Tucked off Ailesbury Drive in Dublin 4, between Ailesbury Road and Anglesea Road, set well back behind electronic gates, Fairgreen's main attraction is its gardens, large sweeping landscaped lawns that wrap around the house and shelter it from the world outside. They're perfectly manicured with a series of curved borders flanked by mature trees and shrubs, dotted with colourful flowers. The look is tranquil and simple but like any good garden this one also has its secrets, namely a wine cellar discreetly hidden from sight in a stone outhouse.

Built in 1998, Fairgreen may be a relatively new build on this posh block but what it lacks in age it makes up for in charm and character. Bought in 2004 for just over 2m by its current owner, it's now on the market with a pretty price tag of 3.2m.

A sprawling four-bed home of some 241sq m (2,600sq ft) Fairgreen boasts spacious light-filled rooms painted in neutral tones, accented with contemporary furniture and artwork. The look is simple and uncluttered with attention to detail key. Windows (and there are lots) have been kept deliberately simple to maximise the light and take advantage of the views.

While outside it's the gardens that steal the show, inside it's the upstairs master bedroom that draws appreciative gasps. It's an enviable 26ft-long space with windows on either side complemented by an en-suite with double walk-in Grohe shower and Philippe Starck sanitaryware. It's further enhanced by a walk-in wardrobe. Also on this level are two more double bedrooms, one en-suite, with built-in sliding mirrored wardrobes. The family bathroom echoes the minimalist look with its Starck freestanding bath and sleek Grohe shower.

Downstairs accommodation is mainly open plan, with walls opened up so that rooms flow effortlessly into one another and into the garden.

The drawing room cum dining room is a big open space, incredibly bright, with walls painted in cool white and solid oak wooden floors underfoot. It has a bay window and feature marble fireplace with a sofa at one end and dining table and chairs at the other.

Off it is a Scandinaviandesigned conservatory with a beautiful apex glass roof and Rational windows. So private is this spot that the windows have been left undressed so you get a real feeling of being outside.

This kitchen features streamlined SieMatic units topped with granite worktops. Adjoining it is a breakfast room, utility and family room. Also on this level, to the front of the property is a fourth bedroom.

In designing a restful home that mirrors its surroundings linking inside and outside, the owner of this home has created a truly tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

The lowdown Address: Fairgreen, Ailesbury Drive, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 Details: detached family home of 241sq m (2,593sq ft) on 0.27 acres comprising entrance hall, guest WC, cloakroom, drawing room/dining room, conservatory, kitchen, breakfast room, utility room, family room, four bedrooms (two en-suite) and main bathroom Highlights: a 26ft-long master bedroom suite with dual aspect. It also boasts a contemporary shower room with designer fittings and a walk-in dressing room Price: AMV 3.2m; auction 9 May Agent: Sherry FitzGerald 01-237 6300