Number 158 Rathgar Road feels intimate rather than intimidating despite its very large size, says Joyce Hickey.

Tucked behind the bustle of Dublin 6, number 158 Rathgar Road is a detached Georgian house whose special character is apparent from the start of the beech-lined driveway.

On one-third of an acre, this well-kept four-bedroom house has a guide price of region €2 million prior to auction on April 20th through Ganly Walters.

Beechlawn, built around 1816, is attributed to the architect Francis Johnston and is one of the oldest houses in the area. It is single storey to the front, faced with sombre granite, and double-storey to the rear. Tall windows either side of the solid front door light the entrance hall, from which glass doors lead to the reception hall. Both are floored with creamy Portland flagstones and sunlight streams through a circular lantern over the short staircase.

The square plan of the original house means that most of it can be seen from here and its classical proportions, as well as the open iron baluster, give a sense of space and light. On this level the fine ceiling plasterwork, restored marble fireplaces, Ventrolla sash windows and working shutters are testament to the care invested by the owners, who have lived here for 24 years.

To the right of the hall is a square drawingroom whose rich navy walls are relieved by bright white above the picture rail and on the ceiling, as well as by a large sash window that overlooks the front garden. French doors lead to a sunny tiled conservatory that opens out to the garden and in to a large playroom with a loft and an adjacent shower room as well as a small room that is wired and plumbed.

Off the hall, to the left, the maroon diningroom has built-in display cabinets and leads to the large, friendly kitchen / breakfastroom, which was formerly used as a studio and runs the full depth of the house.

There are plenty of oak units, and a large recess houses a range cooker. Glass doors lead to a utility room, which in turn opens through sliding doors to the big back garden. This is a tranquil bolt-hole, sunny until tea-time and surrounded by stone walls, mature trees and raised beds, with Portland flags and brickwork underfoot.

A few steps lead from the kitchen down to what was originally a semi-basement. Since the back garden was landscaped this level is bright and airy. It comprises a shower room and two bedrooms. One of these, with a door to the garden, has an adjoining store room.

Short flights of stone steps either side of the main staircase lead back up into the hall. Two further bedrooms, both en suite, occupy the first floor. One has a walk-in wardrobe; the main bedroom is entered through a small room, used as a dressingroom, and the bathroom off it is dominated by a free-standing bath. Beechlawn feels intimate rather than intimidating, yet the floor area of 371 sq m (4,000 sq ft) and the adaptability of the accommodation give it tremendous appeal. The sense of seclusion belies its location only two miles from the city and within striking distance of Rathgar and Rathmines villages.

For a virtual tour of this property, click on nicemove.ie