From the exterior, number 120 South Circular Road, just a stone's throw from Leonard's Corner, is deceptively large. Originally a two-room cottage which would have housed an entire family in its heyday, the cottage has been extended twice over the years and now stands at 74sq m (797sq ft).

The current owners gave the cottage an overhaul in 2008 to include an open-plan kitchen and living area with vaulted ceilings.

To the rear are floor-to-ceiling sliding Rationel doors which open out to a small but maintenance-free garden with a mixture of antique flag stones and shingle. Flooring throughout is Jatoba, which has developed a lovely warm red patina over the years.

The kitchen has a high breakfast bar in black granite which separates the cooking and living areas and is bright thanks to four Velux windows overhead which also allow passive heating.

An elevated open fire in the living area serves as the focal point and comfortably accommodates two sofas.

To the front of the property are two bedrooms which are a reminder of how an entire family would have occupied this small space in the last century. A tiny outdoor atrium off the master bedroom and good size bathroom complete the cottage.

The quaint cottage would suit a couple or make a wonderful bachelor pad; its proximity to the panoply of restaurants and bars nearby and short stroll to town make it an ideal alternative to an apartment, with the added benefit of a garden. The property is for sale through estate agent Michael Turley with an asking price of €490,000.