No surprise either, then, that it's not that often that property comes up for sale in the area. Enter 7 Dixon Villas, a two-bed mid terrace that fits the charming profile of the village . . . evident from the start in its pretty as a picture pink exterior.

Compact at 70sq m (756sq ft), this ready to walk into home will nonetheless have great appeal for either young professionals or the tradingdown market looking for the proverbial good address, with shops, the Dart and the seafront only a stroll away.

On another practical level, the property has features such as triple glazed windows, a newly fitted kitchen and bathroom, and a westerly garden that catches the afternoon and evening sun.

Hints of the 1930s' vintage of the house are there in the remaining original features in the living/dining room, such as the cast-iron fireplace, restored pine floorboards and the old-style window between here and kitchen. Accommodation starts at the entrance hall, with Italian terracotta floor tiles. Leading directly from here is the living/dining room, and adjacent to this is the freshly refurbished kitchen.

Cream fitted presses with solid beech worktop define the space, while a Belfast sink and broom cupboard are quaint reminders of the between-the-wars era. The main bathroom is on the ground floor level, and has both a bath and power shower. Upstairs, off the landing, are the two bedrooms with fitted wardrobes.

From the kitchen, a patio door opens to a hidden haven . . . the courtyard garden which is clothed and sheltered via scented climbers such as jasmine, honeysuckle and clematis.

The lowdown

Address: 7 Dixon Villas, Glashthule, Co Dublin Details: Two-bed, living/dining room, west-facing garden Highlights: Excellent location, close to seafront, shops and cafes Price: 550,000 Agent: Colliers Jackson-Stops, 01633 3700