A large house called The Stables in Castleknock, Co Dublin is expected to exceed its £2.2 million guide price when it goes to auction on 13th March with agents Ganly Walters. During the last two-and-a-half years, the current owners have invested heavily in totally refurbishing this 6,500 sq ft home. When purchased in June 1998, The Stables comprised derelict outbuildings and living quarters which at one time were part of the Oak House estate.

Backing directly on to the Phoenix Park, at the end of Oak Park - a privately owned laneway just outside the main gates to the Park - the six-bedroom property comes complete with a hot tub in the courtyard, swimming-pool, sauna, steam room, bar and self-contained apartment. Home to the Boyle family, it took over 15 months to renovate to its present standard.

Security gates open into a forecourt where there is room to comfortably park several cars and a garage to the right. A second set of wrought-iron gates open into a courtyard with the hot tub. Not overlooked from any side, there is total privacy in this area; all doors and windows open on to the courtyard.

There is extensive use of American white oak throughout the house. Inside what was the barn, the original doors have been converted into floor-to-ceiling windows with arched tops and generous carved oak surrounds.

Now a large comfortable open plan room for entertaining, its central feature is a French fireplace with stone surround. On the other side is the dining area, which accommodates 12 people. From here an open wooden staircase lead to the gallery, a small area with its own fireplace.

The large open plan kitchen opens off the diningroom. It is well equipped with an American fridge, double oven, Stanley range and extensive hob. The breakfast area extends into the conservatory.

Three of the four spacious bedrooms in the main house have generous en suites. Also upstairs is the recreational area, a large room with its own built-in bar. The far end of the room is a raised area used as a dance floor which overlooks the pool.

Downstairs, the 11 metre temperature-controlled pool opens off one of the bedrooms. Off it is Across the courtyard is a two-bedroom apartment. Both bedrooms are en suite and one has a sunken bath. Closed circuit television maintains the security of The Stables and there are ISDN and computer points in all rooms of the house.