This is probably the best family home to come on the market in Dublin 6 for nearly two years. The three-storey detached, Victorian house, which stands on about half-an-acre of land and includes a one-bedroom granite mews, has been home to ex-politician Gemma Hussey and her husband, businessman Derry Hussey, since 1977. Leafy Dartry Road is one of the most exclusive roads in Dublin and doesn't come cheap: the Husseys' impeccably maintained fivebedroom house has a guide price of over £3 million prior to auction on September 27th through Sherry FitzGerald, where Simon Ensor is handling the sale.

There are two reception rooms and a large kitchen-cum-diningroom on the hall floor. A formal diningroom is in a lofty, airy extension by architect Niall McCullough. Upstairs, past a huge, arched window with lovely, old, wobbly glass, there are three large bedrooms (one en suite) and a family bathroom. At garden level, there are two bedrooms, a shower room, utility and storage areas and a second kitchen.