West Cork/€1.3m: A restored Georgian country house with access to a private shore, set in an idyllic West Cork valley where Roaring Water River spills into Roaring Water Bay, is on the market for over €1.3 million.

According to Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, the first owner of Roaring Water House was James O'Sullivan, a grain merchant and brandy smuggler who plied his trade from the stone quay below the house.

Joint agents Skibbereen-based Charles McCarthy and Martin Swanton are inviting offers over €1.3 million for the house, which has been impeccably restored by the present owners.

The work involved replacing the roof, windows, floors and joists, new plumbing and wiring, damp-proofing and under floor heating.

An alarm, telephone and television systems and security lighting have also been installed.

They went to great lengths to retain the house's Georgian integrity, trawling salvage yards for genuine items like the entrance gates and chimney pots. Even the rainwater hoppers are the correct vintage.

A manageable size, the house has three large bedrooms, two bathrooms - one with a free-standing copper bath - two reception rooms and a big country kitchen.

Every room has been restored, with natural limestone flooring, reclaimed mahogany doors and fine fireplaces, cornicing and architraves the most notable features.

Wooded surroundings create a micro-climate which attracts an abundance of wildlife, including swans, herons and kingfishers.

The front lawn sweeps down to a tidal estuary where steps lead to a stone quay accessible by boat at high tide. The quay is wired for floodlighting.

A renovated stone barn could be used as an office or guest cottage.

Running along the eastern side of the garden beyond a row of palms is the river, a tranquil spot where summer dragonflies flit over the water.

During the renovation of the house, builders lunched royally on freshly-caught trout from the river.