SOME HOMES ARE deceptive in their appearance. With 9 Albert Court East, just off Grand Canal St in Dublin 2, that deception proves to be a boon.

From what used to be the tiny cottage abode of a worker in a nearby dairy, this Victorian home has been transformed into a large space suited to a small family or someone who wants to stay close to the city action, tucked away in a quiet part of D2.

It’s now on the market now for €1 million.

In 2008, the owners waved their magic wand and the cottage became a two-storey home, complete with a large garden, high-ceilinged kitchen and family rooms.

Its transformation is incredibly satisfying.

There are three bedrooms – two upstairs, one down – two en suites, a den, and kitchen-cum-dining room.

It’s hard to believe that what is now the front room was once almost the entire house. The new owners moved the door, but kept the original brick fireplace, giving it a rustic edge.

The back garden, interestingly, has astroturf instead of grass. So if you’re not particularly green-fingered, you might relish the thought of never having to cut your lawn again.

But if this sounds like sacrilege, it won’t be long before you have that replaced with the real thing. In one corner there’s a table and chairs, with granite stone and an area for a barbecue.

This is a garden that will see a lot of action during the summer, but even on a cold December day is a welcoming place.

From the back, you can really appreciate all the work that’s gone into the building, with the true scale of the extension becoming apparent.

Access to the garden is through the kitchen, which itself is the heart of the home.

A high ceiling with large windows brings loads of light into this space, which has an island at its centre.

This is a kitchen that’s airy enough for a large party but relaxing enough for a romantic dinner for two.

A terraced house, 9 Albert Court East is located in a quiet cul-de-sac just off Grand Canal Road, not far from the quays, near amenities like Merrion Square and St Stephen’s Green, close to shopping areas and offices.

It’s also near the likes of the café 3FE, and other new and up-and-coming businesses in the burgeoning Grand Canal area. So purchasing this home is quite the investment – this area is only going to get more developed as the years go on.

This is an ideal home for a small family who want to locate themselves near the city centre, but it’s also a great property for someone looking to downsize, or professionals who want a city pad.

9 Albert Court East is for sale for €1 million through Owen Reilly Property Consultants.