An entrancing cottage close to the Liffey, Allen's Cottage, 75A Martin's Row, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, is guiding £220,000 (279,340) prior to auction on 12th July. The selling agent is Gunne Residential, which says the property has undergone a complete transformation since they sold it to the present owners about six years ago.

Allen's Cottage is well-located on Martin's Row, a quiet slip road off Knockmaroon Hill. When the present owners bought the cottage, it needed just about everything to change it into a comfortable modern home.

The quaint single-storey cottage has thick window ledges, an old-tiled roof and fronts directly onto the road. Inside, the entire interior was opened out apart from the bedrooms, all the mains services were replaced and a roof deck installed to enjoy the greenery around the house. Another addition was a single storey extension for extra living space.

The result is a delightful open-plan living space ideal for a couple or well-off single buyer. The sittingroom/kitchen/diner is flooded with light from roof windows and there are polished wood floors throughout.

The new open fireplace is floor-to-ceiling salvaged brick and the country-style kitchen is made from reclaimed church timbers.

Ceilings are sloping, adding to the character and there are heavy old pine support pillars.

There are two double bedrooms, both with polished wood floors and doors to a south-facing terrace. The bathroom has a white suite, with mosaic wall tiles and varnished floorboards.

The rooftop deck is railed and large enough for a party. A bonus of living in Chapelizod is its immediate proximity to the Phoenix Park, with gates into the park from several points in the village.

While through traffic can be a nightmare in rush hour and apartment blocks have mushroomed, a strong community spirit in Chapelizod has protected its village character. It's a straight three-mile run by car to the city centre along the banks of the Liffey.