Built with loving attention to detail and a vision in mind, Vesington Wood is a blend of Victorian flourishes and open, contemporary spaces. The vendor, who designed the house himself, describes it as "American open-plan meets Victorian vicarage", and says that the "Art Nouveau/Victorian Gothic style was inspired by an old Italian advertising poster found at the back of an antique shop in Turin".

Surrounded by 1½ acres of Co Meath lawn and woodland, the Victorian principle extends to gardens with paths, hedging, mixed borders and fruit trees. Built over the course of a year in 2009, the “work involved” was worth it; Vesington Wood is “comfortable, spacious and great for kids”. The family is now moving to Skerries, Co Dublin.

Getting Vesington Woods together was also fun. The oak that floors the ground level “was a job lot from a Nama-ed golf club that went bust”. An original Victorian column/ pillar support in the livingroom came from a church in the Cotswolds. The marble fireplace in the livingroom is original. Other beloved touches are a Gothic, stained glass window in the kitchen, wrought-iron balcony, church-style radiators and, outside, the high pitch of the roof and depth of the facia and soffit.

Vaulted ceiling

All of this is combined with a double-height, vaulted ceiling in the open plan living space, large picture windows and French doors. The floor area covers a sizeable 310sq m (3,337sq ft), two of the five bedrooms are en suite, one has a walk-in wardrobe and all have solid timber floors.

A family bathroom has a free-standing bath and separate shower. There are handmade units in the kitchen, walnut worktops and a pantry.

The water system is controlled by solar panels, the patio is southwest facing, there is a boules court, detached garage and wildlife pond.

The town of Dunboyne is just five miles away. Vesington Wood is for sale for €875,000 with Flynn & Associates.