This rather gorgeously styled red-brick terrace in Rathgar has oodles of character and appeal contained within a petite 957 sq ft, yet that compact size also works in its favour . . . this is an easily maintained home without that often forbidding formality and ostentatiousness of period houses on the grander scale.

The lack of clutter and sleek good looks waiting inside are obvious from the moment you stroll up the terracotta tiled path and stepping through the dark green door of No 21 Brighton Gardens.

The entrance hall sets the tone of freshly updated original features . . . high ceilings, coving, original floorboards and panelled doors . . . with a neutral colour palette that is unfussy and warm.

Both the main reception rooms, drawing room and dining room, are open-plan and instantly appealing as areas to relax with family or entertain friends.

With winter round the corner, it's easy to imagine these rooms with the last rays of evening sun coming through the tall, front bay windows, and then glowing by candlelight come nightfall.

Again, both rooms retain their original feature fireplaces, ceiling plaster detail and honey polished floors. The backdrop of simple white walls is softened by inviting cream sofas, easy chairs, elegant dining furniture and contemporary art work.

Big, communal kitchens may be the current trend in house layout, but many a chef will say the recipe for the most efficient working area is a smaller space.

Streamlined white modern units with cherrywood worktops along each side of the kitchen at No 21 make this most functional of rooms eminently practical, but to one end there is also a sunny breakfast area currently furnished with bistro table and cherry red dining chairs.

The kitchen is also bright, courtesy of an east facing window for morning sunlight, and French double doors stepping out to the southerly patio and garden.

Off the corridor on the first floor return is a very pretty, single bedroom overlooking the garden, and also the bathroom which is fully tiled and has a bath with power shower and ample storage in the chic, floor to ceiling glass and chrome cupboard.

On the first floor is the main bedroom, full of vintage character with its white painted cast iron fireplace, dark stained floorboards and double sash windows to the front.

To the rear is a similarly styled double bedroom, again with original fireplace, polished floorboards, a mirrored front built-in wardrobe enhancing the sense of space, and sash window looking down over the back garden.

The gardens haven't been left out in terms of appealing design features.

To the front, the traditional tiled path is bordered by raised beds with surrounding granite cobblestones and pebbles. A mature yew hedge and clipped box add to the chic appearance behind the wrought iron gate and railings.

To the rear is a classic town garden, bordered by custommade trellis, with pavers and pebbled granite underfoot and raised beds in antique brick.

This is a space to enjoy as the proverbial 'outdoor room' . . . or view through the windows and French doors . . . being sheltered yet sunny enough for a leafy profusion of scented climbers, shrubs and seasonal flowers to bloom happily.

All in all, this is a home that will surely be irresistible for those seeking the right mix of nostalgia with a light, modern touch, and within shouting distance of village shops, the Luas and St Stephen's Green.

THE LOWDOWN

Address: No 21 Brighton Gardens, Rathgar, Dublin 6 Details: Edwardian redbrick terrace townhouse of 89sq m (957sq ft) comprising hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms, bathroom and main bathroom Highlights: Period features with stylish interior decor; south-facing, landscaped town garden; prime Dublin 6 location within walking distance of St Stephen's Green Price: 795,000 Agent: Gunne Residential 01-406 4500