A distinctive 18th century house on almost six acres near Carne, Co Wexford, is for sale for around £200,000 - the same value as a modest suburban semi in Dublin. Ballyfane House is for sale by private treaty now, or by auction later, through Wexford agents Kehoe & Associates.

It is one of the few large country homes to have come on the market so far this year in a season which is likely to see prices rising because of a shortage of supply. Most country houses are now being bought by Irish businessmen rather than by UK and European families, who were major players in this market up to a few years ago.

The property, built around 1700, is in need of refurbishment and upgrading, but has potential for use as a country house restaurant, B & B, nursing home or retirement centre, according to the agents. They believe that a number of semi-derelict stone out-offices have potential to be converted to self-catering accommodation.

Ballyfane House is about 12 miles south of Wexford town, a few minutes from Carne beach and Lady's Island pilgrimage centre. There are fishing facilities at Carne harbour and golf courses nearby. Rosslare ferry-port is 15 minutes' drive away.

A tree-lined driveway leads to the main house, which has a small garden at the front, two paddocks and outbuildings.

A porch with a parquet floor opens into an entrance hall, off which there are two reception rooms. The living room has a brick fireplace with a back boiler; the dining room has a cast-iron fireplace with tile surround. The kitchen and breakfast room both have tiled floors. There is a solid-fuel Raeburn range. There is also a store room and utility room on the ground floor. On the first floor return there are three bedrooms, each with built-in wardrobes and wash-hand basins, the main bathroom and a separate shower room. There are three further bedrooms on the first floor proper.

Outside, there is a two-storey lofted stone building, a large single storey cow-house with a concrete floor, and a three-span hay shed.