Auctions have been failing left right and centre, so it's no surprise that the Irish Hospice Foundation was unable to attract serious bidders to compete for its charity venture - to sell a fully-furnished apartment at Crosbie's Yard in the north Docklands.

Harry Crosbie donated the apartment to the foundation to sell. John Rocha then stepped in to design the interior, greatly helped by donations and time from many companies including O'Driscoll Furniture, Vola and Clerys. Artworks include a vast pot by artist Guggi.

The auction was due to take place last month, but had to be called off and it's now for sale.

The Hospice were coy on the price they're asking, but it's unlikely to be less than €600,000 due to its top-notch fit-out. Meanwhile, close by at Spencer Dock, the first residents are expected to move into the long delayed apartments in the autumn.

Around 600 apartments were bought from plans when Spencer Dock was first launched by Treasury Holdings in 2003 at prices ranging from €315,000 to €665,00. Even with the downturn, these now seem like a very good buy now that the conference centre has been secured for the site.