FALLING in love is an unnerving experience. The object of your affection may not be a looker, may suffer from a distinct lack of personality and, quite frankly, may seem like a lot of hard work.

But love is blind. And when Martin and Sine Bradley first clapped eyes on this threebed mid-terrace three-anda-half years ago it was love at first sight.

The postcode was the main attraction of course . . . Sandymount is right in the heart of desirable Dublin 4. The couple grew up around here and were keen to stay in the area . . . even if that meant taking on a renovation job.

Luckily Sine is not afraid of a bit of labour . . . her dad is Ruairi Quinn, Labour Party TD.

No 10 Londonbridge Drive is a 1980s' ex-corporation house. When Sine and Martin bought it, it had been rented out and was in an awful state.

The front and back gardens were paved over, the bathroom and kitchen were pretty grim and the place needed new heating and insulation.

Today, what they've created is a chic, modern, yet understated home packed with smart ideas . . . the perfect antidote to their hectic everyday life.

They've transformed the downstairs layout into a sociable family-friendly space, with a more formal room to the front and a wonderful open-plan kitchen/dining/family area to the back.

This space is the real heart of the home and has been rejuvenated with a single-storey wood-clad extension and fab Iroko framed concertina-style glazed doors that fold back to the wall to create one big indoor-outdoor room.

"We hired an architect friend, Ronan Rose Robers, to do the renovation work, " says Martin. "Our main aim was to create a bright, light-filled home with design and decoration kept to a minimum and lots of hidden streamlined storage."

In the kitchen a wall of discreet sliding doors hide all manner of paraphernalia, including crockery, a music system and an impressive CD and record collection. Under the stairs has been boxed off with handless doors so as not to distract the eye.

The colour scheme throughout is quite plain with walls painted white and neutral flooring underfoot. As a nod to the house's 1980s' past, the architect suggested they keep certain features such as the banisters, door handles and front facade.

"From the outside the house looks the same as all the others on the street, but inside is the real surprise, " says Martin.

Upstairs are three bedrooms and a main bathroom, all simply styled and clutterfree.

"We'll definitely miss this house, " says Martin. "It's the perfect city home, within walking distance of everything yet so peaceful.

"It's perfect for a young family and is great for entertaining."

The lowdown

Address: No 10 Londonbridge Drive, Londonbridge Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Details: Renovated and extended ex-corporation mid terrace of 96sq m (1035sq ft) comprising entrance hall, living room, open plan kitchen/dining/family area, shower room, three bedrooms and main bathroom
Highlights: The address is a real plus and within walking distance of Sandymount village and the city Price: 775,000
Agent: Felicity Fox 01-633 4431