As for the house itself, most of the heavy work had been completed when he moved in three years ago, but a few extra improvements have contributed greatly to the space, light and general feelgood atmosphere within.

"We concentrated on the the first floor and opened up the box room to let more natural light into the stairwell and up to the attic. That allowed for installing a full staircase to make the attic more easily accessible and a functioning part of the house. The big landing area created also allowed for a decent-sized work station to be set up."

No 13 Northbrook Terrace, just off the North Strand, has a total floor area of 95sq m (1,022sq ft) excluding the attic (currently functioning as a third bedroom). The main living room has the soaring, high ceilings usually found in grander-sized Victorian homes. A delightful feature is the abundance of light, and Colin has added to this further by painting the original floorboards a chalky white which complements the very contemporary fitted kitchen in the new extension. One long glazed wall acts as a sheer curtain between the pretty kitchen/breakfast room and the sheltered garden beyond, bringing the tranquil mood from outside back inside. The landscaped garden to the rear is laid in cobble stones and framed by mature plants, shrubs and trees.

"The breakfast room gets sun all day due to its orientation and is a great place to sit, " says Colin. Closeness to nature, then, but within walking distance to the centre will surely make this a very lucky 13 for the next owner.

Price: 575,000 Agent: Gunne Residential, 01-833 5844