"We bought the house in 2000, and had been looking for something old that hadn't been modernised too much, so we were delighted that the old lady who lived here before had kept all the original features, including the lovely glass lamps put in when the house had been electrified.

Even the original service bells from the reception rooms to the kitchen were intact, " explains Jones. "We wanted a home that we could put our own stamp on, but at the same time felt that when you get a property of this age, why turn it into a modern-style home?"

However, while the period redbrick dating back to the end of the 19th century had been very well cared-for, it inevitably needed some upgrading like re-wiring, replumbing and installing a new heating system. The couple also stripped wallpaper, painted, and polished the original floors, resulting in a warm and tasteful home.

"The biggest gift this house gave us was the attic, which had previously been concealed. There wasn't even a hatch to access it, but we discovered a huge un-used space up there, which we were able to convert into an extra bedroom with en-suite bathroom, which came in very handy as our family grew to six children, " says Jones.

Presented in excellent condition, this is a beautiful home full of wonderful features like marble and cast-iron fireplaces, high ceilings with coving and centre roses, period doors, floors, and a sunny back garden which includes a deck, and a large block-built garage with rear vehicular access.

With a floor area of 120sq m (1,300sq ft), overall accommodation comprises a spacious hall with period arch, livingroom with fireplace, wooden floors and sash windows, and diningroom with original floors, marble fireplace and built-in shelving.

The kitchen is about 13ft x 8ft and is fitted with Shakerstyle units, wooden worktops, mosaic tiled splashback and original quarry tile flooring.

Just off the kitchen is a utilityroom, while upstairs there are two double bedrooms with wooden flooring and cast-iron fireplaces, a good-sized single room also with cast-iron fireplace, bathroom with freestanding cast- iron bath, and attic room with en-suite.

Clonliffe Road is less than 30 minutes walk from the city centre. Midway between Drumcondra and Fairview villages, the property is close to plenty of shops, schools, restaurants and amenities.

"We love the area and plan to stay in Drumcondra, but with a large family we are looking for a slightly larger old house, " says Jones.

Price: 695,000 Agent: HOK Residential 01-8302960