Solid redbrick family homes in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, have been climbing steadily in value over the last five years and many semi-detached houses in the area now fetch between £400,000 and £500,000.

Typical of this market is 17 Mountainview Road, a five-bedroom semi that is expected to make in excess of £430,000 at a Sherry FitzGerald auction on February 10th.

Its central location, on one of the village's most popular roads, close to shops and schools, should ensure lively viewings in advance of the auction. The 1,900-sq-ft house has all the features one expects at this price level - spacious interconnecting reception rooms with period fireplaces, a large kitchen, separate breakfastroom with access to a paved and landscaped back garden.

Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms, two single rooms and a lavishly appointed bathroom. The reception rooms are instantly appealing because of their simple decor - polished timber floors and cream painted walls make the rooms appear larger while the fine marble fireplaces add distinction. Polished wooden boards give way to red and black quarry tiles at the back of the hall where there is a guest lavatory on one side and understairs storage on the other. Straight ahead is the breakfastroom with its red and black floor - the original quarry tiles laid on the diagonal - and cheerful yellow walls.

This room is warmed by a solid-fuel stove set into the original chimney-breast. On either side are openings to the working kitchen, which has a full range of pine units. Double doors open on to a patio at the side of the house from the breakfastroom, while the kitchen has three windows overlooking the garden. The hall, stairs and landing are decorated in Victorian style with green rose-strewn wallpaper above dado level. The large attic could be converted to further accommodation subject to the necessary planning permission.