Just on the market, a country house which was a tennis club in the early 1900s is quoting a private treaty price of €480,000 with Property Partners Corish.

Garrenbeg Lodge sits on the borders of counties Wexford and Kilkenny in Rosbercon, about a mile from New Ross in a tranquil and very private location. Gardens of two-thirds of an acre are beautifully kept. The house's white-painted exterior walls have the timber battens and brick and stone detail which was fashionable in the early years of the 20th century.

Its an up-steps-down-steps higgledy-piggledy kind of house which is just waiting for a family with a brood of lively children, says the owner, who completely refurbished the 139 sq m (1,500 sq ft) lodge in recent years.

The galvanised roof was replaced with a new tiled version and the interior was restored in a style as close to its period as possible. Wood floors throughout were sanded and polished.

Wall panelling and ceiling beams were renewed in the sittingroom, which used to be the clubhouse. A fireplace which had seen better days was replaced with a more suitable cast-iron and tile version. Leading off the sittingroom is a cosy study.

Up steps, across a landing and down steps again is a second sittingroom with a connecting dining area. The kitchen/breakfastroom was completely refurbished last year with thick wood units and built-in appliances. Walls are timbered here too and the ceiling is beamed. French doors open to the garden.

Bedrooms lead off two separate landings, all with eaved ceilings. Two have fitted wardrobes and the family bathroom has had a recent makeover.

As with the house, the owner restored the garden as faithfully as she could to its original style. Undergrowth was hacked back, old fruit trees given a new lease of life and a shady laurel hedge was trimmed into shape. A tree marks the dividing line between the two former lawn tennis courts. Two terraces are arranged to catch sun morning and evening.