The Thornfield development is leafily quiet, secluded behind high old trees and criss-crossed by swathes of green and sandstone brick pathways. Built in 1996, it holds 13 apartments and five houses on a 2.64-acre site.

Number 5, a ground floor, tri-aspect apartment with a 99sq m (1,090sq ft) floor space, has the considerable boon of being at window-level with the building’s surrounding moat. This gives a slightly surreal sense of being pleasantly afloat. The service charges too, at €6,445 per annum, are slightly surreal; the figure reflects all the lovely landscaping and water features – there are central fountains too. On the market for €775,000 through Savills, number 5 is sure to appeal to downsizers and investors.

The Thornfield style is muted; a heating system in the entrance lobby is covered in black glass, and doors throughout number 5 are a dark hardwood. The open-plan living/diningroom has a large southwest-facing window over the moat with landscape views. Next to this a view-filled French window leads to a 70sq ft balcony over the moat; this could be planted for extra privacy. The fireplace has a cool, unadorned cast-iron surround.

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A breakfast bar, running along the window in the separate kitchen, puts diners’ feet at moat level. Compact and neatly fitted out, the floor here is tiled, and facilities include an integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher. The main bedroom, off a second hallway and facing the front, has seating set into windows that overlook the moat, fitted wardrobes and a white-tiled shower ensuite. The second bedroom also has fitted wardrobes, as well as a feature wall niche. A bright family bathroom is tiled in white and blue.

Number 5 comes with a designated car parking space.