house

Terraced two-bay two-storey former house over basement, built c. 1860 as one of six, with return to rear (east) elevation. Now in use as flats. Pitched M-profile roof, hidden behind red brick parapet with cut granite coping, and having shared red brick chimneystack. Red brick walling, laid in Flemish bond, with cut granite plinth course over rusticated granite basement walling to front elevation. Segmental-headed window openings to ground and first floors, with rendered reveals, granite sills and two-over-two pane timber sliding sash windows; square-headed opening to basement with rendered reveal, red brick surround and replacement uPVC window; square-headed six-over-six pane timber sliding sash windows and round-headed window apparent to rear. Elliptical-headed doorway with moulded render reveals and doorcase comprising timber panelled pilasters, fluted brackets having foliate and acanthus leaf detail, moulded cornice, timber panelled door and plain fanlight. Render and granite platform with cast and wrought-iron railings approached by flight of eleven nosed granite steps. Cast-iron gate to front, with matching railings set on cut granite wall.

The massing and materials of this house are characteristic of suburban domestic architecture in the Victorian period, while the unusual, slight irregularity of the bays adds a unique character to the terrace. The house has a strong sense of its original character and the patina of age is enhanced by the timber sliding sash windows, while the doorcase shows artistry in its composition and execution, adding an aesthetic appeal that greatly enhances the structure and the wider streetscape. The iron gates and railings further enhance the setting and stand as a testament to the skill of past craftsmen. Drumcondra Road Lower is part of one of the principal ancient routeways, the Great Drogheda Road, leading north from the city. The planting of the London limes along the road verges in the eighteenth century coincided with the beginning of the development of these terraces of red brick houses and contributes to the character of this streetscape.