The two-storey extension, designed by the current owners, has greatly enhanced the charm of this family home.

The extra space gained at ground floor level is given over to a delightfully bright and comfortable family room overlooking the secluded garden.

This is the informal area of the house, open-plan from the fitted kitchen, while to the front are two formal interconnecting reception rooms defined by classic period features such as tiled-inset cast-iron fireplaces, plain plaster ceiling coving and the original dividing double doors.

The living room has a bay window looking out to the railed front garden with lofty pampas grass, while the dining room overlooks the rear garden through the original sliding sash window.

In the large, eat-in kitchen it's all cool modernity with fitted units and a terracotta floor. Through the wide arch is the new family living area.

On the first floor, the spaciousness is especially evident in the master bedroom - a bright and elegant room with both a bay and a single window. The original castiron fireplace has been retained with cream wardrobes built into the alcoves.

Another bedroom on this floor also has its original castiron fireplace and fitted wardrobes. Bedroom three, and the family bathroom, including a large corner bath and separate shower, are on the first floor return.

The lowdown Address: No 26 Hollybank Avenue Lower, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Details: Three bedrooms, entrance hall, two reception rooms, kitchen, communal living/dining/family room, large bathroom, west-facing rear garden.

Highlights: Two-storey rear extension, period features, large master bedroom spanning the width of the house Price: Euro1.26m Agent: Sherry FitzGerald 01-496 9909