There has been a recent surge in the conversion of properties from commercial use back to residential homes, in particular it’s apparent on Pembroke Road in Ballsbridge. Planning records show that numbers 1 and 10 have been returned to private residences, from an educational facility and offices respectively, within the past few years.

Also on the list are numbers 4 and 6, neighbouring properties just beyond AIB bank on Baggot Street. Both houses were purchased by Halcyon Fund Management during the recession for a total of €1.4million.

Planning was subsequently granted to Hughes Planning Consultants to return both structures to residential use by removal of internal partitions and non-original walls. Planning was strict as both houses are protected structures.

The two properties were completely renovated, rewired and replumbed with new central heating systems installed.

Number 6 sold last year for €1.3million, and now next door, which has been rented, is on the market in turnkey condition through Knight Frank seeking €1.35 million.

Number 4 is a mid-terrace 190sq m (2,052sq ft) Victorian set two storeys over basement, with a converted attic, which looks out to the Dylan Hotel.

The usual layout of converted period houses applies here; with the kitchen and informal living room at garden level, and in turn the formal dining and drawing rooms at hall level are as they were when constructed in the Victorian age, except they are now contemporary and warm.

Upstairs are two fine bedrooms with a Jack and Jill en suite. The principal bedroom is impressive as it is the full width of the property and is very bright thanks to two large sash windows.

If two bedrooms for a property with 190sq m doesn’t seem adequate, other rooms can be reconfigured – there are three reception rooms and three bathrooms, and there is also an extra 30sq m at attic level.

The rear garden has pedestrian access onto a lane, and there is also a workshop of around 14sq m in size, which could work as a gym or home office.

It is encouraging to see these old houses transformed back to their original purpose as neighbourhood homes.

Also for sale is number 7 across the road. Though significantly larger at 354sq m and requiring some renovation, the five/six bed Regency property is seeking €2.25m through Hunters.