Airy country villa in hamlet by a stream

Co Wicklow/€2m: A dramatically remodelled and expanded summer house in a quiet rural spot is in commuting distance from Dublin. Sandra O'Connell reports

A guide price of €2 million seems modest for Glentanantroon, an exceptionally large country villa at Three Mile Water, a rural hamlet midway between Wicklow town and Brittas Bay.

But that is the guide being quote by Gunne in advance of the October 26th auction.

An idyllic family home, the five-bedroom house, which is in pristine condition throughout, was originally a bungalow used by the current owner's family as a summer house.

Six years ago it was dramatically remodelled and extended and currently stands at almost 557sq m (6,000sq ft) over two storeys.

Utterly secluded, entrance to the 2.2-acre property is via a sweeping gravel driveway with the house hidden from the road by a mature bank of trees.

Beautifully decorated in cream and green tones throughout, the house is bright and airy but has a cosiness that belies its scale.

Among its most attractive features is an expansive reception hall, designed for entertaining on a grand scale, which features glass double doors at both ends and a vaulted glass ceiling with mezzanine gallery.

From it, an inner hall lined from floor-to-ceiling with fitted bookcases leads to an elegant drawingroom overlooking the garden. An impressive circular diningroom has double doors that open to a cobbled sun-terrace. The large family kitchen has an Aga with gas hob included in the sale, as well as a centrepiece island with black granite worktop and ample kitchen cabinets, utility and storerooms.

Adjoining the kitchen is a large bright sittingroom with double height floor-to-ceiling glass wall and doors to a garden terrace.

The house has a downstairs bedroom wing with three good-sized bedrooms, all with wash- hand basins, as well as a bathroom.

The main stairs leads from the hall to a circular guest bedroom suite with walk-in dressingroom and bathroom. The main bedroom suite, which can also be accessed via a back kitchen stairs, is across the mezzanine gallery and has a good-sized balcony overlooking the garden. It also has a home office annex.

Outside, while the gardens are large, they are decidedly low maintenance and laid out in lawns. There is a miniature woodland walk to a stream and mature trees surrounding the property ensure it is not overlooked from any aspect.

The completion of the M11 and the recent connection to the M50 have made Wicklow town an attractive commuting option for Dubliners. Wicklow town, which is flourishing as a result, is just two minutes away by car. There are also a number of beaches nearby.