"The bracken was waist high, but, even then, there was a sense that this was such a tranquil and lovely place, and in a setting right at the water's edge. I knew we were going to have to build from scratch, but we enjoyed every minute of creating a home here."

That was in l998, and Dawros House, a fine five-bed stone residence, reflects all the care that went into its creation, taking full advantage of that enviable location. Almost all of the rooms open through French doors onto the sprawling lawns, at the end of which is a long, stone pier with steps down to a small sheltered bay.

Though new, the house looks like it has always been there thanks to the choice of building materials and the right builder.

"We modelled the design on a number of the older houses near Kenmare and around the Blackwater area, " Margaret says. "Features such as the barge boarding over the windows are very common locally."

She knew a thing or two about older houses herself, as a London-based property developer specialising in period residences. "What really gives the house that sense of history, however, is the stone from which it is constructed.

Our builder had heard about a nearby convent which was being demolished, and he suggested using the stones from that. . . he was wonderful, inventive and very tolerant of our demands and requests, rising to the challenge each time."

Most of the external lintels and the limestone doorsteps were specially made in Kilkenny, while the internal joinery was constructed locally and in Co Cork. There are echoes of the inspirational convent in the arched Gothic windows, through which there are sea views to soothe the soul. The house is mostly one room deep, so that the interior is bathed in natural light.

A curved gravel driveway leads to a courtyard to the south of the house. Gothic style double doors, painted soft green/grey and with glazed panels and fanlight, lead into a very large entrance hall with slate flooring. At the far end of the hall, a similar set of double doors opens to the rear garden.

The elegant drawing room with antique, stone fireplace is a relaxed place to read or gaze out to sea. The adjacent study has an 18th century stone fireplace and an array of bookshelves and cupboards. French doors open directly to the seafacing garden.

The large, light-filled kitchen has a country farmhouse feel, yet underneath the creamcoloured bespoke presses and cupboards, all is seamless, modern efficiency with fully integrated appliances. The kitchen features Brazilian slate flooring, Lacanche gas range and an island.

Opposite the working end is a dining area with a lovely French stone fireplace and French doors opening to the terrace and garden. Next door is a utility room with bespoke presses, Belfast sink and laundry appliances. Adjacent to this is a separate cloakroom and lobby area.

The carved wooden staircase is a charming feature in itself. It ascends to the five bedrooms on the first floor, all of which have views over the sea to the mountains. The master bedroom is open to the eaves and has French doors onto a balcony. A separate dressing room and en-suite with bath, twin handbasins and washstand add to the grandeur. The other bedrooms are also en-suite, with the fifth . . . a self-contained guest suite . . .

also open to the eaves.

Outside, facing south, is a covered walkway leading to the annexe that functions as an old style boot/rod room, with Belfast sink and excellent storage. A door opens to the double garage with wine cellar below. On the first floor is a stylish guest suite with sea views.

Further south is the 150year-old stone cottage, now with new roof and currently in use as a log shed. The maturity of the gardens add to the heritage feel of the house, and care was taken to retain as many oaks as possible while building. Margaret has added more trees, shrub borders and stone walls.

"I will miss lots of things about Dawros when we move, " she says, "not least seeing how the gardens will further mature, or taking our little boat out into the bay. Most of all, I'll miss the peace and tranquillity . . . Dawros is what you might call a very calming house."

Price: Guiding 5m Joint agents: Dominic J Daly, 021-4277399; Knight Frank, 00-44-207 4910854