An imaginative renovation has resulted in the remodelled interior resembling a chic, city apartment with a particular emphasis on improving the flow of natural light.

The architect-designed extension means the house progresses to fully modern to the rear in an open-plan living/kitchen/dining room with extensive glazing and a light -reflecting, bleached timber floor.

That cool contemporary feel hasn't been at the expense of lovely old period character however, and the house is still graced by original architectural detail in the ceiling cornices and centrepieces, as well as the picture and dado rails.

A charming feature remaining in the main bedroom is the cast-iron fireplace still in situ from when the house was first built.

Outside, the property has that welcome addition to any city home that also provides extra dining space come summer . . . a secluded courtyard garden with mature trees, flowerbed and sunny, whitewashed walls covered in climbing plants.

Accommodation opens from the bright entrance hall and leads off to the left into the main bedroom.

Next to this is the bathroom with both bath and shower unit.

Bedroom two has Velux windows and a sliding, opaque glass door opening to steps down to the kitchen/living/dining room which is the real heart of the house.

Charming features in this open-plan space include the vaulted ceiling and the inviting window seat.

Greenville Terrace is just off the South Circular Road, and within easy walking distance of Camden Street with its shops, cafes and bars, and also nearby are St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street.

The lowdown

Address: No 50 Greenville Terrace, Dublin 8
Details: 90sq m(970sq ft) period villa with two bedrooms, bathroom, hall, open-plan kitchen/living/dining room, courtyard garden
Highlights: the chic modern apartment-style interior combined with original period features
Price: 850,000
Agent: Felicity Fox, 01-633 4431