A five-bedroom Edwardian semi-detached house at 17 Eaton Square, Monkstown, should make well over the agency's guide price of £500,000 when it is auctioned on April 18th. Located in a tranquil enclave between the seafront and Monkstown Road, it was once owned by the writer Eithne Strong.

The peaceful atmosphere of the residential square is enhanced by long gardens to the front and rear of the house. Set at the end of a terrace, it also has the advantage of south-facing side windows.

In the large reception rooms, these protrude over the outer windowsill, forming a miniature conservatory effect. A tall bay window in the drawingroom overlooks the front garden and a sash in the diningroom looks on to the back garden. With their connecting doors open, this leafy prospect adds length to the rooms, which are further dignified by marble fireplaces.

In the return is a bedroom/study, and a chain of small rooms comprising breakfastroom, kitchen, and utility/sunroom with bathroom. The latter are extensions to the original house but could be combined to make a continuous airy space.

Was it here Eithne Strong peeled the potato which inspired Necessity for Reverence - ". . . you, cockeyed, swarth/supporter of my family . . ."? Consistent with such affectionate musings, a bohemian tone prevails throughout the house. Although subdivided by a stud partition running the height of the stairs it could easily be restored. Upstairs are two large bedrooms mirroring the reception rooms, the front room having the advantage of the bay window, and a fireplace. A third, smaller bedroom, wood-panelled bathroom and separate lavatory complete the first-floor accommodation.

On the return there is a small kitchen and a bedroom with a cosy redbrick fireplace, and a view of the burgeoning apple trees in the back garden.