Seasoned house-hunters might think that if they've seen one pre-war Sandymount semi they've seen them all, but a double-fronted property at 3 St Alban's Park combines 1920s character and 21st century open-plan living thanks to a clever and elegant extension that runs the full width of the house.

Bennetts is quoting a guide price of €1.1 million prior to auction, which is scheduled for October 21st.

The front garden is mostly gravelled and has space for two cars. Sheltered by a porch, the front door, a sombre petrol blue, is surrounded by typical 1920s stained glass and the rich red petals are echoed in the colour of the hall walls. Off the marble-floored hall, to the left, is a well-fitted study that was originally a garage and has a bay window.

To the right is a formal diningroom that has a most unusual period white marble mantelpiece and a bay window. Sliding mahogany doors link this with the livingroom and both rooms, like the study, are floored in warm antique parquet.

Two walls are finished in a rich burnished red and gold that sets off the black marble fireplace perfectly, and two are painted in a stone colour. The junction with the new part of the house is seamless, and light floods in through a wall of windows and French doors that lead to the patio as well as through a long rooflight overhead.

Doors lead into the breakfastroom, also in the new part of the house, which in turn links up with the kitchen and here the floor is a magnificent rustic stone, with mosaic detailing in the dining area.

The kitchen units are painted cream and a pale mossy green, and pale stone tiles form a decorative splashback behind the Britannia range cooker. There is access to the side passage from the kitchen, and to the patio through bowed glass doors in the breakfastroom.

The stone patio is very generously proportioned, with plenty of room for a large table, and steps lead down to a curvy lawn bordered with mature planting and gravel. The garden is surprisingly private and is hardly overlooked - it is also very sunny, as it faces south-west.

The stairs are lit by a tall stained glass window and lead to a square landing, off which are three bedrooms and a family shower room. At the front of the house, the main bedroom has space for a long bank of antique wardrobes and the en suite bathroom is large enough to accommodate a bath and two basins, as well as a toilet and a shower enclosure. Another generous double and a large single bedroom overlook the back garden, as well as the flat roof of the extension, which would be cheered by the addition of some greenery.

With 158 sq m (1,700 sq ft) of living space, decorated with flair, and an ideal location close to the DART station at Sydney Parade and a short walk from Sandymount Strand and the Merrion shopping centre, the instant appeal of this house is sure to last.