Co Laois/€675,000: Millbank, a five-bedroom Regency-style house in Mountrath, Co Laois, should appeal to water lovers - it contains a lake, teeming with wildlife such as ducks, geese, peafowl, kingfishers, water hens and pheasant. A mill race flows past the rear of the property and contains an island.

Eight miles from Portlaoise, the property, which stands on over five acres, is being sold at auction on July 7th through Jordan estate agents, which is guiding €675,000.

A separate stone building on half an acre with its own access from the road is being sold as a separate lot, guiding €75,000.

The main house, built in the early 1800s, was refurbished in 1994. This included relaying the original slate roof, relining the chimneys and refurbishing the original fireplaces.

The main floor of the house is reached through steps up to the front door. On this level there are four reception rooms, two of which are currently used as a drawingroom and diningroom, which have original marble fireplaces and timber flooring.

The other two rooms are a TV room and breakfastroom. The kitchen has pine cupboards and original window shutters. There is also a bathroom on this level.

On the ground floor are four good-sized bedrooms, some with original features. One has an en suite shower room. There is also a downstairs toilet.

The house is a mile from Mountrath and eight miles from Portlaoise.