This bright, welcoming apartment at Mount St Annes has a distinct touch of French interiors style very much complementing the surrounding old convent grounds. Tranquil walkways along the shrubberies and neat lawns make a pretty picture when viewed through the living room's full height glazed doors. When owner Frances Healy first moved to No 35 Milltown Hall back in 2000, the interior views proved just as attractive as any outdoors scene, with generously sized rooms and limewashed oak flooring.

"I had lived in a house before that," she says, "but what I really liked about the apartment is that everything is on the same level and I'm also quite high up so there's an abundance of natural light and sunshine. I love walking into the living room as there's a feel-good quality to the space and light". Frances chose a French country theme for the decor with chalky white or soft blue walls providing an elegant backdrop to painted furniture. It's a space that could equally take an ultra contemporary interior design, but here, the decor style is sympathetic to the origins of the old convent building. "A lot of modern apartments have a harder edge, with lots of glass and stainless steel," says Frances. "Here, I felt the light and the setting lent itself to a more relaxed style and although the property is modern, it can take some key antique pieces without jarring."

The period mahogany dining table with matching upholstered chairs is a case in point, while a bright Oriental patterned wool rug provides a soft touch under bare feet and draws the eye towards the south-facing balcony which works as an outdoor dining space on fine days.

The Lowdown
Address: No 35 Milltown Hall, Mount St Annes, Milltown, Dublin 6
Details: Second floor apartment spanning 82sq m (882sq ft); and comprising an entrance hall, two bedrooms, main bathroom, living/dining room, kitchen and balcony
Highlights: This home has a real feel-good vibe, enhanced by its space, abudance of natural light and the owner's French country theme decor. The grounds and views are also pretty spectacular.
Price: €665,000
Agent: Colliers Jackson-Stops 01-6333700.