Mediterranean suburban style

Loughlinstown: Number 1 Parc na Silla Lane in Loughlinstown, Co Dublin, is a good example of how much can be made of a modest modern property.

This three-bedroom, south-facing semi was built about 15 years ago and is located in a quiet cul-de-sac south of Loughlinstown Hospital. Established trees were preserved during building and the area has a mature, settled feeling about it.

The exterior is a pleasing mix of brick, stucco with mock Tudor timber inset and red-tile facing. Inside, the owners have enhanced the property by infusing it with their own style of decor and furnishing.

The hall, livingroom and diningroom floors all have blonde maple parquet timber. The livingroom, about 18 ft by 12 ft, has a Le Droft-style open fireplace in the corner and a window overlooking the front garden. The diningroom, which adjoins the kitchen, (together they are slightly over 17 ft by 14.7 ft), overlooks the rear garden. A tasteful blend of oil paintings, mahogany furniture and a large oriental rug has turned the whole downstairs into a cosy and stylish home.

Upstairs, the smallest bedroom is used as an office, the smaller of the other two bedrooms overlooks the front, while the main bedroom (11.5 ft by 9.8 ft) with en suite bathroom, overlooks the back garden - and also has a view of Killiney Hill.

The shower room is a gem; it is floored with polished Portuguese pale limestone and the oval wash handbasin has an Italian marble top. The size of the landing is also more generous than expected. But it is the exterior that bears the hallmarks of the owners. The front garden is a mix of pebbles and Indian sandstone flagstones. Cleverly placed rocks and plants contrive to give the garden a Mediterranean feel.

The back garden may be accessed from the diningroom through French doors. They open onto a beautiful Canadian cedarwood raised deck, designed at an angle to the house. In one corner of the garden is a sunken sun trap with a brick wall and hedge for privacy.

On the far side of the lawn is a small shed, and by the side of the house another small shed.

The N11 at Loughlinstown is currently undergoing major development to allow the Wyattville Road link up with the M50, through the Cherrywood business park. When its all finished by next spring, residents will have enhanced access both straight into the city and south into Wicklow via the M11, as well as around Dublin to the north via the M50. The road works include the extension of the Quality Bus Corridor out to Cherrywood from Foxrock.

Douglas Newman Good in Dún Laoghaire are seeking offers in excess of €375,000.