This is a period home currently owned by keen gardeners, and whose work is reflected in a delightful array of shrubs and flowers in tranquil seclusion off the study and drawing room.

Neighbouring mature trees form a perfectly private backdrop to a town garden that includes a pond with water lily and the remains of a cutstone granite coach house.

Around a century ago, the coachhouse doubled as a temporary studio for renowned stained glass artist Harry Clarke.

These days, the garden is the ideal spot for summer barbecues as the westerly orientation attracts the evening sun.

Built in 1834, the house retains the authentic hallmarks of the era, including cast iron fireplaces, ceiling cornices, picture rails, sash windows and working shutters.

The house interacts with the garden in an inviting manner via double doors opening from the elegant drawing room to a sunny patio. Doors also lead outside from the study. Steps then lead up to the lawn and raised flower beds planted for year-round interest. The kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with presses with solid oak doors, while a Velux window in the coved ceiling introduces additional natural light. Three bedrooms, and a bathroom with antique floral patterned wc, complete the accommodation.

Bolton Lodge is located right in the heart of Mount Merrion Avenue, is close to Blackrock village and schools, and is within walking distance to the Dart.

The lowdown

Address: Bolton Lodge, 36 Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Details: Double fronted Victorian villa of some 1,250sq ft, comprising reception hall, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, drawing room, three bedrooms, en-suite bathroom and family bathroom. To the front is off-street parking for two cars
Highlights: The 70ft walled rear garden. This property also comes with full planning permission to extend
Price: 1.35m
Agent: Douglas Newman Good 01-283 2700