Co Cork: €1.5mThe Irish coastline is dotted with Martello towers built in the early 1800s to protect us against a French invasion, but while they make fine fortifications, their thick walls, twisting stairs and narrow windows mean that they are a challenge to convert.

We've seen many refurbished towers over the years but this one at Cobh in Co Cork has to be the most stylish and comfortable.

The tower - one of five in Cork Harbour - stands on an acre of garden close to the bridge across to Fota House resort. It's on sale at €1.5 million through Sherry Fitz-Gerald where Sheila O'Flynn is handling enquiries. It has an extraordinary interior with a superb open-plan living space on the first floor. This room is filled with a warm glow created by an innovative lighting system that throws light up towards the 14ft high domed ceiling.

Access to the tower is directly to this level where the kitchen is built into one side of the curved main room. An oak staircase leads down to the ground floor which has three bedrooms as well a secret staircase that leads back up to the roof.