Signs are visible in the decor too, of someone with a flair for colour and harmony, and the artist owner here has created a picturehouse of warmth and welcome, from the sunny pink exterior walls to the cream, hand-painted kitchen and informal but elegant living room, and much more besides.

Outside, the south-facing rear garden has a raised deck, making it the ideal place for a spot of sunbathing or al fresco dining as it is accessed through double sliding doors from the dining room.

Steps lead down from the deck to the private garden.

The house was built around 60 years ago, then fully renovated five years ago to include rewiring, replumbing, full insulation, and also the addition of that country-style kitchen and brand new bathroom.

Set behind an old granite wall just off Sorrento Road, St Helier's has an unusual layout, and one which the next owners may want to alter for additional space and perhaps to better enjoy the sea views.

The floor area is 92 square metres (1,000 square feet), while underneath is a large basement (in use as a utility, laundry and storage area) of some extra 750 square feet and with a ceiling height of 5' 11".

Subject to planning permission, suggests Vivienne Neeson, negotiator with selling agents HOK Residential, an additional storey could be added to transform the property into a rather grand seaside villa, with that extra height giving clear views of the bay. Separate from the property is the artist's studio, set in the sunny east-facing front garden; there is also a double garage with wood panelling on the walls and ceiling.

Entrance to the house is up a flight of stone steps to the front gate and on through the mature garden with lawn and an array of shrubs and seasonal flowers. The reception hall is bright, with a partial hardwood floor and a cloakroom.

Leading off is the large kitchen, an attractive room with those pale-painted and panelled country-style cupboards, behind which modern appliances are discreetly integrated. This area is openplan to the equally sunny living/dining room with open fireplace, ceiling coving and the glazed doors out onto the raised rear deck.

The main bedroom, with hardwood floor, built-in wardrobes and en-suite shower room, also has large sliding glazed doors to the deck. Another double bedroom, this time to the front of the property, has sliding doors to the patio garden and looks out on to the studio . . . painted pink to match the house. A bathroom with bath and vanity unit, and a separate WC and wash-hand basin, rounds off the accommodation.

Where to find the house in Dalkey?

The directions are as colourful as the property itself. St Helier's Lodge, along Sorrento Close, is the elevated pink house, just past the yellow house.

Price: AMV 1.3m; public auction 31 May Agent: HOK Residential (01-288 5011)