The link can be argued because this detached home on five acres, overlooking Curragh Beach near Ardmore, has the sort of movie-star qualities associated with that particular stretch of Californian coast.

Pebble Beach, as the name suggests, slopes down to the sand and surf, just across the water from Ardmore village. The property comes with a floor space as big as a movie star ego too . . . all 6,000sq ft plus of it . . . but the real box office hit has to be the full size swimming pool that forms the central core of the house.

The pool is designed to be on eye level with the sea, making the morning swim feel like a dip in the ocean. Glazed walls with French doors, to the left and right of the pool, connect to the kitchen and living room either side. The full-sized jacuzzi and sauna/steam room complete the experience of having your own private leisure centre.

Pebble Beach was built in l997, and is owned by a local businessman. Entrance to the house is to the side, opening into a spacious reception hall. Steps lead down from the hall to the swimming pool, with the fully fitted kitchen to the left, living room to the right. The kitchen, like most of the other rooms, beams with natural light, and has uninterrupted sea, as well as pool, views.

Fitted units are in American oak with black granite work surfaces, and stainless-steel Viking appliances are fully integrated. An open fire makes the living room a relaxed, inviting spot.

Three en-suite bedrooms lead from a second hallway. As in any big house worthy of the name, there is a west wing to Pebble Beach. This is where the master bedroom is located, along with en-suite bathroom with jacuzzi and a separate dressing room.

The bedroom has a gas fireplace and French doors opening to the balcony.

To the rear of the house is the study. Again, sea views are a dominating feature, as in the games room adjacent. This is a home for visitors as well as family to enjoy . . . the large guest suite has a gas fireplace and full bathroom, while the French doors allow the sea breeze to flow into the bedroom. A nod to the history of the area is there in the central feature wall in the house, constructed in local exposed natural stone, but the similarity with high spec American house styles is unmissable . . . the interior design is courtesy of a New Yorkbased company.

Outside, the garage is big enough to park a boat as well as the car, while the five-acre site includes that movie star musthave . . . a helicopter pad. Elsewhere are gardens with very Malibu- style tropical palms, and the ever present sight and sound of the ocean.

The Lowdown

Address: Pebble Beach, Curragh, Ardmore, Co Waterford
Details: 565sq m (6,081 sq ft) awardwinning architectural detached beach front property on a "ve-acre site comprising entrance porch, hall, four bedrooms en-suite, games room, guest cloakroom, utility with walk-in larder, kitchen/dining room, lower hall, main living room, hallway to west wing bedroom and dressing room, den, laundry room, pool dressing room, sauna/steam room, plant room and separate garage
Highlights: The indoor swimming pool at the centre of the house and the stunning sea views which can be seen from most rooms
Price: 3m
Agent: Brian Gleeson Auctioneers 024-94777