Aoibhneas can be described simply as a period cottage with modern extensions, located in Rocky Valley, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow. However, the style and achievement of the refurbishment of this home must be seen to be appreciated.

The house will be auctioned on April 19th, when selling agents Jackson-Stops, Bray, expect it to fetch between £275,000 and £300,000.

It is a traditional semi-detached cottage on a quarter of an acre, close to the junction with the N11.

The present owners, wanting more space, embarked on a project which involved having an architect-designed extension added on, incorporating a soaring living-room at the back of the house with a curved wall of glass brick and doors opening on to a timber deck. The original part of the cottage has three bedrooms and a family bathroom, and retains many period features.

The front door is built into the extension and leads directly into the new part of the home - one large L-shaped area in which a smart kitchen leads directly up to the elevated living-room.

The kitchen is fitted with Shaker-style maple wall and floor units along one side. A glass block window overlooks the sink unit, and there is a solid oak floor. A utility room off the kitchen has fitted units and a tiled floor.

A raised balustrade, in American light oak, forms the entrance to the dining section of the new room. This area has a bow window in glass block which adds light, interest and immense style. The sitting area has floor-to-ceiling corner windows, incorporating a double door which opens out to the garden and sundeck.

The walls are painted white, the floor is white oak, there is a lofty ceiling and spot floor lighting. The overall impression is a dramatic and minimalist backdrop for clutter-free living.

A lower-level passageway with white shelving leads to a central hallway. The original section of the house retains period panelled doors, and much of this area is carpeted in soft yellow cord carpet.

The central hall has a tiled floor and a timber-panelled ceiling with spot-lamps.

The first room on the left is a bedroom/study with a period cast-iron fireplace and a large built-in desk with wall units.

A second bedroom also has a fireplace. The main bedroom has three attractive windows with wooden blinds. A door opens into the family bathroom.

The front of the house has a central tarmacadam driveway bounded by narrow front lawns and mature trees and hedging. A little stream chatters away near the front gate.

Wooden steps lead up to a timber front deck which provides another entry point to the house. There is a side entrance. The large timber sundeck at the back of the house is in the shelter of a hilly slope which is part of the Rocky Valley.