That is certainly not the case with this spacious family home, Druids Rock, in Co Waterford, which achieves a sense of harmony in the balanced use of natural materials and fittings - the only natural ?excess' here might be the ever welcome one of generous light and space (circa 2,400sq ft).

The four-bed detached residence, six miles from Waterford city on Green Road, Faithlegg, was created very much with abundant space in mind, with open-plan living areas, high vaulted ceilings and apex windows taking in panoramic views of the city and county.

The designer kitchen here is well worth a mention, manufactured in Italy by Scavolini in white wood and with Corian worktops. There's a touch of Italia too in the travertine marble tiled floors which flow from the large entrance hall to kitchen, sunroom, utility, main bathroom and guest cloakroom.

Natural woods used to subtle effect range from solid oak, for alternate flooring, to mellow pine in the exposed joists soaring through those vaulted ceilings. The modernity of the home is marked by a surround-sound remote speaker system throughout the main rooms - even the bathroom - yet the property is most defined by the generous living space and tranquillity of the setting on its elevated 1.25-acre site.

Accommodation comprises the large entrance hall with split-level floor and LED lighting; livingroom with sandstone fireplace; large communal kitchen with integrated appliances, log burning stove and patio doors onto the garden; sunroom with patio doors; utility plumbed for laundry appliances; and separate guest cloakroom.

Just under the mezzanine area is the master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, en suite with marble floor, jacuzzi bath and separate power shower.

On the mezzanine level proper is the home office; two further bedrooms with built-in wardrobes; and the main bathroom, again with jacuzzi bath, power shower and glass block wall feature.

Bedroom four is at the very top of the house with built-in wardrobes, along with a large games room with two Velux windows. The house is approached via a long driveway; to the rear is the patio with large gardens beyond.

Price: �?�925,000 Agent: O'Shea O'Toole & Partners 051-876757