That was the case with the owners of 4 Dartmouth Terrace, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 . . . a sympathetically restored midterrace two-bed within walking distance of St Stephen's Green. Mark and Celine Forbes moved here four years ago, with necessary restoration work awaiting them, but also enough remaining period features to lend the property instant character and charm.

"The feature we really loved from the start was the high ceilings, even in the bedrooms, which really gave a wonderful sense of space throughout, " says Mark, adding that where other architectural fittings were gone, they sought out similiar antique pieces as authentic replacements. "My mother-in-law found a great cast iron and tiled inset fireplace in a place in Maynooth. It had originally been found in a field, covered in layers of white paint, and then restored by this company. It now has pride of place in the livingroom and is a real feature."

Built in the early l900s, the house has a floor area of 65sq m (700sq ft). Previous owners had built a small rear kitchen extension which Mark and Celine found adequate without further extending. The house opens directly into the livingroom where the original timber floorboards have been polished back to a light sheen.

Simple louvered blinds rather than heavy drapes dress the windows, while the Victorian fireplace is an attractive focal point. Glass-panelled doors open from here to the breakfast room which has a tiled floor and good understairs storage.

The kitchen has shelving, a stainless steel sink unit, tiled splashback and a Creda cooker. A door opens onto the small patio garden with raised flower beds, a screen for bins, and a herb garden. The bathroom is also at this level and has a period cast iron bath with shower attachment, wc, whb, tiled floor and wooden storage cabinet.

Upstairs are two bedrooms, both with polished timber floors and fitted wardrobes, and one with the original cast iron fireplace. From the landing, there is access to the attic which has been floored and offers scope for further development.

The couple are on the move to a bigger place to accommodate the littlest family member, and will be sorry to leave their bright comfortable house . . .not to mention the convenience of an address just off Darmouth Road, two minutes from the Luas at Charlemount Station, and with easy walk to Rathmines and Donnybrook.

Price: 640,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Ranelagh 01-496 9909