Description
“Somali” is a rare home with a rich history surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty.
It has evolved to become an architectural triumph with origins from 1912 and aptly derives its name from the great Herbert Park exhibition of 1907. The exhibition led this particular part of Howth to become known locally as Somali Village, a term used daily among residents.
Briefly renamed Drumnigh, it was re-designed by one of Irelands most celebrated architects Michael Scott in or around the 1950’s.
The house had languished vacant for many years until Crean Salley Architects were commissioned in c2001 by its current owners. The result is a remarkable achievement, a sensitive enhancement of a genuine deco style taking every advantage of its hypnotic elevated location.
On completion, the owners returned to the original name Somali, as this was the expressed wish of the first owners descendants, a fitting end to the story so far.
On arrival, the long winding driveway glides and winds upwards several stories to the parking bays. At this level the breath-taking views are revealed as is the monumental scale of this fascinating home.
The reception hall is wide and bathed in perfect southerly light.
To the west off this hall is the architects cantilevered extended drawing room set the at a lower level to the original room, creating a split level with increased ceiling height. This generously proportioned space is ideal for entertaining as expansive sliding glazed panels open onto the terrace where views are captivating by day and spellbinding by night. Scotts’ original fireplace remains, linking past with present in stylish fashion.
A few short steps from here lead to the added family room adjoining the drawing room and connected directly to an open plan contemporary kitchen. These spaces link seamlessly for easy family living and open to the terraces from which the comings and goings of Dublin bay below can be enjoyed.
Outside the kitchen along the rear, a large glazed screen opens onto views of the hill behind and lights a double height space providing access to the master bedroom suite, a private roof terrace and a family library and study. Roomy enough to hide here for hours on top of the world !
Beyond the staircase returns to the hall where a neat cinema room is ideally located. The main hall leads into a long glazed inner hallway beyond and to the rear revealing a stone courtyard and water feature. Here, three additional bedrooms are side by side, each with smart en-suite shower rooms and special bay views.
At the end of the hall is the entrance to a spectacular home spa featuring a pool and a large gym and recreation space. Basic entertaining services are available here while a frameless glazed wall reveals Dublin bay views and easy access to a private terrace, inviting to outside and facing south.
A bespoke staircase leads down to the lower ground floor with more recreational space and a games room, steam room and laconium room. Access is available from here to a fully equipped self-contained one bedroom apartment, with separate access at the front and its own paved courtyard.
Somali has aged admirably over a century of time, while architecturally it’s as relevant today as when it was first created.
The elevated site stretches across the southern slopes of the Howth peninsula where a perfect southerly aspect bathes private grounds covering c1.5 acres. Those acres have had the benefit of time to grow a blanket of privacy and seclusion on all sides.
The spellbinding vista offers a uniquely special view spanning the entirety of Dublin bay to the east right into the city scape to the west. At almost 7,790 sq ft (724m2), the interior is equally impressive while remaining nothing more than a home, albeit a very special one.
Viewing is available by appointment with Conor Gallagher, Gallagher Quigley +3538183000 conor@gallagherquigley.ie Features
Breathtaking panoramic Dublin Bay views
Perfect southerly orientation
C1.5 acres of secluded terraced gardens
C724 m2 / 7,790 sq ft of luxurious accommodation
An integral one bedroom guest/staff apartment
4 double ensuite bedrooms.
4 reception rooms/home cinema
Luxurious home spa with pool/gym/sauna/laconium
South facing Terraces BER Details
BER: C3 BER No.112493770 Energy Performance Indicator:206.92 kWh/m²/yr