6 Rutland Cottages in the heart of Dublin city is home to writer Sarah Bannan. A native of the US, Bannan arrived in Ireland in 2000 to work as a literature and education assistant and then worked her way up to head of literature for the Arts Council.

Bannan bought the 41sq m house in 2007 when “most of the works had already been carried out” including lowering the floor to install a mezzanine upstairs. She replaced an open hearth with a gas stove in 2015 and installed a new kitchen in 2016.

It’s a small space, but Bannan lives here with her partner and after the birth of her second child, they decided it was time for somewhere bigger: “we really made it work when there was just the three of us – every space you could have storage has been maximised, the happiest times of my life have been in this house and I can count on one hand the times I have taken a taxi, the location is so central”.

The property is incredibly bright – thanks to a large window downstairs and the fact that the mezzanine doesn’t extend too far over the living/dining area allowing plenty of light to flow from the two Velux upstairs.

There is a tiny courtyard to the rear – but it is ample space to accommodate al fresco dining among the flower pots laden with herbs.

The bathroom, with Chinese slate underfoot has a free standing bath.

Bannan wrote her novel Weightless – a tale of teenage angst in Alabama – here in 2015, and is now working on her latest novel (about the challenges of parenthood). At the Arts Council she developed the first policy for children's literature and initiated Ireland's first children's laureate.

The property is in turnkey condition, and would make a fine alternative for those seeking a one-bed apartment in the city – becaues it’s self-contained, has an outdoor space, and there are no annual charges. Sherry FitzGerald is seeking €245,000 for the artisan cottage in the heart of Dublin 1.