Round about 1970, an aunt bought the house for the princely sum of about �1,000. Her descendants have invested somewhat more in adding considerably to the space and comforts of No 14 with a bright, live-in kitchen/dining room and a family room designated for taking life easy.

The upgrading has resulted in a home which, behind its handsome red-brick facade retains authentic period features with a fresh, contemporary makeover.

In the elegant reception hall, a modern, checked wool rug and matching stair carpet makes a bright welcome.

Two generously-proportioned reception rooms lead off, each with fireplaces.

Glass panelled doors lead from the living room to the everyday family room which has several roof lights. Opening from here is the cream Wellman kitchen with glossy units topped by smart black granite, and natural light reflecting off the pale ceramic tiled floor.

To one end of the kitchen is a box bay dining area overlooking the low-maintenance garden and where the odd squirrel can be spotted helping himself to windfalls from the neighbouring walnut tree.

Up on the return is the first of three bedrooms, and the main bathroom, with accommodation completed on the first floor proper with two double bedrooms, the larger of which spans the entire width of the house. Among its many attractions, No 14's quiet cul de sac location off Appian Way will appeal to those looking for a townhouse with Stephen's Green just a stroll away along some of Dublin's classic period terraces.

The lowdown

Address: 14 Leeson Park Avenue, Appian Way, Dublin 6 Details: Period redbrick terraced house, 143 sq m (1,540 sq ft); entrance hall; guest cloakroom; dining room; living room; family room; kitchen/dining; three bedrooms; main bathroom; gardens front and rear Highlights: Fashionable city location on quiet Victorian terrace; restored and extended with charming period features intact; elegant reception rooms; contemporary high gloss kitchen opening to box bay dining area and family room; low-maintenance rear garden Price: 1.64m Agent: Sherry FitzGerald 01-496 9909 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2 : 550,000

FOR those who love being in the centre of things, Apt 2 at No 66 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2 could be right up your street. City centre living doesn't get much better than this, and with every conceivable amenity practically on the doorstep, sure you'd never need rely on public transport again.

Situated on the first floor, directly above brasserie Sixty 6, on The George side of the street, Apt 2 is a bigger than average, light-filled two-bed measuring 71sq m (760sq ft). Rooms are generously proportioned and boast high ceilings and fabulous floor to ceiling windows overlooking South Great George's Street and are tastefully decorated pale hues with wooden flooring underfoot.

Accommodation includes an entrance hall, large living room with plenty of room for a sofa as well as table and chairs, compact but cleverly designed kitchen with integrated appliances and range of units, two good sized bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and main bathroom with bath and mixer shower.

Competitively priced at 550,000, this apartment is sure to appeal to young professionals seeking a lifestyle location and investors.

Price: 550,000 Agent: Douglas Newman Good 01-679 4088