The house, built in l995, has 12 solar panels that harness the sun light which is then stored in a sealed battery tank and converted to a standard 240-volt ac supply through an inverter. In addition, there is a connection to a generator, while the house also has the conventional full mains electrical connection. Water is sourced from a well on the land and heated by the black Aga cooker, which also runs the central heating system.

The walls of the new residence are two-feet thick in places, with eco-friendly insulation throughout. Another charming feature is that the house has put its arms, so to speak, around the original 200 year-old stone cottage which is now re-designed as a pretty guest bedroom. That cottage feel is enhanced by internal doors fashioned from old pine church pews, and 'cathedral'style, soaring ceilings to many of the interior spaces. Rational exterior doors and windows are double-glazed and have solar reflective glass, while floors are mahogany or maple.

The period-meets-eco-contemporary interior design is evident from the start with a 16th-century tiled panel an eye-catching feature of the entrance hall. Leading from here are the guest cloakroom, the utility, and the 93sq m (1,000 sq ft), open-plan space that incorporates the kitchen, dining and living areas.

A French door opens to paved terrace, while a set of sliding doors open to the studio. These doors can also slide back to increase the space in the open-plan living area.

There are four large bedrooms in the main house. The adjoining, self-contained lodge of circa 42sq m (450sq ft) includes a SieMatic kitchen and a double bedroom. The total square footage is 278sq m (3,000sq ft), while the setting is in one of the region's most picturesque areas.

Price: 1.75m Agent: Henry O'Leary Property Partners 023-359 59