For a start, this pretty-as-apicture home is more spacious inside, while to the front is that sunny garden with timber outdoor seat and sheltering evergreen hedge, all suggestive of a more relaxed way of life.

The interior also reflects the cottage design with sturdy, thick walls, polished floorboards, deep window sills, and an open, curving wooden staircase up the loft bedroom.

Accommodation opens through the traditional- style front door with stained glass panel. The entrance hall has a tiled floor and built-in coat rack.

The wooden staircase here has been painted white, all adding to the feeling of freshness and light. Leading from here is the main reception room . . . a spacious, open plan space, and where the simple white walls are both a reminder of the cottage's origins, and a subtle backdrop for the owner's art work. Two large, comfy sofas, upholstered in blue and orange, are invitingly ranged around the open fireplace. Next is the kitchen/dining room, well fitted with presses, an open shelf, tiled splashback and feature tiled floor. Zanussi appliances are neatly integrated.

Next is the bathroom, again in old-world style, with bath and timber panelled wainscotting and dado rail. A storage closet with fitted shelves is underneath the stairs. At the top of the cottage is the large double bedroom . . . a bright space courtesy of the cute dormer window and Velux. Next to this is the study, also with Velux window, and polished timber floor.

To the front is the charming garden. Residents also have the use of landscaped, communal gardens and there is designated car parking space.

This part of the city is serviced by the Luas and several bus routes, while amenities such as the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Phoenix Park are within easy reach.

The lowdown
Address: No 7 The Farmyard, Hybreasal, South Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
Details: 65.22sq m (702sq ft) dormer cottage with entrance hall, main reception room, kitchen/dining room, one bedroom, study/storage room and bathroom. There is a south facing front garden Highlights: This cutesy end of terrace dormer is just bursting with charm
Price: 420,000
Agent: Felicity Fox 01-633 4431