A five-bedroom split-level house on an acre of carefully-maintained gardens is for sale in Barna, Co Galway, with an asking price of £450,000 through local agent Barna Estates. Barna is one of those convenient villages, close enough to get into town easily yet in the middle of unspoiled countryside. Houses here have soared in recent years, spurred on by an acute shortage of land within reach of the city. The present owners, who are moving abroad, have enjoyed the panoramic views over Galway Bay from the house for more than a decade. Valparaiso, which is the middle house above, is located near the top of a narrow lane-way leading off the Spiddal Road, just through Barna village. There is a very bright, oak-beamed sitting room with a wide picture window and a ceiling-high stone fireplace. Two steps up, the dining room is divided by folding timber louvre doors from the sitting area, although these are generally drawn back to enjoy the view from the front window.

There is a pine kitchen with a wood floor, oak-beamed ceiling and a breakfast area. A utility room is off this. There are five good-sized bedrooms and a family room which could be used as an extra bedroom or study if required. The main room is en suite. Outside, the acre of garden has been lovingly tended, with manicured lawns and flowering shrubs competing against the backdrop of the Connemara landscape.