Classic townhouse for £800,000-plus

In what is likely to be the last significant Dublin auction of the year, a three-storey period townhouse at 33 Wellington Place, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 is expected to make over £800,000 under the hammer through Lisney on December 2nd. The semi-detached house is part of a curved terrace in a surprisingly tranquil location between Clyde Road and Lesson Street. The three-bedroom house, which has a one-bedroom self-contained flat at garden level, is in superb decorative order, having been totally refurbished over the past two years. The garden level could easily be reinstated to make a larger family house, although it has high earning potential as a separate apartment. The house's pristine condition will make it extremely attractive to buyers who want a period house but who don't want the hassle of refurbishing. Its location should also ensure a premium price - Wellington Place is within walking distance of St Stephen's Green, and shopping can be done on Baggot Street.

A large area paved with granite in front of the house provides valuable off-street parking and there is a hedged-in section of lawn. Inside, this is a classic Dublin townhouse with two elegant interconnecting rooms at hall level and a brand new fitted kitchen in the return, overlooking the back garden. The drawing-room to the front of the house gets the morning sun and is a bright attractive room with deep yellow walls and polished timber floorboards. High, folding doors open into the dining-room. Both rooms have ornate Victorian fireplaces that were added by the present owner. The bright black and white kitchen has units topped in glossy granite, and a good range of integrated appliances. These will be included in the sale, along with the quality curtains and some light fittings throughout the house. The stairs between the hall and ground floor has been removed, leaving room for a small guest lavatory.

Upstairs, the first landing leads to a magnificent bathroom with a big, roll-top bath surrounded by marble. There are three bedrooms on the first floor and all have been lavishly decorated. The ground floor flat has a large living-room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, all decorated to the same standard as the rest of the house. The back garden has been landscaped with a large patio area and a central lawn with banks of low maintenance shrubs and trees on either side.