Living here is like one big permanent holiday. In fact, it has so much going for it you need never leave, ever . . . well maybe just to do the shopping.

At 1.8m it's not cheap but it's a bargain compared to Dublin prices, especially when you consider what you get for your money . . . 641sq m (6,900sq ft) of living space for starters!

Aside from the main residence, added extras include a separate leisure wing, connected to the house via a covered passage, with a state-of-the-art nine-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi, solarium, relaxation area, as well as ladies and gents changing rooms complete with showers and WC.

Also on the grounds is a floodlit tennis court so you can perfect your backhand serve all day if need be.

The main house is a contemporary, single-storey detached building set on 1.25 acres of secluded, landscaped gardens and approached through automated gates via a tree-lined avenue.

Inside, rooms are spacious, kitted out with a mix of antique furniture and classic modern finds, with light streaming in from large floorto-ceiling windows. Off the entrance hall is a large, long open-plan living/dining room with feature fireplace with solid fuel stove. A large glazed conservatory adjoins these two rooms and runs the length of the entire space. It's a wonderfully sunny room furnished with large sofas and boasting fantastic views of the garden.

The kitchen, which can be accessed from both the hall and living room, is fitted with hardwood units topped with tiled worktops. It features beautiful exposed brick walls and plenty of storage. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms complete the accommodation.

Beecher's Wood House is 16 miles from Dublin and two miles from Blessington.

The lowdown

Address: Beecher's Wood House, Golden Hill, Blessington, Co Wicklow
Details: Detached contemporary residence on 1.25 acres comprising entrance hall, inner reception hall, dining room, drawing room, sitting room, kitchen, four large bedrooms, two bathrooms, shower room and laundry room. Outside is a double garage, garden store, WC and boiler house.
Highlights: The rural setting for starters, plus all the added extras that come with this property . . .swimming pool, solarium, relaxation area and tennis courts
Price: 1.8m
Agent: Colliers Jackson-Stops, 01-633 3700