House No 9, which is now on offer, is a two-storey detached building. The selling price is around $180,000, excluding management fees.

The two lanes of two-and three-storey homes of Severn Hill are approached by a private driveway.

Antique street lamps and elegant wrought iron railings lend an air of nostalgia and sophistication.

From the moment you arrive, the smart red terra-cotta roof tiles and textured paint walls set the tone of a stylish and welcoming retreat.

Like the neighbouring properties, the main door to the house has a solid brass handle and lock set. A granite entrance foyer leads down a few steps to the dining room on the right, with its attractive bay window and red oak-strip flooring.

To the right is the large, well-appointed kitchen-cum-breakfast room which adjoins the maid's quarters. Its interior design has been well t dining table; red terra-cotta wall tiles create a cosy atmosphere.

The separate living room is straight ahead from the entrance lobby. The area is spacious and the atmosphere serene, with wide windows that capture the magnificent, ever-changing harbour view.

To the right of the hallway is the guest toilet.

The next thing you notice is the painted wooden balustrade that graces the stairway to the upper floor. Details such as this add to the unmistakable character of the house.

All the bedrooms have full-length wardrobes, maximising space, and large bay windows that take full advantage of the prime location. The master bedroom has a luxurious en suite bathroom fitted with Jacob Delafon bath tub and shower and finished with blush pink granite floors and walls.

A second bedroom also overlooks the harbour and there is a third front-facing bedroom. Next to it is the family bathroom which has a fresh, white and grey marble finish.

A light and airy family room provides an additional communal area, positioned at a higher landing, above the hallway.

The house enjoys the benefits of centralised air-conditioning.

Security features include an in-house video-phone monitor system to screen visitors and CCTV in all public areas.

Residents can take advantage of the swimming pool with sun deck which forms the centre-piece of the estate and makes a perfect spot for summer relaxation, as well as its own private terrace. Those who prefer a relaxing stroll will enjoy the beauty of the landscaped garden.

FACTFILE LOCATION: House 9, Severn Hill, 4 Severn Road, the Peak, Hong Kong.

DESCRIPTION: Two-storey detached house on exclusive private estate with breathtaking panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. The three-bedroom property includes a master bedroom (with en suite bathroom), second bathroom, large living room and dining room, fully-fitted kitchen-cum-breakfast room, store room, maid's quarters, terrace, roof and service yard.

The house is fitted with a centralised air-conditioning system and has two car parking spaces. Residents have access to an outdoor swimming pool, landscaped garden and benefit from the estates high-level security. SIZE: A 3,000 square feet (gross) with a terrace, roof and service yard of about 1,890 sq ft. PRICE: $50 million, rent $180,000 per month. AGENT: Harriman Realty Co Ltd. Tel: 514-1102.

FACT FILE LOCATION: Chateau Vignelaure, Route De Jouques, near Aix en Provence, 83,560 Rians, France.

FEATURES: A graceful chateau, with a long history, set in 3,000 hectares of excellent wine-growing countryside in a region famous for its vineyards. Completely refur suite bathrooms, a reception room, huge living room, dining room, study, kitchen and an outside sitting area with terracotta floor. Out-buildings include guest suites, offices, staff quarters, two swimming pools and well-stocked wine cellar with 35-year-old vintage Chateau Vignelaure.

SIZE: 25,400 square feet, including 4,600 sq ft main residence.

PRICE: Ff35 million (about HK$47 million), including stock.

AGENT: Vigers International Ltd, Hong Kong. Tel: 869-8786.

FACT FILE LOCATION: ''Mantura'', Edge Hill, Cairns, far north Queensland, Australia.

FEATURES: Situated in one of Queensland's prime areas and surrounded by lush tropical rain forest, the property has featured on the pages of leading lifestyle magazines such as Vogue Living. Built in 1977, the house enjoys absolute privacy and magnificent mountain, city and harbour views. It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, two are en suite, a spacious living room and dining room, and impressive verandah for outside entertaining. A self-contained apartment on the lower level makes ideal living quarters for staff or guests.

The landscaped garden includes a slate swimming pool and walk-through pathways. There are two garages, a large workshop area and easy parking for visitors. ''Mantura'' is minutes by car from the Cairns international airport and city centre. SIZE: Detached house set in 2,542-square-metre block. PRICE: A$1.2 million (about HK$6.6 million).

AGENT: Margot Barclay Investments Pty Ltd, Cairns, Australia. Hong Kong enquiries tel: 591-6625.