It seems a little tragic now that once I should have thought that Marlay Park in Dublin had been named after Bob Marlay, the popular Jamaican songster.

Why, precisely, Mr Marley would have lent his name to a park in Rathfarnham in Dublin and alter the spelling slightly, when he clearly had other more pressing Rastafarian and/or singing issues to attend to in Jamaica is anyone's guess, but damn it I had a vivid imagination, if nothing else.

Now those good folk at Colliers Jackson-Stops have brought thoughts of the big dreadlocked man back to me with the sale of Marlay Grange in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.

This one really is a cracker. Just look at those pictures. Have you ever seen a Victorian House like it built in such a Gothic style in a capital city?

Examine that structure if you will. Gables, or dormer gables and even a tower with a truncated pyramid-like roof.

Then there's the Gate Lodge at the entrance of over 103 sq.m. (1,100 sq.ft.) You will approach this emporium to good taste via an impressive cut-stone entrance along a tree-lined avenue and will park your 1993 Honda Civic with Louth registration and go-faster stripes, on the gravelled forecourt to the front of the house.

You will then step out of the car and faint, but before you do, you will look back at the totally private grounds, specimen trees, ornamental pools, trellis-covered sunken pathwaym paddock and woodland.

Once you come around, you will sink into a practical reverie. Yes, this home needs renovation: yes, I wouldn't be getting Mickey down the road near it with his banjaxed HIACE and his power drill; and yes, this will be a labour of love. When the job is done however, nothing but nothing, should ever quite be the same again.

And yes, before you ask - Bob would have approved.

For further information on Marlay Grange contact Colliers Jackson-Stops on 01 6333700 or visit www.colliersjs.com