Generously proportioned, light-filled rooms with tall sash windows, and soaring ceilings topped by pristine white decorative cornices, have been elegantly defined by rich colours. The imaginative owners are obviously not ones for those safe cream paints seen elsewhere, while at the same time, the stronger tones have not simply been chosen at random.

In one livingroom where a large sofa upholstered in dark purple is an attractive feature, the walls are painted in a subtle olive green, and it's all very easy-on-the-eye. Another reception room has dark velvety red walls, and when the fire is lit, this is very much a favourite and cosy family room. Original floorboards throughout have been stained in a dark oak, all adding to the refined mood.

It's all a far cry from when the current owners bought the property three years ago and when the grand old house had been divided into two flats. "There were the usual gas meters and partitions, while the original staircase had been moved. We had a major project on our hands with everything from installing a new plumbing system and re-plastering the walls."

Now the two-storey-overbasement property is fully restored, but with contemporary touches evident, particularly in the modern kitchen extension. The elegant origins (circa l901) of the house make an impact from the start in the entrance hall with a fine archway, ceiling cornices and the restored, original staircase.

Leading off are two formal, interconnecting reception rooms with original marble fireplaces, working window shutters and fitted bookshelves in the larger room.

At hall level return is a study with oak-lined shelves and which opens to its own private, decked terrace.

The main family living area of the house is downstairs at garden level, which has access also from the front. A very modern kitchen fit-out includes fully integrated appliances, granite work surfaces, island unit and a bespoke circular breakfast bar of stainless steel with oak tabletop. Double doors lead from here directly to the family-cum-TV room, which has a contemporary fireplace with pebble-effect gas fire set into the wall. An archway connects to the diningroom, which has a vaulted ceiling with Velux windows and double French doors out to the patio and terraced garden beyond.

The back hallway includes generous storage space with shelving and a linen closet.

Also at garden level is the guest wc, and a fully fitted utility room complete with laundry appliances, airing closet and suspended clothes rail. Another door opens from here to the rear garden.

Up on the first floor return is the larger than average bathroom, currently painted in a dark tangerine and with a porthole window. Fittings here are ultra modern and include a stand-alone bath with stainless steel feet, an oval stone washhand basin set on a French oak stand, and travertine tiled shower.

The three bedrooms are all off the bright, first-floor landing which has both Velux skylight and picture window.

An en-suitewith porthole skylight , mosaic tiling, and glass brick shower cubicle leads off the largest bedroom. Two of the rooms have fitted wardrobes, while all have original floorboards, sanded and polished.

Outside, to one side of the front stone entrance steps, is a lawned, railed garden. To the rear is a south-facing, landscaped garden framed by old cut-stone walls and outdoor lighting. An olive tree, planted by the owners, also flourishes here, giving a Mediterranean feel to this sunny space. On a purely practical level, there is also parking space to the rear garden, accessed via electronic doors.

Set at the city end of the South Circular Road, the house benefits from all amenities close by. Having put their individual stamp on the property, the owners rightly say they will miss the home they have created . . . not to mention those cheery colours.

"We'll miss Saturday afternoons in the red drawing room, with the fire lit, the sash windows open and just listening to the birds singing in the garden."

Price: AMV of 1.5 at auction on 8 March Agent: Felicity Fox 01- 633 4431