Such is the case with this charming end of terrace at No 1 Beechwood Avenue Lower, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.

The period formality of the hall and first reception room at entrance level subtly alters as you progress through the new side and rear extension, ending at garden level in the communal, and decidedly modern, kitchen, dining and living area. This style of 'back to the future' design brings a whole new feelgood factor throughout. Now a three-bed, extended villa of some 186sq m (1,787sq ft), the addition of that extra 520sq ft blends seamlessly into the original design, a feature down to the present owners, an architect and interior designer couple.

When John and Patricia Duffy bought the property several years back, it was in a state of total disrepair and needed a fairly radical refurbishment. John drew up the design and Patricia project-managed the work, the trickiest part of which was extending to the side without compromising the original redbrick façade. The couple also took the decision to excavate two feet of the rear garden, creating an easy step out onto the new timber deck as well as ensuring total privacy - a consideration with extensive glazing.

"We took the approach that if something is worth doing, then it's worth doing well. So when extending to the side, we spent a long time sourcing the right colour and age of bricks to match in with the existing façade We had the sliding sash windows restored and a smart new front door installed, all of which instantly freshened the exterior."

The interior lives up to the promise of that smart exterior and is evident from entering the period hallway. Solid walnut flooring leads you into the elegant reception room on the left with full-height sash window and original marble fireplace. The first of the three bedrooms is also at hall level.

A couple of steps down is the kitchen/living area, running the entire width of the house. The sliding, glazed wall, in the form of two sets of French doors, separates the 'outdoor room' that is the very private paved garden, while ensuring the interior is filled with sunlight courtesy of the southerly rear aspect. Two electrically operated roof lights also contribute to the natural light. A pebble-effect gas fire is set into the chimney breast which, in turn, works as a dividing wall between working and living areas.

Adjacent is the utility room, fitted with sleek units the same as in the kitchen. Next to this is the guest bathroom.

Upstairs is the main bathroom and two further double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, and the master with ensuite shower room.

From the side garden of the house, it's a short walk to the Luas and then onto to St Stephen's Green.

Address: No 1 Beechwood Avenue Lower, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Details: three bedrooms, three bathrooms, front reception room and garden level kitchen/dining/living room Highlights: 500sq ft modern extension opening to private rear garden with deck Agent: Felicity Fox 01-633 4431 Price: Euro1.75m