Leisha McGrath, an organisational psychologist, transformational coach, and shaman, utilized her unique combination of skills to transform her home in Co Dublin. The house, located at 9 Maretimo Road, Blackrock, was originally a 1930s end-of-terrace, three-bedroom property. However, McGrath’s vision was to upgrade it into a modern, four-bedroom residence equipped with air-to-water heating and an electric car charging point.
The house is part of a development constructed by Thomas Archer in the 1930s, which was centered around Maretimo House, previously owned by the Lawless family. The mansion, built in the 18th century, was eventually demolished in 1970. McGrath and her husband, Danny, purchased 9 Maretimo Road in 2010, during a time when the Irish property market was still reeling from the crash of 2007. They initially completed basic renovations, making it livable and installing an Ikea kitchen.
After six years of living in the house, they felt ready to take on a more extensive renovation and a two-story extension. McGrath approached the project with her typical mindset as an organisational psychologist, considering the well-being, energy, and ease of the space. She believed that people often live from the outside in, allowing external factors to dictate their actions instead of considering their own desires. She applied this philosophy to the house renovation, focusing on identifying and harnessing the energy within the space.
McGrath wanted the home to be a perfect fit for her family of four, including her son and daughter. Instead of incorporating a separate playroom, she integrated play areas into the living space and created a den/study that was soundproofed for everyone’s use.
With the assistance of an architect, McGrath and her husband transformed the original garage into a modern section running from the front to the rear of the house. This new section now contains a den/study on the ground floor and a new master bedroom with an ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, and sauna on the upper floor. They maintained the original door but added a porch that matched the style of the new section, creating a portico effect. The entrance hallway leads to the sitting room with its original 1930s tiled fireplace, and the bay window frame has been updated with modern glazing.
The rear of the house features a kitchen/dining room that spans the width of the property, with bi-folding doors connecting the two spaces. The ground floor boasts herringbone trunk flooring throughout. The kitchen is equipped with a Langrell kitchen, Silestone worktops, glass door display cabinets, a central island, and premium appliances. Sliding doors lead to the rear garden, and there is also a utility area that includes storage space and the air-to-water heating system.
Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms, including the main ensuite bedroom overlooking the front garden. The original box room has been incorporated into the landing, where a custom-made window seat with storage has been installed. Additionally, there is a family bathroom and a laundry room on this level. The attic has been converted into a fourth double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.
The house retains many of its original features, such as internal doors, ceiling coving, cornicing, and fireplaces. Outside, the front of the house features a pebble stone area with mature shrubs and trees, as well as secure bike storage and built-in bin storage. The smaller back garden has been transformed into a patio space with granite slabs, raised flowerbeds, and various trees and shrubs.
Now, McGrath and her husband are in search of a larger space due to potential extended family needs, although they are sad to leave their current home and the close-knit community it resides in. The property is listed with Sherry FitzGerald for €1.195m.
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