Number 27 Arbour Hill has been her home for the past 10 years, and when she and her partner first moved here, their 1905 red brick was in need of some tender loving care of the restoration variety.

"We did a lot of the usual work such as sanding the original floorboards and stripping back coats of gloss paint from the cast-iron fireplaces. The great thing about the house is that it has these lovely old architectural features, such as the high ceilings, cornices and the front bay window, so all you have to do is use subtle colours to allow them to shine."

As well as now being the owner of a nicely-restored period home, Walsh is mother to six-month-old baby twins, Gerry and Ruby. This time last year, she had that motivation and sense of urgency that come with pregnancy in relation to finishing all those tasks that need attention in the house.

"I was nesting so strongly it's a wonder I didn't grow feathers, " smiles Walsh. "We put in a brand new kitchen and utility, and completed all of the other work, as I knew we would be too busy when the babies came along."

This property will appeal to those looking for a city home with that traditional Dublin redbrick character.

Being within easy walking distance of the centre is an added bonus. Arbour Hill is just off Manor Street in Stoneybatter, and you can make it to Grafton Street in 20 minutes, says Walsh, who regularly walks to the magazine's offices at Ely Place in Dublin 2.

There's always the Luas in nearby Smithfield on rainy days.

There are 119 square metres (1280 square feet) of floor space; accommodation begins at the entrance hall which retains its original Edwardian gas lighting fixtures. Leading off from here is the living room with original cast iron and tiled fireplace, ceiling coving and centre rose. The bay window here is another attractive feature and ensures the room is filled with natural light.

Adjacent is the dining room, with the same period features except the window here is the traditional sliding sash. The big, 'eat-in' kitchen combines modernity in the smart fitted presses and integrated appliances with lovely old features similar to the more formal rooms, including a Belfast sink, cast iron fireplace and polished wooden floors.

A breakfast table and chairs beside the glazed back door looks out onto a sheltered patio with garden seat and pot plants. Next to the kitchen is the utility, well fitted with storage and plumbed for laundry appliances; there is also a small guest cloakroom adjacent.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, with the smallest currently styled as a home office, complete with broadband connection. The main bedroom is large, spanning the entire width of the house.

This is a charming room, echoing the downstairs reception rooms, with its high ceiling, polished original floorboards and cast-iron fireplace. The remaining bedroom is also a double and similarly styled. A feature in the fully tiled bathroom is the stained glass sash window.

To the front of the property is the traditional, wrought iron-railed garden; the patio garden to the rear has pedestrian access.

The arrival of the twins has prompted a move to a bigger house with large garden, and now the young family at number 27 are resettling at nearby Old Cabra Road.

"It's a period property too. , " says Walsh. "I think that having always lived in older houses, it would be hard for me to settle in something brand new.

We have put so much of ourselves into our Arbour Hill home and really loved living there. I hope it proves as happy and as lucky for the next owners as it has been for us."

Price: 675,000 Agent: HOK (01-663 4300)