This secluded period freehold property near Ashford is a stroll from the Killoughter beach, famous for its bird sanctuary and shore angling.

A short drive from the N11, it enjoys spectacular views of the sea from several of the bedrooms.

Once a thriving village shop and pub, Killoughter Lodge is steeped in local history. Now a five-bed family home of 232sq m (2,800sq ft), this impressive twostorey property in the 'Garden of Ireland' is set on an acre of mature gardens.

It has been extended sympathetically while retaining its old-world charm. The extension is very much in keeping with the original house and has 18in walls, sash windows and blue Bangor slates on the roof.

Clarke Auctioneers in Ashford is bringing this property to the market with an AMV of 1.5m on 15 June.

The house has the character and elegance of a period property and yet provides all the conveniences of modern family living. Beautifully presented, it enjoys a mix of original as well as contemporary features that sit comfortably with the antique fireplaces, pine shutters and solid-wood flooring. The spacious farmhouse kitchen is modern and stylish and the true hub of the home with its painted kitchen units, polished granite worktops and superb solid pine floor. The accommodation includes a large entrance hall, sittingroom, kitchen/diningroom, five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study.

There is also a fully fitted utility room, internal phone intercom system and electric entrance gates.

A lot of love and energy has been put into this property but there are still a few corners needing some decorative and maintenance work, which will give the new owners a chance to put their own mark on this delightful space.

In the meantime, they can enjoy the sunny south-facing back garden with its large manicured lawn and sizeable patio, ideal for entertaining.

The main access point is bounded by a quality granite walled entrance with electric gates leading to the gravelled driveway and adding to the already considerable privacy enjoyed by this property.

Another thing people will like, says auctioneer Stephen Clarke, is the recently converted studio space. A super open-plan area of 56sq m (590sq ft) with attractive lofted ceilings, and uncovered beams, it is designed to be self-sufficient from the main property. Double-glazed with central heating, it has a wc and is plumbed and wired for a small functional kitchen.

Ideally it could function as an office, a teenage games room, gym or even an artist's studio.

"It offers the prospective purchaser all manner of options subject to planning permission where applicable, " says Clarke.

Killoughter Lodge is on the leafy coast road from Rathnew to Newcastle at Killoughter crossroads. The lodge is surrounded by some of the most visually stunning countryside in the county and rubs shoulders with the areas most imposing residences including Killoughter House, Ballybla House, Clonmannon and Hunters Hotel.

The scenic village of Ashford and the new N11 roadway are less than a mile away, making both Wicklow town and Greystones equally accessible along with all their numerous amenities.

Dart services run from Greystones and the new N11/M11 roadway has brought the commuter even closer to Dublin, with travel times to the city centre of around an hour.

Price: AMV 1.5m at auction on 15 June Agent: Clarke Auctioneers 0404-40421