Large four-bedroom detached houses in a new development a few minutes walk from the centre of Carlow town could be worth a Sunday drive to the country.
This weekend, joint agents Leahy Commuter New Homes and O'Farrell Auctioneers are launching the first phase of 15 units in a small 35-house scheme by Newlyn Developments at Brownes Hill, Carlow. Phase one will be ready for occupation between May and July.
Prices, from £189,950 (€241,190) and £204,950 (€260,230), will attract families trading upwards, or anyone prepared to take on a longer commute for the sake of the better value to be found outside Dublin.
There are two house types available in Dunn Or, which is accessed by turning left at the roundabout entering the town. The scheme is 800 yards further on the left.
Viewers will like the dimensions of both showhouses. The smaller house, from £189,950 (€241,190) has 1,700 sq ft of accommodation and an integral garage, which can be converted for an extra £5,000 (€6,350).
Priced from £204,950 (€260,230) and with 1,970 sq ft of living space, the larger house has a formal sittingroom which extends to 240 sq ft. In these homes, the garage space is given over to a second sittingroom. Alternatively it can be used either as a home office or television room.
Both internal layouts are similar and incorporate features such as bevelled glass dividing doors, ceiling coving and attractive fireplaces.
Double glass doors open from the hall to the main sittingroom. This is quite spacious, with a black cast-iron fireplace. Doors lead from here into the diningroom and from there through to an L-shaped kitchen.
Here, the inclusion of both a breakfast bar and nook for a family dining table is a useful design feature. Cupboards are of light beech.
Upstairs, all four bedrooms are good-sized and the main bedroom with en suite shower is a massive 240 sq ft. Family bathrooms have a corner bath as a standard feature and, as customary, wall tiling is included.
Dunn Or, when completed in 12 months time, will have a horseshoe-shaped lay-out around a large green area.
Carlow has a good road network to Dublin, with dual-carriageway or motorway for most of the way. It is a lively college town, with excellent letting potential and a busy town centre. Sport is of huge importance in Carlow, with golf, tennis, rugby, athletics, boating, fishing and GAA activities within a few miles' radius of the new development.
