A Gothic revival one-bed with period features aplenty within a minute’s walk of the Grand Canal
Address: 27, Saint Kevins, Bloomfield Avenue, Portobello, Dublin 8, D08 F1H2
Portobello remains one of Dublin’s most desirable inner suburbs, but entry-level prices are high, even for the smallest of houses.
Number 27 Saint Kevin’s is a one-bedroom, one bathroom apartment in a beautifully converted church, a landmark building on the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and the South Circular Road.
Designed by Sir Thomas Drew in 1886, with a distinctive red sandstone trim, its conversion into about 30 apartments in the mid-1990s was overseen by architect Mary Donohue, who was also responsible for the Warehouse, a similar era, very smart reimagining of a garment factory off nearby Clanbrassil Street into New York loft-style apartments.
At 35 square metres in size, it errs on the bijou and comes with no exterior space but makes up for these shortcomings with striking features aplenty.
The church’s overhead beams and trusses remain overhead, and a stone-encased church window, which forms the centre of the open plan living kitchen, are the first things that will draw the eye.
Underfoot, there is pale oak parquet flooring throughout.
Set under the eaves, the recently upgraded kitchen is set in a simple c-shape.
The bedroom is small and simply laid out. The bathroom has been contemporarised and includes a roomy shower stall.
There is no lift in the property; it is a walk-up and comes with one designated parking space.
The location is first-rate. The Grand Canal is at the end of the street. Dublin’s Camden Quarter is a short stroll away.
Number 7, a ground floor studio of 38 square metres sold in 2020 for €235,000, its asking price, according to the property price register.
Agent Owen Reilly is seeking €325,000 for the property, which is Ber-exempt.
