Built circa the 1840s, Annamoe House, a doublefronted, detached residence has been brought back to its original period grandeur by a builder who has also worked on key restoration projects at Russborough House, Carton House and Collins Barracks, a factor which itself makes the house something special.

From the start, the art and craft of the early Victorian architecture impresses, with the entrance leading through the cut granite wall and wrought iron gate, along the path lined with box hedge and up to a hall door with leaded, stained glass panels.

The reception hall has red and black marble tiles and the ornate decorative arch, plaster coving and winding staircase characteristic of the period. To the left is the first of a series of reception rooms, a double-sized livingroom with wall panelling, two antique marble fireplaces, original cast-iron radiators and two crystal chandeliers hanging from ornate roses.

Unlike so many authentic Victorian reception rooms, this is not dark or fussy. Natural light streams in from the tall bay window to the front, meeting equally abundant light from two rear windows.

As with all the rooms in the house, this is painted in a tasteful heritage colour from Farrow & Ball's classic range.

Across the hall is the panelled diningroom, similarly styled with decorative plaster coving on the ceiling, huge bay window and a green and black marble fireplace.

The kitchen is a dream for the cook with a hankering for the big working rooms of old, with pride of place given to the large Aga, used for cooking and for heating the room.

Bespoke presses are in a rustic style, with most appliances integrated, save for the big American style fridge freezer.

Adjacent is the well fitted utility/pantry in the original Boot Room, and a separate guest cloakroom with shower.

Up the staircase is the first landing, filled with light from a roof window with stained glass panels. The first floor hall has a high ceiling topped with ornate centre piece and decorative arch echoing that in the lower hall. Leading off is the master bedroom ensuite, with panelled walls and white marble fireplace.

The en-suite has marble floor tiles and stained-glass roof light. The other three bedrooms are also ensuite, with the main bathroom also doubling as en-suite to the nursery bedroom. Tiled in cream marble, the bathroom has double jacuzzi bath, power shower and stained glass roof light.

There is plenty to delight the eye outside, too, including a fountain in the courtyard outside the kitchen window. Explore a little further, and there is a secret garden sheltered among the trees.

The sale also includes the detached, two-bedroomed coach house, and a separate office building.

Price: 3.5m Agent: J J Egan Auctioneers, 045-449 445