Bluebell Woods in Birr, Co Offaly, is every stressed-out Dubliners' dream. This stunning architect-designed home cleverly maximises the most spectacular panoramic countryscape views and marries it beautifully with a bright, modern interior that has an emphasis on cosy comfortable styling and practical functionality.

"For us, a key priority was to capture the panoramic views and create a seamless interface between landscape and living space, " says owner Laura Walshe, who relocated with her husband Emmett from Dublin two years ago in search of a better environment for their children.

They're now selling but plan to stay in the local area.

What Laura and Emmett have created is a home that does not waste a single opportunity to take in the scenery.

Perched on top of a hill on a one-acre site, the house features extensive glazing, double-height spaces and internal and external balconies so light floods the space from morning to night.

Spread out over 418sq m (4,500sq ft), the ground floor includes a living room with a stone-faced feature chimney breast and double doors onto a patio, a double-height sitting room with solid fuel fire, a large bedroom with double doors to a private patio, bathroom, utility space and a series of additional storage spaces.

The kitchen/dining room, also on the ground floor, is the real hub of this home and features handmade units and a large central island topped off with extra deep granite worktops and a Belfast sink, integrated appliances and a pantry for additional storage space.

Upstairs is equally innovative in design and is home to three bedrooms (the master is en-suite), a family bathroom with Jacuzzi and Victorian bath suite and walk-in closet and library with fireplace and internal balcony.

Outside the landscaping has been designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings with an emphasis on simplicity.

Up to 150 trees of various birch species have been planted in a wild grass lawn dotted with over 2,000 bluebells.

Rockeries provide a tranquil space and a large patio is ideal for outdoor entertaining.

"I'll be sad to leave and will miss the early morning dawn, the panoramic views and the light, but selling Bluebell Woods is our opportunity to use the equity in our home to achieve some level of financial freedom, to spend more time with the children and leave the rat race behind."

Price: 750,000 Agent: DNG Purcell Auctioneers, 057-912 0270