28 Fitzwilliam Square South
and Mews To Rear At Kingram Pl
Dublin 2
D02 XF88

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire one of Georgian Dublin’s most authentic and historic residences on the south/west side of one of Dublin’s premier Georgian squares.

As the property has remained in the same family ownership since 1922 (see history below) it has remained largely unaltered and as a result has retained its numerous notable period features, including its original mantlepieces, magnificent ornate ceiling cornice-work and centre roses.

The stunningly elegant proportions are evident throughout the five floors and are particularly noticeable on the hall, first and second floors, affording the discerning purchaser a very special opportunity to create one of Dublin’s finest Georgian residences, combining the elegance and character of a bygone era, with the modern conveniences and comforts of today (subject to p.p.)

What makes the sale of No. 28 so very special is that it is being sold fully intact as it includes the original coach house at the rear, which fronts onto Kingram Place. Despite the fact that the coach house is now in derelict condition, it still retains some of its charming original features, such as its stalls and loft accommodation and accordingly could (subject to p.p.) be restored to create a beautiful guest lodge or home office. The fact that the original site is fully intact, also allows for private off-street parking to the rear.

Situated towards the Pembroke Street end of Fitzwilliam Square South, the property enjoys the most desirable position on the square, as it is undoubtedly the quietest side, enjoys a wonderfully sunny south/west orientation at the rear and of course overlooks the magnificent mature trees and spacious lawns of Fitzwilliam Square itself. Residents of the square who become members of the Fitzwilliam Square Association have access.

The prime position of the property makes it the perfect choice for those wishing to live with the extensive amenities of Dublin, virtually on its doorstep.

Just some of these amenities include the extensive speciality shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques of Leeson Street and Pembroke Street, Merrion Square etc., numerous 5 star hotels, such as The Shelbourne, The Merrion, The Conrad and The Westbury Hotel. Grafton Street, the city’s premier shopping street is also within a pleasant stroll, as are the extensive recreational facilities of St. Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square, The National Concert Hall, National Art Gallery, National History Museum and Trinity College.

THE HISTORY:
After a century of ownership, the guardianship of this beautiful Georgian home will be passed on to new owners, who will acquire not just a wonderful residence, but a house rich in provenance.

Fitzwilliam Square was constructed over a 40-year period between 1790 and 1830. The south side was the last to be built, and a guidebook of the time appealed strongly that this side should not be built, so that people living on the other sides of the square would have an uninterrupted view of the Dublin hills!

Dating from approximately 1828 and built under a lease granted by the Pembroke Estate by a Wexford merchant, Clement Codd, this remarkable house has the unique distinction of being the only Georgian house of the squares in Dublin to consistently remain as a private residence throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

The battle to maintain this house as a private residence hasn’t always been an easy one, as instanced in 1895 when the Pembroke Estate fought a successful, rear guard legal action to ensure that No. 28 wasn’t turned into a private hospital by the tenant of the day.

This beautiful square of Georgian houses, correct in every classical detail, overlooks the wonderful communal gardens. Thackeray described these gardens as 'a noble place, the garden of which is full of flowers and foliage'.

In 1897, the house was purchased by Denis Henry, a Catholic Unionist who subsequently became a Westminster MP for ‘Londonderry South’ from 1916. He was later appointed Attorney General for Ireland from July 1919 – July 1921. In July 1921 he stepped out of politics and became Chief Justice of the newly created Northern Ireland State, and left Fitzwilliam Square behind to move North.

In December 1921, Denis Henry instructed Battersby & Company Auctioneers to advertise the house for sale in the Irish Times. On 17th December the following advertisement appeared:
‘Superior residence containing 5 reception and 6 bedrooms, garden, coach-house and stable’
At the time, the late Charlie Meenan was a child living with his family nearby in 66 St. Stephen’s Green. His parents, James and Mary, responded to the Irish Times advertisement by purchasing the house in early 1922 for £500 and moving their young family to this larger home which has remained a family residence ever since.

In the 1969 winter edition of the periodical review Studies, the late Charlie Meenan wrote a seminal article on the history of the Georgian squares of Dublin, in which he said:

‘The squares are zoned for preservation and let us hope that the City Fathers will make sure that nothing is done to impair their symmetry or their beauty.’

Over 50 years have passed, and these hopes have been honoured, and his and his late wife Liobháin’s guardianship of No. 28 have played a part in the preservation movement of the last half century.

No. 28 has been preserved as a timeless, traditional, private residence, and includes the original coach house, which is now in a dilapidated state, but retains features of the original horse stables. While the entire property requires modernisation, its original features, and the integrity of its original form, to include the coach house, present a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial family residence in one of the most beautiful parts of Dublin.

Entrance Hall: Original hall door with original door furniture, fanlight above, two glazed side panels with stained glass detail, superb ceiling with detailed double cornice and ornate centre rose, carved dado, brass handrail, black and white tiled floor, archway with panelled and carved detail.
Study (Front): Panelled door with ornate architrave, detailed cornice and centre rose, tall sash window with working shutters, a pair of mahogany bookcases, fine original black marble mantelpiece with tiled inset.
Dining Room: Panelled door with ornate architrave, detailed cornice and centre rose, arched recess, tall triple sash window with working shutters, fine original black marble mantelpiece with tiled inset.
Steps to:
Hall return: with understair store, black and white flooring, sash window.
Guest Cloakroom: W.C., wash hand basin, sash window.
Kitchen/Breakfast Room: Two metal framed casement windows, range of units at high and low level, stainless steel sink unit, red brick mantelpiece, laminate wood effect floor, timber panelled ceiling, immersion heater, door to
Utility Room: Plumbed for washing machine, stainless steel sink, metal casement windows, door to rear garden.Store cupboard (original access to basement)Stunning original carved staircase to
1st Floor Return: Carved decorative archway, large sash window, spectacular original double panelled door with stained glass detail.
Sitting Room (rear) Decorative cornice, picture rail, fine marble mantelpiece with tiled inset and brass hood, decorative ornate arch, dual aspect corner window.
First Floor
Drawing room (front): This was originally one magnificent room and is now divided into two but would easily revert to its original layout. The room has retained its ornate ceiling cornice, centre rose, fine marble mantelpiece, wide plank polished timber floor, twin sash cord windows with working shutters overlooking Fitzwilliam Square and elegant carved panelled double doors to
Dining Room (rear): Decorative cornice and frieze, intricate centre rose, tall triple sash window with working shutters facing south west and overlooking the rear garden, matching marble mantelpiece with tiled inset and hearth.
2nd Floor Return: Arched window with detailed carving and fanlight, door to
Bathroom: Bath with hand shower attachment, wash hand basin, w.c., dual aspect.
Second Floor:
Landing (Front): with detailed carved archway.
Bedroom 1 (front): Overlooking Fitzwilliam Square, two sash windows with working shutters, coved ceiling, black marble mantelpiece, fitted bookshelves.
Bedroom 2 (rear): Tall sash window, door to storeroom.
Stairs to:
Top Floor:
Bedroom 3 (Rear): Sash window faces west, view over rear garden, picture rail. Access to roof space.Lobby with built-in storage presses.Hot press with immersion.
Bathroom: Bath, w.c., window.
Separate W.C.: w.c. with window
Kitchenette: Butlers sink with double drainer, gas cooker, built-in cupboard and shelving, orginal rooflight.
Bedroom 4 (front): Sash window overlooking Fitzwilliam Square.
Living Room/Bedroom 5: Sash window overlooking Fitzwilliam Square.
Basement Level: Metal steps to coal store/storeroom.
Entrance Lobby: with storeroom and cloakroom off
Hallway: with quarry tiled floor, door to
Home Office: with window to front and door to Storeroom/Filing Room.
Inner Hallway: with storeroom off and door to
Sitting Room (rear): mantlepiece, with sash window
Basement Return:
Lobby: with door to rear garden.
Kitchen: Two windows, sink unit.
Bathroom: W.C., wash hand basin, small window.
Outside: Rear Garden (30m x 8.46m approx.). Bordered by original cut stone walls, the garden faces south-west and as a result, enjoys day long sunshine. Steps fromthe garden lead down to the lower courtyard accessed from the basement. A pedestrian door provides access to the original Mews/Coach House, which fronts onto Kingram Place.
Coach House/Mews: This original two storey lofted coach house/mews (7.4m x 6.5m approx.) has retained its original charm and character having retained the original stalls. Overhead is a large loft area. To the front, accessed through large timber gates on to Kingram Place, is a courtyard providing off-street parking. The coach house is in derelict condition and requires extensive refurbishment.

BER: Exempt

Dublin's South City Centre is a vibrant locality with a diverse host of amenities. The area is home to countless sites of archaeological and socio-cultural interest, reflecting Ireland's colourful history. Some of these include Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Castle, and Temple Bar but to name a few. South Dublin also boasts countless shopping areas and recreational facilities, providing the population with access to anything the heart desires.