Houses in the city centre have risen steeply in value since 12/13 Pembroke Street Lower, in Dublin 2, last came on the market in 1995. Then the asking price was £390,000. Now, back on the market, the interconnecting Georgian houses are expected to make £1.5 million-plus at auction on June 21st through joint agents McNally Handy and Costello Commercial.

The houses were previously owned by antiques dealer Malcolm Alexander, who bought them in the late 1970s with planning permission to demolish them. Instead, he remodelled and refurbished the 3,050 sq ft property as a family home.

Just off Baggot Street and within an easy stroll of St Stephen's Green, the three-storey over basement terraced houses are still in residential use, although there is office accommodation at groundfloor level. There are two parking spaces to the rear. The houses are fully integrated and connect at all levels. There are four bedrooms on the top floor, one at hall level and another in the basement. There is potential for either more bedrooms or offices depending on how new owners choose to allocate space, although a residential element must be included under current planning guidelines.

The two period front doors are in use. The reception halls have attractive ceiling cornicing and fanlights. Three offices are at this level, comprising 507 sq ft, while there is another rear room, used as a bedroom.

Given the Georgian dimensions, none of the individual rooms are very spacious and each of the houses is only one room wide. The main living area is on the first floor. The drawingroom has two sash windows overlooking the street and a white original marble chimney-piece, as well as ceiling cornicing. It also has wrought-iron planter balconies.

Folding doors lead into a family room with an Adam-style timber mantelpiece and marble surround fireplace. This room looks out over the courtyard towards a brick wall. Also at this level is the diningroom covered in red wallpaper, again with two windows overlooking the street, and planter balconies, and having a white marble chimney-piece.

This room leads into the compact kitchen/breakfastroom, featuring a range of Flemish oak cupboards and worktop units. A video intercom system connects with the front door. Nearby is a utility room.

Four bedrooms are on the top floor, along with the family bathroom. Two of the bedrooms are large doubles overlooking the street. Another two, one with a shower room, are at the back. The basement is in need of refurbishment and can be accessed from one of the houses. It has a self-contained apartment with separate access from the street, and includes a livingroom, bedroom, kitchen, showerroom and a large store room, as well as a cloakroom with lavatory.

To the rear is a paved courtyard garden surrounded by high walls. There is also separate parking for two cars, with access from Windsor Place.