There's also the occasional visit of the resident fox to this mature, leafy glade. However, before all of these simple pleasures are to be discovered, there is the delightful prospect of the house itself to be explored . . . a residence which has some 256sq m (2,788sq ft) of space and where the graceful, elegant proportions and features are assuredly combined with all the comforts of bright modern design.

This easy transition of style is marked by the more formal reception rooms at hall-door level, and then down to the basement with the huge communal kitchen-cum-diningliving area.

The high-ceilinged hall, with intricate egg-and-dart ornate plaster detail, decorative arch and over-door fanlight, defines the Georgian origins of the house and makes a suitable introduction to the grand drawing/diningroom which runs the entire length of the building.

This is a beautiful room, with similar ceiling plaster detail in the hall, a fine marble fireplace, and dual windows - all with their original wooden shutters-filling the room with light.

Downstairs is a marked change in style with a cook's dream of a kitchen, all pale and contemporary with light wood fitted presses, a composite silica-stone counter top and limestone-tiled floor. The entire space is open-plan, encorporating an informal dining area with modern steel fireplace. A real feature again is the abundance of natural light, courtesy of five Velux windows and full height sliding glass doors onto the sheltered private garden.

Also on this level of the house are the main diningroom to the front of the house, with a period marble fireplace; a familyroom-cumstudy with access to the front garden; a well-fitted utility room plumbed for laundry appliances; and a shower stall, guest cloakroom and linen closet.

Up on the first floor are three double bedrooms, all with ceiling coving, built-in wardrobes and, like all of the other rooms in the house, sliding-sash windows provides floods of natural light. There is even ceiling coving in the main bathroom, which also contains a large hotpress. On the return is a second bathroom.

Outside, the front of the property is framed by mature trees and there is space for offstreet parking. Tucked quietly away to the rear is that paved and well-stocked garden, 60ft in length and decidedly rustic in style despite its city location. Daffodils are flourishing, the bluebells are waiting in the wings, and the birds are nesting in branches of those lofty, ivy clad trees.

Price: AMV 3.4mat auction on 9 May Agent: Colliers Jackson-Stops 01-633 3700