Believed to be among the first homes created by the city council to re-house people from the inner city's infamous tenements, the design is courtesy of an English architect called O'Rourke and reminiscent in style of the stone Cotswold cottage.

The story goes that comedian Brendan Grace, who used to live round the corner in a flat in Echlin Street, once said that if you got a house in Ceannt Fort, you were made. And it seems he wasn't joking either.

No 81 O'Reilly Avenue, new to the market and bright and neat as a new pin, will have wide appeal for those looking for a city home with character.

The two-bed property has been totally refurbished, to include the installation of new Marvin sash windows and gasfired central heating. Bright and cheerily decorated accommodation, with total floor space of 70sq m (753sq ft), comprises entrance lobby, reception room, kitchen, study, two bedrooms and bathroom. Current owner Trish Taylor moved here four years ago.

Although there was the huge task of bringing the house up to 21st-century standards for herself, her partner and young son, Trish appreciated the little gem she had on her hands. "I love 'old' and part of the character and charm of Ceannt Fort lies with the community spirit as much as with the houses. Some of the people have been here since the estate was built. I really enjoyed the task of doing it all up, including the discoveries we made along the way.

For example, the front door had that 'bubbly' brown l970s glass. I had been exploring the attic and found neatly wrapped bundles of items from the house that had been carefully stored away. Among them, wrapped in a newspaper dated l965, was the original stained-glass panel from the hall door, which we promptly had reinstated."

During the renovation, another find almost went unnoticed, and was one which has particular relevance for Trish, who is a presenter on RTE Lyric FM's The Music Box.

The modern, makeshift wooden fireplace surround was removed and behind it they found the original 1920s fireplace, complete with a lute moulded into the cast iron. A new slate hearth and surround was commissioned from 'Dicey' Reilly in Francis Street to give the finishing touch.

To the front of the property is a pretty garden with fence, gate, path to the hall door, and parking space to one side.

The rear patio is sheltered with mature shrubs and climbers.

Ceannt Fort is just off Mount Brown Road, near good transport links to the city including the Red Luas line two minutes' walk away.

Price: 500,000 Agent: Felicity Fox, 01-633 4431