Coolatee House in Lifford isn't exactly your average holiday home but at Euro595,000 it is excellent value for money, and will definitely appeal to those looking for a rural statement pile with loads of character in a good location.

Built in 1800, this seriously impressive property exudes effortless charm and elegant styling and has got modern period living down to a fine art.

In the past 12 months it has been completely refurbished with care taken to retain and restore the original features - fireplaces, cornicing, flooring, timber shutters and wood panelling.

The roof has been completely overhauled, a new kitchen fitted, a patio area added to the side of the house, telephone points installed, a new central heating boiler and a ground floor shower room refurbished.

Described by agents Franklins, as "one of the finest period homes currently on the market in Co Donegal", it's easy to see why. This property has everything, and more, that you'd expect from a period home - well-proportioned rooms, high ceilings and loads of space - so much, in fact, that you'll be wondering what to do with it all.

Accommodation spans some 279sq m (3,000sq ft) and includes an entrance hall with doors leading to two large reception rooms - a drawing room and dining room with triple-aspect garden views.

Stairs to the lower ground floor lead to the kitchen/family room which combines cooking, dining and relaxing perfectly.

At one end is the kitchen with a mix of white wall and base units, food preparation station in exposed brick and Rayburn oil-fired range. At the other end is a sofa and dining table with double doors to the garden.

Also on this level is a TV room, shower room, rear hall and large bedroom. Upstairs are three more good-sized bedrooms, a study and a family bathroom with a rolltop cast iron bath.

In a secluded setting on 0.75 acres of garden, Coolatee House is one mile off the main Letterkenny road, with Strabane and Lifford just five minutes away.

The lowdown Address: Coolatee House, Lifford, Co Donegal Details: C1800 refurbished period property with two reception rooms, kitchen/family room, TV room, four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and detached garage Highlights: The price. A rural statement home for under Euro1m Price: Euro595,000 Agent: Franklins 074 918 8000