen/breakfast room with large utility room off. This spacious ground floor layout offers tremendous scope to extend / enlarge to the rear (subject to relevant planning permission).
The gardens are a wonderful bonus to and noteworthy feature of this house, enjoying a superb orientation - east to the front and west to the back. The private front garden has a generous gravelled area providing off street parking for several cars. Tastefully landscaped with a mix of formal structure and modern planting, it enjoys year-round colour, complementing the red brick facade of Number 8. The wonderfully secluded rear garden cannot be overstated. Laid out in lawn, it measures an impressive 24m x 16m (approx.) and enjoys year-round privacy, providing space and enjoyment for the entire family. A large patio at the back of the house is perfect for al fresco dining.
Supremely located - as well as its proximity to the Luas, it is within walking distance of the extensive range of local amenities. Rathmines, Rathgar and Ranelagh, with their great selection of restaurants, bars and specialist shops are just a short walk away while local shopping at Upper Rathmines Road and Dunville Avenue are on the doorstep. Additionally, the city centre is just minutes away via the Luas. The area is also extremely well served with schools and sports facilities with some of Dublin's best schools nearby including Alexandra College, Gonzaga College, St Mary's College, Sandford Park, and Kildare Place, to name a few, while sports clubs in the neighbourhood include Milltown Golf Club, David Lloyd Riverview, Brookfield Tennis Club and Dartry Health Club. Verdant Palmerston Park is a gentle stroll away.
It is seldom that these fine homes come to the market, indeed it is rare that those situated on the sunny western side of this premier road come to the market. Gifford is sure to be of appeal to discerning buyers both near and far.