Built to replace a 13th century Norman castle on the same site, the house, which sits on 4.3 acres, was in former years surrounded by a curtain wall and four round towers, one of which is still there. Then, in the 1970s the property was bought by American stage and screen actor Hurd Hatfield, famous for his role in The Picture of Dorian Gray.

A rambling old house in need of major repair, Hatfield undertook a costly and sensitive restoration programme. Then in the 1990s, further refurbishment and upgrading was carried out at Ballinterry, creating what is today a truly impressive period home.

Originally a seven-bay house, Ballinterry became a five-bay house back in Georgian times as a means of reducing taxes owed on the property. Large rounded open fireplaces and a concealed stone spiral staircase add to the character that oozes from this imposing house.

With plenty of room to lose yourself in, Ballinterry is 557sq m (6,000sq ft) and includes a reception hall, drawingroom, music room, diningroom, kitchen/breakfastroom, rear hall, cellar, six bedrooms and two bathrooms.

A staff cottage on the grounds provides extra accommodation, along with a garage, workshop, barn and other outbuildings which future owners could convert into either stabling or residential use.

Limestone steps lead up to the front door which opens into an impressive reception hall of around 30ft by 17ft.

From here, double doors open into a large and elegant drawingroom of over 20ft by 20ft. Decorated in authentic 18th-century style, this room has a large rounded open fireplace with marble chimney piece and hearth, timber flooring and double sash windows. The music room is of similar size and style with yet another impressive fireplace.

Less formal yet comfortable and elegant is the diningroom with its washed stone walls, flagstone flooring, inglenook fireplace and two window seats. And while not very appetising looking, the original crane and game hooks still hang from the ceiling!

To the rear of the house, the kitchen is another spacious area with presses and storage, timber work surfaces and exposed brick walls.

Upstairs on the first and second floors, the bedrooms are bright and elegant and most rooms have either double or triple aspect windows.

Original fireplaces, shuttered windows and deep window seats all combine to make impressive sleeping quarters.

Tucked well in off the road and approached via a gravelled driveway, Ballinterry is surrounded by informal gardens and a woodland, and is about 20 minutes drive from Cork city.

Price: 1.25m Agent: Michael H Daniels 022-46996