Description
Arbutus Lodge, one of the older homes in Bray, takes its name from one of the many specimen trees and plants found in this hidden Georgian gem's glorious private gardens, a veritable “ rus in urbe” on the northern approach to the town whose famed esplanade seafront and harbour have charmed visitors and residents alike for generations. Their home of some thirty years, our vendor clients thoughtfully restored Arbutus Lodge with an artist's eye to detail. Early into the project, stripping plasterwork above the dining room door, they found an old ship's beam inserted as its lintel which they exposed for character and effect; similarly finding the original quarry tile floor extant in this room, today it is a central part of its charm, complemented by salvaged painted Minton tiles each side of the period fireplace. While the travertine floor in the reception hall is modern to reflect light, the family bathroom boasts an Art Deco wash basin, and a restored roll-top bath, resplendent in a central floor position. Even the kitchen has a story, its limestone floor tiles rescued from a French Chateau renovation and interspersed with hand-cut slate “ diamonds”. First impressions count, too, and upon entering the limestone-floored conservatory, it's remarkable to note its frame is constructed from antique pitch-pine originating in a Belfast bonded whiskey warehouse. It's not all period ambiance, however while the elegant drawing room and principal bedroom each boast handsome marble fireplaces, the property bristles with modern amenity, witnessed by the luxury bathrooms, integrated custom kitchen, utility and wet-room shower.
The conservatory complements three characterful reception and a study on the ground floor, while upstairs two of the five bedroom share an ensuite shower-room. The garden is truly a delight, with off-street parking behind electric gates revealing a fine garage versatile for many uses.
Arbutus Lodge is mere minutes' walk to a city-bound bus-stop; convenient to Bray DART, and just a couple of gear-changes to the N11/M11/M50 corridor. Being at the gate to the “ Garden County”, Wicklow's favorite scenic spots are easily accessed, and Bray's amenities include retail new Town Centre due completion soon; athletic sporting G.A.A., soccer, tennis, sailing and shore angling; with the attraction of the cliff walk to Greystones awaiting at the southern end of the seafront esplanade, which is host to the town's liveliest venues and eateries. A great place for schools and amenities to rear a family, Bray's Arbutus Lodge is well worth a visit by any discerning buyer seeking something different. Accommodation
Conservatory: -
Antique architectural salvage pitch-pine conservatory with opening roof-lights, double doors from the garden, and limestone floor. Panelled entrance door to:-
Reception hallway: -
With travertine tiled floor and atrium glazed feature.
Dining room: -
With original quarry tile floor; period marble surround fireplace with Minton painted antique tiles in cast-metal inset, and slate hearth. Understairs storage alcove housing utility meters, etc. A door leads to:-
Family Room: -
With polished timber floor finish, twin ceiling spot clusters, and multiple power points for media/sound etc. Gothic mullioned glass internal window panel. Arched through to Eat-in kitchen:-
Kitchen: -
Sandstone fireplace surround for visual effect; triple rooflights to complement high-level southerly window; French limestone tiled floor with slate diamond-shaped inserts; custom craft joinery kitchen cabinets with wine rack, stainless steel utensil drawers, polished granite work surfaces and tiled splashbacks; Belfast sink; recessed downlighters; integrated appliances include Bosch oven and microwave; de Dietrich 5-ring gas hob beneath stainless steel extractor hood. Part-glazed door to:
Utility room: -
With limestone floor, plumbed for undercounter washing machine and dryer; power points, etc.
Wet-room shower bathroom 1: -
With waterfall head. W.C, wash basin, wall mirror, vanity light, mechanical extract fan; heated towel rail, and Velux rooflight.Returning to the reception hall via the family room, there is a lobby with storage cupboard.
Drawing Room: -
A lovely dual aspect room overlooking the garden and opening via double doors to the conservatory, oak floor, period marble fireplace with cast metal inset; decorative ceiling plasterwork.
Study/ home office: -
Polished timber floor; cast-metal fireplace surround; westerly aspect window plus Velux.
Family Bathroom 2: -
With period roll-top bath; Art Deco style wash basin; W.C.; corner linen cupboards, wall niche.
First Floor: -
Approaching the bright gallery landing featuring twin Velux rooflights, on one's right off the stairs:
Bedroom 1: -
Polished timber floor; southerly aspect; cast-metal fire surround; alcove cupboard concealing wall mounted central heating boiler.
Bedroom 2: -
A dual-aspect l-shaped room with three Velux rooflights and timber floor finish.
Ensuite: -
“ Jack 'n Jill” bathroom 3 with corner tiled Mira electric shower and curved glazed screen; W.C, wash basin; wall medicine cabinet; Also ensuite with:
Bedroom 3: -
Another dual aspect room with Velux rooflight complementing a gable window. Cast metal fire surround. Timber floor finish.A “ back stairs” leads from bedroom 3 back downstairs. off the main landing, there are two further light-filled rooms with painted timber floors:-
Principal/ Bedroom 4: -
Above the drawing room with a dual aspect looking westwards over the garden. Period marble fireplace with cast metal inset.
Dressing room/ Bedroom 5: -
With fitted wall-shelving.
Outside: -
Approached from Dublin Road via a sheltered characterful arched audio/visually controlled gate, a pathway gently meanders between lush hedgerows to reveal the conservatory, before opening out to a south-westerly rear garden professionally landscaped in pristine lawn defined by a central sandstone path lined by olive trees, where an amount of specimen plants and flowering shrubs such as Japanese maple provide a sun-trap setting for paved terraces and a gazebo designed for outdoor living. Double vehicular gates lend access from (legal right-of-way). Roseville Court to a paved parking apron in front of a fine detached garage with pedestrian and vehicular access, power and light, ideal also as a studio for hobbies and leisure pursuits.
Features
- Special Features:
- Thoughtfully restored Georgian gem walking distance harbour, seafront, and town centre amenities
- Arbutus is one of Bray's Historic houses and is referenced in many publications including Bray's historic houses and the 1837 ordance survey.
- Beautiful landscaped garden featuring specimen trees, terrace and gazebo
- Elegant reception hall with Travertine tiled floor
- Five bedrooms; three bathrooms ( one ensuite)
- Antique pitch-pine conservatory
- Drawing room and dining room with period fireplace surrounds
- Family room, study, and custom fitted kitchen with attractive tiled floor
- Private parking and large garage with power and light
BER Details
BER: F
BER No: 114129307
Energy Performance Indicator: 97.32 kWh/m2/yr Negotiator
