The owners of Hillside Lodge bought it as a derelict cottage 12 years ago, finding a location that was irresistible, and a perfect spot on which to build their dream home.

A thatched roof was very much top of the list in terms of creating authentic character, and so a specialist thatcher for the job was sourced through the Heritage Council.

It's important to stress here that the roof material used is reed, which has a longer life than straw, say the owners. And the benefit of a thatched roof? Warmth, no maintenance, environmentally friendly and a durability of up to 35 years is the answer.

While authenticity has its place, the owners have happily stayed true to the traditional cottage in spirit, rather than to the letter. As such, this is a genuinely spacious home at over 3,000sq ft, with modern comforts in the contemporary fitted kitchen, and each of the four bedrooms coming with the luxury of their own en-suite bathrooms . . .and two of those have jacuzzis.

The surrounding gardens are a unique selling point of this Dublin home, with grounds big enough for a mini football team to play in, never mind the trampoline. Right in the middle of the rear garden is a big old oak tree surely of great interest to any small fry viewing . . . it's currently graced with its own tree house.

Kilmashogue Lane is accessed along the boundary wall of the Grange Golf Club. The driveway to the property is through automatic gates. The front elevation of the house is very pretty, with dormer windows set into the thatched roof. Accommodation is laid out over three levels, with a games room and utility located in the basement.

Leading off the entrance level reception hall is the kitchen/breakfast room with an old-world country feel in the hand-painted presses and Belfast sink. French doors open to the patio and gardens beyond.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the sun room, an inviting spot with bay window, exposed brick walls, and large fireplace.

The drawing room is more formal in feel, with stone fireplace and French doors to the veranda. There is a small study at this level, and also a guest bedroom with fireplace, and separate bathroom.

Upstairs, the landing is bright and sunny courtesy of the bay window to the rear. The master bedroom has French doors to the veranda, a walk-in dressing room and full en-suite bathroom. Both remaining bedrooms also have ensuites.

Outside, the separate garage has a mezzanine level up to a loft with shower room.

All around are the mature gardens with trees, shrubs and flowerbeds and the city and mountains in the distance. And there's a real sense of home under that very traditional roof.

The lowdown

Address: Hillside Lodge, Kilmashogue Lane, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Details: Detached thatched house spread out over 295sq m (3,174sq ft) comprising an entrance hall, drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room, sun room, study, guest cloakroom, gardenlevel games room and utility, four double bedrooms, three en-suites and guest bathroom
Highlights: The thatched roof and verandahs leading to the private gardens and overlooking Oldfield golf course
Price: 2.5m
Agent: Sherry FitzGerald, 01-495 1111