Hatley, on Kerrymount Avenue in Foxrock, dates from the turn of the last century. It is listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as having “historical, artistic and social” merit.

Until recently the property was leased as the residence to the Australian ambassador in Ireland, and now it joins a number of its peers along the road having been placed on the market by its owners – who first purchased the house in 1980s.

The house, though in need of refurbishment, is delightful as it is light filled and laden with character – the front hallway has an open fire – you can picture cold winter evenings with logs crackling away.

To the rear and running along the entire back of the house is a large conservatory; this in turn links to what the agent has listed as a garden room – essentially a room that connects the kitchen to the conservatory and herein lies the potential.

A good architect could transform these spaces. In addition the property has a fine drawingroom – which runs the full width of the house, and a good-sized diningroom which links to a smaller breakfast room.

Upstairs are five spacious bedrooms, two of which are en suite.

Outside the mature grounds which extend to 0.6 of an acre are set around pathways filled with herbaceous borders.

There is potential to convert a 51sq m (550sq ft) stone structure into a mews, as there is access to a lane off Brighton Road – subject to planning.

Houses in Foxrock have lately been coming in about 9 per cent shy of their asking prices. Hatley at €1.85 million, through Sherry FitzGerald, appears to be good value considering its size, extent of the gardens and potential to convert the stone building to the rear, not to mention the property's inherent charm.