It took months of hard work to turn this redbrick period house in Westfield Road in Harold's Cross into a home to be proud of, work which included knocking down walls, ripping out aluminium windows and replacing them with traditional sash ones, rewiring, installing new heating, bathrooms and a kitchen and sanding back the floors to their original glory.

It wasn't easy but it's been clearly worth it. The couple have created a stunning light-filled house that's a perfect balance of Edwardian tradition and modern family living. And while their walls may be hung with beautiful artwork and rooms dotted with gorgeous antique finds, they're far from precious about the place . . . just as well with four children under eight running around.

Restoring the property back to its former glory, without compromising on character or historical integrity, was the couples' main aim and they did this with the help of architect Stewart Hamilton and a team of skilled builders.

Luckily they had a lot to work with. While the house had been divided up into a warren of dark and dingy rooms, the original details hadn't been touched.

From the moment you step inside the front door into the hallway you cannot but be impressed by what they've achieved. It's an elegant space painted in the palest hues with beautiful ornate plasterwork.

Off it are two interconnecting reception rooms that boast lofty 12ft- high ceilings and all the original details you could want . . . ornate plasterwork, decorative ceiling roses, sliding panelled doors and period fireplaces. Up until recently the dining room was the children's playroom. Now it's a chic space with an air of French Provencal, furnished with a big mirrored armoire and painted white carved table and chairs with glass-panelled doors opening out to a patio.

At the back of the house is a spacious kitchen cum breakfast room with custom-designed painted units from Country Kitchens in Co Kildare. At its heart is an imposing black Aga.

Upstairs the attention to detail continues. The couple stuck so rigidly to their goal of restoring this property that they didn't put in any en-suites as to do so would have interfered with the original layout. Though who needs ensuites when you've a family bathroom that's the size of a bedroom with Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware and a free-standing roll-top cast-iron bath.

Up here are five bedrooms, all with cast-iron fireplaces and heaps of original details but the most impressive is the master bedroom which spans the width of the house to the front. Furnished with an eclectic mix of furniture styles, it's a look that sums up how many of us like to live nowadays.

Having lived here for almost seven years, the couple are upping sticks and moving to Belfast to be nearer family. They doubt they'll find a house or neighbourhood as nice, but you can bet their next project will definitely be a renovation onef now they've got the bug. . . and the know-how.

The lowdown

Address: No 34 Westield Road, Harold's Cross, Dublin 6W
Details: Semi-detached Edwardian residence of 218sq m (2,350sq ft) comprising two interconnecting reception rooms, custom-designed kitchen/breakfast room, utility, five bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room and guest WC Highlights: The 125ft-long rear walled garden and detached two-bed bungalow There's potential to extend.

Price: 1.8m; public auction 16 May Agent: Sherry FitzGerald 01-490 7433