Belvedere House, Dublin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belvedere House |
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Belvedere House in 2011
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| Alternative names | Belvedere House |
| General information | |
| Type | School administrative building and museum |
| Address | Great Denmark Street |
| Country | Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°21′20″N 6°15′43″W / 53.35544°N 6.26202°W |
| Groundbreaking | 1775 |
| Completed | 1786 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Robert West, Michael Stapleton (Interior stucco work) |
Belvedere House is a grand old building in Dublin, Ireland. It is a historic townhouse, which means it was once a large, fancy home in a city. You can find it on Great Denmark Street.
This impressive house was built a long time ago, between 1775 and 1786. It was commissioned by George Rochfort, 2nd Earl of Belvedere. The building cost a lot of money back then, about £24,000.
A skilled artist named Michael Stapleton designed the beautiful plasterwork inside. This special plasterwork, called stucco, decorates the ceilings. In 1841, Belvedere House became a school for boys, Belvedere College, which is still there today.
Some people say that the house is haunted. They believe the ghost of George Rochfort's mother, Mary Molesworth, still roams the halls. She passed away in the house.
Belvedere House is located close to other interesting places in Dublin. These include the Garden of Remembrance and the James Joyce Centre.
Exploring Belvedere House's Design
Belvedere House is a very grand and balanced building. It stands alone and has a neat, even look. The front of the house has five main sections and four floors, plus a basement.
Exterior Features and Materials
The outside of the house was updated in the 1950s. It was covered with new red bricks. The lower part of the building, called the basement level, has a special stone finish. This finish is made from Portland stone and gives it a strong, textured look.
On the first floor, there is a decorative railing called a balustrade. This is also made of Portland stone. Above the very top floor, there is a granite parapet and frieze. These are decorative stone borders that add to the building's elegant style.
