The mature camellias, rhododendrons, copper beeches and a majestic old chestnut tree surround a home of great character, with defining features such as the projecting bays and porches of the elevation.

Lofty sash windows are another emblematic feature of the facade, ensuring an abundance of natural light through the interior.

Many a party for friends and family has been held here over the years, all adding to the lived-in character of the house.

A summer's evening location for some of those gettogethers has been the seven-bay, L-shaped, cast-iron veranda . . . a striking original feature which the owners had carefully restored. The veranda overlooks the secluded garden and decorative fountain and has been the perfect spot for al fresco dining over the years, after, on occasion, a game of tennis on the hardsurface court elsewhere in the two acres of grounds.

Equal attention has been given to the architectural detail of the interior of 1870s house, and the deep-set windows, coving, cornicing and period fireplaces have been carefully retained. Entrance is through the single-storey, square porch and into the reception hall with curved top windows and original fireplace. Leading off from here are the study; office; fully fitted kitchen and familyroom.

The formal diningroom on this floor has an impressive marble fireplace and is filled with light from three tall sash windows.

Equally fine is the drawing room, with five sash windows along an arched wall. The upper-floor bedrooms, including the master with en suite and separate dressingroom, have fine views across the gardens to the River Suir and the south Kilkenny countryside.

Selling agent John Rohan views Leoville as one of the most impressive period homes to come on the market in the area.

"Houses simply are not built to these proportions nowadays and the same high quality materials are seldom used in modern construction.

This house is a visually-striking landmark on the Dunmore Road and has been excellently maintained by the current owners for almost two decades. Its been a real labour of love for them, easy to see from both the house and those beautiful grounds around it."

Those gardens caught the attention of the judges in a competition some time back, while all of the skills picked up by the owners themselves during the restoration of Leoville House are now being put to good use in their next project, another period property elsewhere in the county.

"We have really enjoyed living at Leoville, and it would be so nice if another family moved in, " say the owners. "A fine old house like this deserves plenty of tender, loving care."

Price: AMV 2.8m; public auction 25 May 2006 Agent: John Rohan 051-843 880