Welcome to No. 7 Hawthorn Terrace: A Tardis in East Wall!
Ah, Dublin! Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and, let’s not forget, a weather system that thinks it’s auditioning for a bad soap opera. But today, we’re looking at a property that proves you can teach an old dog new tricks. Or in this case, an old terraced house. With the exterior looking almost as welcoming as a troll under a bridge, you’d expect this three-bedroom chateau to be an eternal game of “guess how pokey it really is.” But step inside, dear reader, and you’ll find something delightfully deceptive!
A Price to Ponder
Asking price: €575,000
Agent: DNG Fairview, Rachel Cunningham, (01) 8331802
Meet the Homeowners
Brian Colhoun, an IT consultant and singer-songwriter, along with his partner, Sinead Keenan, a consultant for NGOs, have worked a bit of magic on this old gem. They bought it from an elderly woman who’d clearly never heard of an en suite bathroom—because who needs one of those, right? It wasn’t modernized since it was built. In fact, the only thing rustic about this house was the outdoor toilet, which bless their hearts, only got upgraded in 2010! And you thought your last Airbnb was low on amenities.
The House: An Unexpected Wonderland
Upon entering, it’s like the Tardis straight out of Doctor Who: deceptively small from the front and surprisingly spacious within. Brian can’t help but chuckle at the reception of visitors commenting on its “size.” Can you match that with a witty comeback? “Oh, well, we just built a house made of Tardis technology.” I can hear the confused gasps already!
“The house was rustic and had changed little since it was built,” explains Colhoun. But now, it’s a canvas of creativity!”
The Living Space: Modern Flair Meets Homely Comfort
Fast forward through the house’s evolution, and you’ll find that they not only put a toilet inside but also managed to build an open-plan kitchen and dining area that’s practically screaming for guests. They even added skylights above the kitchen counter—this isn’t just a nice touch; it’s practically a statement against the chaos of daily life, echoing: “Look! Natural light! And it’s free—take that, utility bills!”
According to Colhoun, “It’s like hosting Saturday pizza parties with the family while simultaneously doing your best to keep the dog from stealing the toppings.” Not too shabby for a house once known for its old-school outdoor amenities! 🍕
A Community Spirit That’s as Bright as Their Home
But it’s not all about the shiny new things! The couple has chosen a neighborhood that feels like the last bastion of friendly neighbors. Kids can roam outside without being abducted by smartphone zombies, and they are just a stroll away from Fairview Park. A real community, you say? What is this, the 1950s? Or did someone find the secret formula to keep the kooky vibes intact?
“It’s a traditional community with friendly neighbours,” Clough says. Perhaps everyone’s just a little less cynical in their dealings!
The Conclusion: Forward to New Adventures
Now, as they plan to leap deeper into the heart of the countryside—a place where the cows might stop by for chats over the garden fence—they’re ready for this next chapter of life. But not without a hint of nostalgia for all the memories made in this charming abode.
So, if you’ve got €575,000 burning a hole in your pocket and dream of living a life where the neighbors are friendly, the house has an identity crises, and the kids are already quite quicker to make a pizza than they are at learning their multiplication tables—this might just be the right Tardis for you!
Although it featured an external toilet until 2010, clever renovations have enabled Brian Colhoun and Sinead Keenan to modernize their terraced home in Dublin, bringing it firmly into the 21st century.
From the outside, No7 Hawthorn Terrace, a charming three-bedroom, single-storey period residence located in the bustling area of East Wall, may appear diminutive and shadowy, but it offers a surprisingly spacious and luminous interior.
Keenan, who works as a consultant for various NGOs, took ownership of the property in 2010 after purchasing it from an elderly woman whose family had occupied it for generations. “Although the home was rustic and retained much of its original charm, it had not undergone substantial modernization over the years,” Colhoun shares, adding that the structure was surprisingly well-preserved.
Keenan made the decision to remove the outdoor toilet, opting instead for a more contemporary and functional indoor facility.
The couple’s journey evolved dramatically when they relocated temporarily to Colhoun’s family’s residence in Clontarf while overseeing the construction of their extension. “We devoted considerable thought to the design of the extension,” Colhoun explains, noting their initial consideration of building upward, which was ultimately deemed impractical due to height restrictions.
They opted for a rear extension to maximize sunlight, drawing inspiration from extensive garden space and Keenan’s parent’s home in Connemara.
Throughout the renovations, they demonstrated a meticulous attention to natural light, installing fan lights that capture and redirect sunlight throughout the day, enhancing the ambience within the home.
They transformed the quaint and dimly lit kitchen into a functional bedroom, while utilizing part of the back garden to establish a bright and airy open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area.
Here, the couple thoughtfully included a skylight, flooding the space with natural light, while the various lighting configurations and an elegant overhanging lamp contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The couple has found their open-plan environment fosters a strong sense of community and connection during family cooking times. “Every Saturday, I prepare a homemade pizza with the kids. We often invite extended family and friends to partake, and during the summer months, our guests enjoy spilling out onto the patio,” shares Colhoun.
They’ve elegantly furnished the living space with a minimalist aesthetic while introducing vibrant colors through thoughtfully chosen furniture and decor, enhancing the ambiance and livability.
The couple is preparing to sell their home to embark on a new adventure, potentially moving to the scenic west of Ireland where they have familial connections.
“We will undoubtedly feel nostalgic for the cherished memories we’ve created here,” Colhoun remarks, “but we are eager for this next chapter in our lives.”
Number 7 Hawthorn Terrace is currently listed for sale at an asking price of €575,000 through DNG Fairview.
T to be the perfect backdrop for family gatherings and casual get-togethers, emphasizing connections over chaos. It’s the kind of place where memories are made, and laughter is in abundance—even when the dog tries to swipe a slice of pizza!
As for the neighborhood? It’s a throwback to a time when communities thrived on genuine interaction instead of just social media likes. With kids playing outside and neighbors greeting one another with friendly waves, you might just forget you’re not living in a black-and-white movie from the ’50s. The vibrant local spirit seems almost magical!
With all these changes, this home has not only modernized but has also embraced the nostalgia of its past, making it a unique blend of old charm and contemporary conveniences. Whether it’s cheerful morning sunlight streaming through the skylights or cozy evenings spent around the dining table, the couple’s abode reflects the harmonious balance of community spirit and personal creativity.
So, if you’re ready to join the ranks of friendly neighbors and bask in the glow of multiple skylights, remember: No7 Hawthorn Terrace is more than just a house—it’s an invitation to create your own stories, right in the heart of Dublin!
