TIS the season to be combing the countryside for picturesque houses, even if they do need a bit of work. Warren Estates in Gorey has just the ticket for keen conservationists - Tomsallagh House on 15 acres near Ferns. It is indeed a very pretty Georgian house, even though its fine facade and outbuildings are almost engulfed in greenery.

According to Warren Estate's Ciara Slattery, there has been enormous interest in the property, mostly from Dubliners looking for an elegant country house. So far, well over 100 brochures have been handed out, and while some viewers have been put off by the level of work that has to be done, many, it seems, are looking for just such a project to sink their money into. "Five or six years ago, this kind of house could have been bought for £70,000 or £80,000," she said. Now viewers can expect to pay a lot more, and that's before they start budgeting for renovations. Tomsallagh House is expected to fetch £200,000-plus. It has two reception rooms, a kitchen and breakfast-room and four bedrooms.