Number 8 Millmount Villas, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, is an end-of-terrace redbrick built at the turn of the century, with its garden backing on to the Tolka river.

The four-bedroomed house has been in the same family since it was built almost 100 years ago. Five years ago, the owners built on a new kitchen, new bathroom and a large stylish conservatory.

No ordinary extension, its significance is in the extra frontage it gives on to the River Tolka, which ripples below the garden wall and beneath a 50-ft-long sun patio area accessible from the conservatory. Inside, the original diningroom and sittingroom have been converted into one large livingroom, each room retaining its period fireplace. From the dining section, you step through glazed double doors down into the bright, roomy kitchen/ breakfastroom. This has a white ceramic-tiled floor and extensive oak-style cupboards. Nearby is a modern bathroom which has a white suite, and a corner bath with electric power shower. The room is completely tiled.

The large rectangular conservatory is built on the riverfront and is accessible from the kitchen. Tiled in white, its location makes it a most attractive asset. Up the original period staircase, a small bedroom on the first floor return has a built-in wardrobe and separate mirrored dressing table and vanity area. The first-floor landing is lit by a Velux roof light. There are two further large bedrooms. The first has fitted wardrobes in dark wood. The main bedroom is notable for its extensive wardrobes and elaborate headboard with built-in cupboards and drawers. There is a wash-hand basin in the bedroom, and an adjoining tiled en suite shower room with power shower and lavatory. The rear garden is in lawn with a featured flower bed and water fountain. At the end, there is a wooden play house and a garage, accessible from a rear lane. Beyond the garden wall, the river chatters by. Upriver, a bridge leads to green and shady Tolka Park, just a few moments away on foot.