"I bought the house back in 1998, and spent a full year gutting it, but it's where I learnt most of my building techniques, " explains Downes, a keen renovation enthusiast between busy bouts of both TV and theatre acting. And it's not just simple DIY jobs he's into. He's already bought his next home, a late 18th century listed building on the Liffey, which he is meticulously restoring with the help of Dublin City Council.

"When I do renovation work, I insist on only using good authentic materials, " says Downes.

When he bought the house at Aikenhead Terrace eight years ago, he brought in architect Simon Walker to redesign the layout, wanting to do away with the small rooms and open up the entire space. A doublestorey extension was also added to the property, increasing its size to 74sq m (800sq ft).

New flooring, plastering, plumbing and wiring were all installed along with solid teak windows throughout.

Downstairs is a large openplan livingroom with original fireplace, opening into a beautiful hand-made kitchen of stained birch complete with Belfast sink and solid oak worktops.

The kitchen includes a full range of integrated appliances despite its quaint old-world look. Flooring is solid white oak throughout. The downstairs living area opens out to a decked garden, where there is a shed, and pedestrian access to a rear lane.

The old staircase has a brushed steel handrail leading up to the landing where there is plenty of storage for books, and a velux window for extra light. Flooring upstairs is the original pitch pine, while the upstairs extension has a similar salvaged wood floor.

Both bedrooms are doubles, and the main room to the rear of the house has custom-made birch wardrobes, while the back bedroom has an old castiron fireplace and overlooks an open green to the front of the house.

The bathroom, formerly another bedroom, features a large period-style bath, castiron fireplace and velux window.

Ready to walk into, this charming home is within walking distance of Sandymount village and is close to the Dart Station at Grand Canal Quay.

Price: 610,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald 01-639 9280