'Impressive' is a word regularly popping up in the property pages, but Casalattico surely warrants this description. The price tag is pretty impressive too, but those millions buy an awful lot of house, plus grounds, in this upmarket and much-soughtafter area.

Around 418sq m (4,500sq ft) of floor space has been designed and styled with elegant, interconnecting reception rooms opening, through French doors, to a private rear terraced and landscaped gardens.

These rooms are defined by antique, marble fireplaces and folding mahogany doors.

An equally spacious kitchen would be crucial to back up that level of entertaining, and this home doesn't disappoint.

With a charming white and pale blue colour scheme in the hand-painted and extensive presses and pale Amtico flooring, this is a welcoming and practical space which is open-plan to the breakfast room for more informal dining.

Double doors open from here to a cosy family den and this in turn opens out onto the terrace. Adjacent is the utility room . . . a mirror of the fitted kitchen with storage cupboards and integrated Bosch appliances.

From the marble-floored reception hall via feature staircase, it's up to the gallery landing with six large double bedrooms and family bathroom.

The master bedroom is ensuite and with a separate dressing room. At the top of the house, the attic has been fully converted to an additional den.

The lowdown

Address: Casalattico, No 12 The Birches, Torquay Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18

Details: 418sq m (4,500 sq ft) detached double-fronted property with reception hall; drawing room; dining room; family room; rear hall; two guest cloak rooms; kitchen/breakfast room; utility; den; six bedrooms; main bathroom; en-suite; dressing room; attic room; garage; store room; 0.27 acre of grounds

Highlights: Spacious rooms including interconnecting receptions for entertaining on a truly grand scale; antique fireplaces; french doors to private, secluded rear garden

Price: 4.75m

Agent: Felicity Fox, 01-633 4431