Open House Dublin 2018 - Résidence de France

The Open House Dublin 2018 took place on Saturday October 13th. It is an initiative to showcase outstanding architecture in Dublin. Buildings that are not usually open to the public open their doors and you can see inside some real architectural gems. It is Ireland's largest architecture festival.

View of Résidence de France from Ailesbury Road.

This year, I was delighted to be a guide at the Résidence de France for the second year in a row. The Résidence de France, the official residence of the French ambassador to Ireland is located at 53 Ailesbury Road, Dublin. The building was designed by the architect, Alfred Gresham Jones and built between 1883 and 1885 for George Bustard.

Originally known as Mytilene, it is an impressive looking building with its carved granite staircase leading up to the portico. The white brick distinguishes it from all the other houses on the road, which are clad in red brick. Inside, the layout is much the same as it was when it was built. When the French Government bought the building in 1930, the furniture had all been auctioned off by the Bustard family.

Close up view of front of the Résidence de France.

What a great initiative the Open House is. I am so grateful to have been a part of it again this year.