Ballyduff House is a combination of Georgian design and modern construction techniques, with wonderful individual character courtesy of carefully sourced architectural salvage.

The classical elegance of another era is immediate - cut limestone steps lead to the front door and into the impressive entrance hall with Portland stone flooring and turned staircase.

A gracefully curved arch divides the drawing and dining rooms, while tall French doors open to the rear terrace. The Georgian white marble fireplace is just one of the period features dominating the drawing room. One of the most charming rooms is undoubtedly the kitchen with its cream handpainted wooded cabinets and glass-fronted larder units, Belfast sink and Kilkenny stone worksurfaces. This is a really welcoming space for informal family meals, with plenty of natural light from two sash windows and a big open fireplace in antique limestone. The library, with fitted bookshelves, is equally bright with triple aspect windows and a Regency marble fireplace. Rooms at the upper level are no less impressive and all lead off the sunny gallery landing with three sash windows to the front.

The master bedroom has a cast-iron fireplace and adjoining dressing room. Further period features include a castiron bath with antique taps and showerhead and a marble washstand in the en-suite, while there are modern comforts too, such as underfloor heating. There are three further bedrooms, a second ensuite, and a large main bathroom with cast-iron tub and separate shower.

The property is approached by a gravel drive and there is generous parking space as well as a detached garage. Within a few minutes' drive is Ballymaloe House Hotel, while nearby Midleton is well known for its popular farmers' market.

The lowdown Address: Ballyduff House, Cloyne, Midleton, Co Cork Details: 3,000sq ft country pile with entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, library, utility, cloakroom, gallery landing, master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite, two further bedrooms and family bathroom.

Highlights: Period design, antique fireplaces, ceiling cornices and pitch pine floorboards, handpainted kitchen, bathrooms finished in travertine marble, 2.7 acres of grounds Price: Euro1.25m Agent: Michael H Daniels & Co, 022-46996