Dublin 6: €1.5m A substantial four-bedroom period house in Rathmines makes an ideal family home, writes Fiona Tyrell

Gunne Auctioneers expect a price in the region of €1.5 million when they auction a large four-bed early Victorian house on Belgrave Road in Rathmines on March 3rd.

Number 4 was one of the first houses to be built on Belgrave Road, a quiet road, off Palmerston Road.

Close to Rathmines and just a stroll from Ranelagh, this substantial period residence has a floor area of 300 sq m (3,250 sq ft) thanks to a double-width return and would make a fine family home.

The current owner bought the house 15 years ago and has kept the property in immaculate order inside and out.

The beautifully landscaped south-facing garden to the rear has a patio area set in Indian sandstone.

Inside, the house has retained most of its period detail which, along with beautiful 1920s stained glass insets in most of the windows, gives charm to this mid-terrace redbrick.

Original sash windows, tiling, wood panelling, polished floorboards, coving and intricate egg and dart cornicing lend the home the elegance of the Victorian era.

Off the airy entrance hall is a stunning drawing room with cast-iron fireplace and recessed spot lighting. Two sash windows with working shutters overlook Belgrave Road.

This room leads into a cosy living room, with polished floor boards, that overlooks the garden.

The dining room, featuring a mahogany fireplace with a cast-iron and tiled inset, is in the ground floor return.

The kitchen/breakfast room is full of character with a pretty stained-glass window, a chimney piece, which is ideal for a range, 1920s floor tiling, Belfast sink, utility room off the kitchen area and a French door to the rear garden.

New owners, however, may want to replace the kitchen with something more contemporary.

A spacious and bright bedroom, in the first-floor return, has spectacular views over the garden. There are other larger bedrooms, including the master, which has impressive views over Belgrave Road.

While there is no ensuite with any of the bedrooms, there is a family bathroom with old-fashioned bath and also a separate shower room with toilet.

The property also has self-contained office space at garden level containing two offices, a kitchenette and cloakroom.

Local shops are situated on Dunville Avenue. There is a good range of schools within walking distance, as are Belgrave Square and Palmerston Park (which both have playgrounds). Parking is on street.

The city centre, two miles away, can be reached quickly by Luas - Beechwood station is close to this house.