In Clontarf, Dublin 3, an imposing double-fronted five-bedroom detached house, St Mary's, at 16 Mount Prospect Avenue, is expected to make £550,000 at a Sherry FitzGerald auction on May 17th. Set well back from the main road, the 1,971 sq. ft house, which stands on 0.4 acres, would benefit from some modernisation, according to the agent.

The living-room has an attractive fireplace and large picture window overlooking the rear garden. A dining-room, study, family room and breakfast-room-cum-kitchen complete the downstairs accommodation. Upstairs, there are five bedrooms - four with built-in wardrobes - bathroom and access to a large attic room. St Mary's is surrounded by secluded gardens and there is a double garage, side entrance, patio area, workshop and two stables.