Picture a grand residence a stately home standing proudly on Newtown Avenue in Blackrock County Dublin. This is Newtown House a place steeped in history. Its story unfolds like a captivating novel its pages filled with tales of prominent families and intriguing events.
Newtown House is more than just a building. It’s a silent witness to centuries of Dublin life. Its two-story facade painted white is truly elegant. Six stone steps lead to a paneled front door. A fanlight graces its top. A cut-stone portico frames it. Both the portico and the roofline boast balustrades. Decorative stone brackets support the roofline. Six fluted stone columns add to the grandeur. The five plate glass windows have rounded upper corners. Those on the first floor are adorned with an ornamental frieze. Ground floor windows display stone scrolls on their sills and decorative brackets below.
A gravel driveway and circular lawn with a majestic weeping ash at its center welcome you. A gate lodge completes the picture. Inside the magnificent Murano glass chandelier in the hall catches your eye. The ceiling’s elaborate plasterwork features musical instruments. A large bird perhaps an eagle or phoenix soars towards sun rays.
The rear of Newtown House holds even more charm. This earlier Georgian structure was extensively remodeled by John Skipton Mulvany for William Hodgens. Several reception rooms are beautifully decorated with Italian murals. Large plate glass windows offer stunning views of the expansive garden. The garden once extended down to the sea. It included the Tobernea well. Local legends whisper of an older Newtown Castle once standing on this very site.
Newtown House has known many occupants. The O’Meara family resided here for many years. The Hodgens family followed. They were later succeeded by the Andrews family. Each left their mark. J J Byrne a colourful character was also a resident. He survived a shooting incident in 1923. He was also involved in a court case related to the White City carnival. The Trimlestown-Nixon family hosted many social events at Newtown House. These were often mentioned in the local press.
The house was once advertised for sale or rent. In 1920 it was described as boasting 4 acres overlooking the sea. Tennis facilities were even available. In 1926 it sold for £1000. By the 1960s the grounds were reduced to 1.5 acres. The lower garden was sold to the Scouts. The house had been subdivided into flats. Plans for a large apartment complex were approved but never materialized. Today Newtown House is a single-family home.
A visit to Newtown House is a journey into Dublin’s past. The home’s beauty history and colourful residents are sure to create a lasting impression. You may even feel a connection with the past. As you stand there imagine the stories these walls could tell.