Number 11 Raglan Road, a house on the road made famous by Patrick Kavanagh, and later by the haunting strains of Luke Kelly, has come on the market. It is a three-storey over basement period property dating from the middle of the last century. Situated in an area of Dublin 4 where prices hover around the £1 million mark, it is in poor decorative order and has a guide of £750,000-plus prior to its auction by Lisney on May 12th. This is undoubtedly a conservative figure given its location in the heart of leafy Ballsbridge. Indeed, it is a house of contradictions. Nearly all the original features, such as intricate decorative mouldings and marble fireplaces, remain intact and it is impossible not to be impressed by its architectural integrity despite a run-down appearance. The redbrick exterior needs re-pointing but fine granite steps lead to the front door and into a once gracious hallway with a limestone floor, a grand staircase and corniced ceiling.

This plasterwork extends into the two reception rooms off the hall, one of which is lined by kitchen units. To the rear of the hall there is a lavatory and a storage room, as well as a door leading to outside wrought iron steps. The first floor return features a sunny alcove with two windows and is currently used as a makeshift study. The spacious drawingroom is on the first floor, spanning the width of the house. It is an imposing room with fine windows and plasterwork as well as a marble fireplace. Folding doors lead to another room, presently used as a bedroom. It too has a marble fireplace. A bathroom in the half-landing has a free-standing Victorian bath with original brass fittings. There is a modern lavatory. On the second floor are three more bedrooms all of which could be used as doubles. There is a further bedroom on another half landing. A separate entrance leads to the garden apartment which has a livingroom with a brick fireplace, as well as two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchenette. Outside is a railed front garden set out in lawn while the back garden has a westerly aspect. There is no off-street parking though a residential disc parking scheme is in operation. However, the house is conveniently located close to shops and within a 20 minute walk of St Stephen's Green, as well as being close to public transport such as the DART and to restaurants, schools, colleges and churches.