Spending money on plants and flowers has helped transform Brittas House in Clonakilty, Co Cork from a run-of-the-mill stone-built Irish farmhouse into a picture-postcard Mediterranean retreat . . . especially when the sun is shining.

Succulent bunches of grapes hang on vines from the ceiling in the glass conservatory off the dining room, while outside the gardens are dotted with pretty flowers, shrubs and mature trees, all interspersed with vegetables and fruit.

Everywhere you look there's something to catch your attention. It's a real sensual hit of colour, texture and sweet smells.

Inside is equally appealing.

The farmhouse has been lovingly renovated, with great care taken to preserve many of its original features, such as exposed stone walls and ceiling beams.

Accommodation includes a large dining room with woodburning stove in a gorgeous open cutstone fireplace, and that conservatory . . . a long sunny room with glass on all sides that beautifully and rather cleverly blurs the boundaries between the inside and outside space.

The kitchen has a more traditonal country feel with wooden units topped with tiled worktops and black and whilte tiled flooring underfoot. Also on this level are the living room, utility and bathroom.

Upstairs are three good-sized bedrooms and another family bathroom.

A stone-built, two-storey workshop attached to the property offers opportunity for conversion into additional accommodation or a studio and there is also a detached garage which is easily adaptable.

Brittas House stands on 1.25 acres and is situated between Clonakilty town and Ardfield village. Inchydoney Island can be seen in the distance.

The lowdown

Address: Brittas House, Ardfield, Clonakilty, Co Cork
Details: Renovated stone built farmhouse on 1.25 acres comprising dining room, kitchen, conservatory, living room, utility, two bathrooms, and three bedrooms, including two-storey workshop and detached garage.
Highlights: The vine-filled conservatory and the beautiful gardens that surround this property.
Price: 595,000
Agent: Sherry FitzGerald O'Neill 023-33995