A new home for Sawday's Special Self-Catering Places in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Eire, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal

Scandinavian style in a charming stone cottage. Clubs under the stairs for golfers and an attic eyrie that will please smaller guests

On the edge of Abbeyleix town – historic, delightful, and home to one of Ireland's oldest tennis clubs – is an attractive end-of-terrace cottage with diamond-pane windows and lovely chimney pots. Its tiny front garden is wafted with lavender, its back terrace opens to an orchard and its Swedish interiors are contemporary and charming. Warm delightful Fiona shows you around. Step in to an open-plan kitchen and dining area, beautifully equipped and the hub of the house, with sleek sliding glass doors opening to the garden. Downstairs too: laundry, loo and a wonderful sitting room with an open fire (logs on the house). Then it's up the painted stairs – each step spot-lit – to simple, charming bedrooms and one big gorgeous bathroom. From the master bedroom you reach a further room in the attic, a spacious eyrie that kids will adore. Modern rugs brighten floors, walls are in warm muted shades, books, open fires and pine dresser add character. You're 25 minutes from medieval Kilkenny and the gardens of Emo Court, and golfers will be in heaven: there are golf clubs under the stairs and tempting courses nearby.