It would be easy to imagine Dun Chuiliann featuring in a Miss Marple story: the picture-postcard cottage, perched on a hillside among fields and forests; the gorgeously aspirational kitchen that perfectly mixes contemporary and country style; the charming bedrooms with eaves and beams . . .

There’s even a separate one-bedroom mews studio where an artist could work (the red herring in the plot, perhaps).

Further up the winding road, you're into the mountains, where there's Tibradden Wood and the Hellfire Club for added colour.

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There is, however, no mystery about Dun Chuiliann. It’s a super family home for anyone who wants to raise children in a very pretty spot that’s still within half an hour of Dublin city centre.

Outside, and once through the electric gates, there’s gravel parking, a patio terrace with views to the mountains and across the city to the sea.

Jungle gym

There’s also a lawned area with a jungle gym. It’s all enclosed, so kids can have fun in complete safety.

To the side, there is a deck with a hot tub to soothe your limbs after a day’s hillwalking in countryside that is practically your back garden, or from which to enjoy lavish sundowner opportunities.

Inside, there’s a large open-plan kitchen/livingroom, with salvaged oak flooring, designer fittings, and a pantry and utility room off it. This is a lovely space, with a solid-fuel stove at one end and great views.

The bespoke kitchen is well kitted out, with a wooden-topped island unit and a large range. There are two more reception rooms on the ground floor.

Upstairs, the four bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, nestle in among original beams and sloping eaves. While all of these rooms are a good size, they’re also cosy and charming.

Extended and renovated

Dun Chuiliann was extended and renovated by the current owners in 2007. There is approximately 188sq m (2,0225sq ft) of accommodation on 0.25 of an acre, and the house is for sale through DNG for €850,000. Even though it’s right on the edge of farmland, it’s quickly accessible from the city centre, and there are lots of homes and schools nearby.