And, finally, our favourite piece of estate agent's guff:

Picture this, gazing out of the window of your bedroom and experiencing one of the best views the capital has to offer. As stags and deer graze leisurely on the open plains of Europe's largest enclosed park. The view of the beautiful home of the United States Ambassador and the Wellington monument, all this and so much more. An extremely deceptive residence which has been transformed by its present owners will appeal to the discerning house purchaser who should not miss the opportunity to acquire this truly magnificent home.

Extract from a Douglas Newman Good brochure for a three-bedroom house at The Ranch, Dublin 10, that is on the market at £125,000.

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