Designed and built by its architect owner three years ago, Blackberry Hill makes the most of a rural location at Ballyman Road, Countrybook, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, taking in terrific views of the surrounding hills, including the two Sugarloafs.

A 'back to nature' inspiration is very evident in the design and choice of materials, both inside and out, but not in a heavy-handed fashion, as the owner explains.

"A lot of time was spent initially in considering how best to link the house to the surroundings . . . plus I was going through a major eco-friendly period and wanted the building to be as sustainable as possible.

The eventual design is pretty much on a square plan, and although there is over 93sq m (10,000sq ft) of natural hardwood used throughout, I didn't want the house to look like a timber box. The most important thing was that there would be an abundance of light, plus free heat from the sun. In that sense, the orientation was as big a focus as the design, with the front elevation, facing north-west, being fairly traditional in its imposing natural stone facade, while the south facing rear of the house is a mix of timber and glazing."

That warmth, light and space is evident from the moment you step inside the front door, as is a strong sense of Scandinavian inspiration in the interior design. Hardwood floors coupled with pitch pine walls could look overpowering, but here, the owner has limewashed the panelling to achieve a more subtle effect throughout. Big squashy sofas, softened with natural wool throws, and chairs upholstered in bright, modern damask, all add to the informality and comfort of this home.

With a floor area of over 297sq m (3,200sq ft), maintaining that cosiness throughout could be difficult, but the underfloor heating, together with two wood burning stoves, ensures plenty of warmth. A contributing factor is the design of the house which is not only super-insulated, but has extensive wall and roof glazing to give ample heat from the sun. The central heating rarely needs turning on until November, says the owner.

Careful consideration of spatial planning and layout has also ensured there is no wasted space in unnecessary corridors or impractically large hallways. In fact, the entrance hall here has a bespoke wardrobe running the entire length of one wall, specially for coats, boots and all the paraphernalia that accumulates in these areas.

From here, it's straight into a very large . . . nine-metres square . . . multi-purpose living area from which all other spaces in the house radiate.

An entire south-facing, glazed wall allows this living area to be opened fully to the garden, a delightful bonus on warm, sunny days. Similar glazed doors feature in the adjoining playroom which also benefits from a west-facing window.

Other rooms leading from the living area include the home gym, a second living room with stove and double doors opening to the patio to the front of the house, a very spacious guest bedroom with stylish en-suite, and a guest cloakroom stylishly designed with cream travertine and mosaic tiling.

Natural light is again a feelgood factor in the kitchen where an entire wall and roof (with roof blinds) flows sunshine in from the south. Fittings are very classy and modern with units in a highgloss cream finish and glass doors, topped by dark marble work surfaces. The cream travertine floor enhances the abundance of natural light, while the breakfast area has ample space for a couch.

On the first floor are five bedrooms, two of which have very chic en-suites. The design inspiration doesn't run out in the main bathroom either. This is a lovely room with a freestanding, antique cast iron bath perfect for long lazy soaks, marble floor and oldfashioned ceramic wash-stand.

Outside, the garden extending to a third of an acre allows plenty of room for rough and tumble family play or quiet contemplation, maybe in the inviting summerhouse which is fully insulated, nicely painted and which could easily switch to being a smart home office or studio.

Price: AMV 1.8m; auction 19 October Agent: Lowe & Associates 01-496 0844