These were the decades when the capital's inhabitants moved out to the new suburbs, with the creation of the Dublin to Kingstown railway making the south of the city much more accessible, and creating elegant, terraced squares such as this one just off central Dun Laoghaire, overlooking a public park.

The two-storey over garden-level property comes with all of that history, but is also big enough, at 278sq m (3,000sq ft), to afford great versatility in the layout.

Currently configured as a family home on the top two floors over a separate garden-level apartment, the property could be re-integrated as one large family home, or, subject to planning, into a small office or home and income.

No 14 also benefits from a rear garden with access to a wide laneway via three garages. While characterful period features dominate the main rooms, particularly in what was formerly the upstairs drawingroom (now divided into two bedrooms), the apartment at garden level was wholly modernised during renovation of the property and has a separate entrance.

The house is approached along a cobblelocked path and up the original granite steps to the hall door. Intricate plasterwork in the reception hall comprises ceiling cornice and centre rose.

A guest cloakroom is located further along, while two very fine reception rooms lead off from the hall. The drawing room to the front has a white marble fireplace and sliding sash window overlooking the park; the diningroom looks over the rear garden and has a gas-fired stove with Liscannor hearth.

Cherrywood units are fitted in the large kitchen which has steps leading down to the rear garden.

A shower room and bedroom are located on the firstfloor return; on the first floor are four bedrooms, one with an impressive white marble fireplace, the other with a smaller cast-iron version.

On the second floor return is the sixth bedroom, also with a traditional cast-iron fireplace, and the main bathroom.

The separate garden level apartment has an entrance hall with understairs storage. Leading off this is a large sittingroom with marble fireplace.

Both spaces have new oak flooring.

Off the inner hallway is a large bedroom with woodpanelled ceiling and fittted, walk-in wardrobes. Adjacent is a bathroom with both bath and shower.

The kitchen/breakfast room, fitted with maple fronted presses, opens to the rear garden which has a slate patio area. All fitted carpets and curtains are included in the sale.

Price: AMV 1.7m at auction on 29 March Agent: Lisney 01-280 6820