Set on four acres and with a backdrop of sweeping lawns, matures trees and roses scrambling over the cut stone walls, Kilcolman Rectory is the romantic, country, West Cork residence that many buyers dream of owning, says Roseanne De VereHunt of selling agents Ganly Walters. The five-bed property has undergone major restoration over the past eight years, carried out by the current owners to create a family home, yet with due respect given to the fine period features that make it special, including soaring ceilings, original sash windows with working shutters, decorative plaster arches and cornices. There is an impressive 650sq m (7,000sq ft) of floor space in the main house, while to the rear is the cut stone stable courtyard with two loose boxes, hay loft, rack room, garage, tool shed and boiler room. It's the interior where the elegance of a bygone era is most evident, with large formal reception rooms defined by dual aspect windows and marble fireplaces. The drawing room, dining room and study lead off the main entrance hall, all of which, including the guest cloakroom, have decorative cornices.

There is a guest bedroom and en-suite bathroom at this entrance level. Stairs lead down from the inner hallway to the garden level of the house where one of the most charming rooms is the big country kitchen, warmed by a four-oven Aga and fitted with cream presses and island unit. Exceptionally bright due to the three windows, there is an old-style pantry with fitted cupboards adjacent to this. There is wonderful family living space at this level, including an informal sitting room and garden room. A quirky feature is the log store which has a hatch to the courtyard. Rounding off the rooms at this level of the house is the original wine cellar - now graced by an Amtico floor, the cloakroom and the store room. There are four large bedrooms up on the first floor, all of which lead off the landing which has a tall, arched window. The master bedroom is filled with light from two windows, and a door leads to the en-suite bathroom with free-standing bathroom, power shower and fitted wardrobes. The three remaining bedrooms also have fitted wardrobes and there are a further two shower rooms and an old-style linen press.

Kilcolman Rectory is 10 minutes by car from Bandon and Clonakilty, and within 35 minutes from Cork city and airport.

Price: AMV 1.6m; public auction 26September 2006 Agent: Ganly Walters 01-662 3255