For £260,000, you can buy a small semi-detached or terraced house in Dublin's inner suburbs - but in Co Cavan, the same amount will secure The Old Rectory in Bocade, Kildallon, a substantial property on 42 acres.

Located four miles from Killeshandra, the seven-bedroom period house is set well back from the road surrounded by woodland and pastureland.

For sale by private treaty through Jackson-Stops McCabe, the house is two-storey over basement and needs complete refurbishment, according to the agents.

However, it does have many of its original features intact including ornate plasterwork panelled doors and period fireplaces. There are four reception rooms and a bathroom at hall level, a basement with wine cellars and store rooms, and seven double bedrooms sharing two bathrooms.

Behind the house is an old stone courtyard with a coach house and two cottages.